Introduction to World Religions Syllabus for 2025-2026
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Phone

Phone number not available

Office Location

PAR 201

Office Hours

Summer Student Office hours by appointment

 

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PHIL-1304-002 Introduction to World Religions

Prerequisites

Course Description

A comparative study of world religions, including but not limited to Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 TEXTBOOK  World Religions, 6th Edition, ISBN: 0-495-60385-6,by Matthews, Warren. 

Supplies

Textbook, pens, pencils, 3-hole notebook paper, a 3-ring binder (1 inch width is ample), access to a computer in order to complete written assignments, to view websites, etc.  Access to library materials is necessary for su

Student Performance

Student Learning Outcomes are based on the required Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies, Perspectives and Exemplary Educational Objectives as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Specific Course Requirements are to be found in the course schedule and course syllabus.

 Students who complete this course of study should be able to do the following: CCIC 1,2,3,4,5; CCP 1,2,5,7,8; EEOSB 1,2,4,5,9,10,12

1.  To understand the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral

scientists use to investigate the human condition.

2.  To identify and demonstrate an understanding of the main categories of philosophy

(such as metaphysics, logic, epistemology and axiology and religion).

3.  To identify and analyze the origins, historical, social, cultural emphasis of philosophical

inquiry.

4.   To demonstrate an understanding of the principle characteristics which define the areas of

philosophy through a presentation of critical analysis

 5.   To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.

 6.   To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to philosophical problems.

7.   To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Be courteous to your fellow student and to your instructor. Please do not interrupt a fellow student or your instructor by doing any of the following, eating in class, drinking in class, misbehaving in class, etc.  Behavior that is deemed inappropriate by the instructor will not be tolerated. 

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE Criteria:         COURSE GRADE SCALE:

        

Exam 1                 20%            90-100   A

Exam 2                 20%            80-89      B

Exam 3                 20%            70-79      C

Final Exam           20%            60-69      D   

Paper                   20%            0-59      F

          

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance is vital for satisfactory achievement.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend class, on time.Absences totaling more than four class sessions will result in the loss of points toward the final grade.  Arriving late or leaving early twice will count as one absence.

Calendar

 

DATE

OVERVIEW

READING

ASSIGNMENTS

Week 1

Introductions, Syllabus,

 

 

Discussion One

 

Getting Started, Working Definitions

1-11

 

 

American Spirituality and African Religions

 

 

 

Native American Spirituality

15-39

 

 

Some Indigenous Religions of Africa

41-61

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2

Hinduism

 

 

 

Hinduism: Historical Origins

65-99

 

 

Hinduism: Sacred Literature

 

 

 

Hinduism: Outlook and Practices

 

 

 

Hinduism: in the West

 

First Exam

Week 3

Buddhism

 

 

 

The Life of the Buddha

101-141

 

Week 

Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths and the Two Ways

 

Discussion TWO

 

 

 

 

Buddhism in Asia, China and the West

 

 

 

 

 

Second Exam

Week 4

Ancient Near Eastern Religions

211-230

 

 

Judaism

 

 

 

Judaism: Historical Origins

233-273

 

 

From the Biblical Period to the Rise of Rabbinic Judaism

 

 

Judaism: The Modern Age and the Establishment of the State of Israel

 

Common Assessment

 

Varied expressions of Judaism in the United States

 

 

Week 5

Christianity

 

 

 

The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

275-319

 

 

Aspects of Early Christian History

 

 

 

The Protestant Reformation to the Modern Age

 

 

 

Christianity in the United States: Current Trends

 

 

 

 

 

Third Exam

Week 6

Islam

 

 

 

Life of Muhammad

321-358

 

 

The Five Pillars and the Rise of Islam

 

Discussion THREE

 

Aspects of Muslim History, and Aspects of the Qur’an

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 7

(What is) Comparative Religion?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

  

 

 

Syllabus Created on:

08/13/25 11:59 AM

Last Edited on:

10/14/25 12:51 PM