Description of the course

This course introduces the student to the splendid variety of religions in the world. The history, teachings, and practices of the major religions are considered, and a special effort is made to present each religion as a dynamic, ongoing force that gives meaning and direction to the lives of individuals and also shapes the collective experience of humans in various socio-historical settings. Special attention is given to how each religion has responded to the challenges of modernity.

As the major religions are studied, we will look comparatively at the teachings and practices of each. This approach is followed, not to make judgments about what is right or wrong, but to aid the student in making valid descriptive comparisons and contrasts between religions.

In addition to lectures and discussions, films will be shown occasionally and guest lecturers will be invited to speak as "living representatives" of particular religions

Course requirements

The course grade will be determined as follows:

Quizzes Mid-term Exam Final Exam Class Participation Web Site Participation

30% 25% 35% 5% 5%

Quizzes will be given on the glossary terms for each unit of study. You will be asked to match definitions with a list of terms. Quizzes will usually be given on the last day of each unit of study.

The mid-term and final exams will be a combination of glossary terms and short essays. The glossary terms will be taken from the previous quizzes. A study guide will be provided for the essay questions.

Class participation is based primarily on attendance. The university attendance policy will be followed. It states: "Absence from more than 10 percent of the scheduled class sessions, whether excused or unexcused, is excessive and the instructor may choose to exact a grade penalty for such absences". Also, to prepare for class you should always read the assignment prior to the discussion of the topic scheduled for each class period.

Web site participation is based on your postings for each topic on Blackboard forums. You should post at least one time to each forum.

Textbooks

John L. Esposito, Darrell J. Fasching, and Todd Lewis, World Religions Today (Second Edition; New York: Oxford University Press, 2006)

Robert E. Van Voorst, Anthology of World Scriptures (Fifth Edition; Thomson Wadsworth, 2006)

Schedule

Note: The reading assignments given below are for each unit of study. You should always read the relevant pages prior to the topics scheduled for each class period.