Comparative Religion is a course that examines the religious experience of varied persons and groups, East and West, in traditional and contemporary settings. It is an introductory course designed to begin the student's inquiry into to the academic study of religion and the major faith systems of the world. As we delve into the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, we will consider their foundations, what they believe, and how they express their beliefs. Our goal is to become knowledgeable of religious beliefs and practices, not only to aid us in understanding history, but also to help us understand significant events in our world today.

What is it that we are comparing? Is it like comparing apples and oranges - both fruits, but each distinctly different in color, taste, and texture? Why are we interested in comparing religions? Are we seeking to learn about the religions of people who believe differently than we do? Are we looking for commonalities and/or differences in belief? Are we trying to ascertain how religious belief s are put into practice? Are we trying to increase our own spirituality? And, finally, how can we go about a comparison of religions?

There are different ways one can use in studying religions comparatively; we will be using a combination of various methods.

Course Goals
By the end of the class you should have:

1. an understanding of what religion is and how religion functions within society;
2. a comprehension of the basic questions religions seek to answer;
3. a fundamental knowledge of the five major world religions and one more that you will choose as your project;
4. an awareness of how religion plays an important and intricate part in a given culture;
5. an insight into how ignorance of religious beliefs can create barriers to communication, while a knowledge of religions can help you better understand different cultures and people who believe differently than you; and,
6. insight into how religious beliefs and practices are reflected in what's going on in our world today.

Texts
Required:

Huston Smith's The Illustrated World's Religions
Philip Novak's The World's Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions

John Bowker's The World's Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions

Course Expectations and Requirements

1. All students at the University of South Carolina are given an email account. Please check your mailbox regularly, as the Instructor will use this means of notifying students if and when necessary. It is your responsibility to assure that the email address you use is posted on Blackboard.
   
   
2. Class attendance and punctuality are required. Should you have to miss a class because of illness or an emergency, it is your responsibility to obtain notes and other information from another classmate. DO NOT CONTACT ME TO ASK WHAT YOU MISSED. The University attendance policy will be used. In other words, there is no such thing as an "excused" absence. The only thing an excuse will do is allow you to make up work you have missed, but the absence will still be recorded and counted. Save your cuts for illness and/or emergencies.
   
   
3. You are expected to be prepared for each class by having read the assignment and you may have a pop quiz on occasion to check if you are doing your reading.
   
   
4. No quizzes may be made-up. No test may be made-up without an excuse that is acceptable to the Instructor.
   
   
5. Blackboard is set up for this course and you will find it to be a rich resource.
   
   
6. Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a 0.
   
   
7. Quizzes, tests and exam will be fill in the blank, multiple choice, true/false, and short answer.
   
   
8. About mid-semester, you will select a religion, other than the ones we are studying, to research. You will then present your research to the class during our final time together. Specific instructions to be given.

Course Grade
You grade will consist of 5 tests (50%), your class presentation (25%), and final exam (10%). The 15% remaining will be given by the Instructor based upon your class and Blackboard participation and an assessment of whether or not you are prepared for classes (which may include pop quizzes). The grading scale for the course is: A = 90-100; B+ = 88-89; B = 80 - 87; C+ = 78-79; C = 70-77; D+ = 68-69; D = 60-67; F = 0-59. If you have an A average at the time of the exam, you will be exempted from taking it.

Availability of the Instructor
I do not have an office on campus, however, I am always happy to meet with you before or after class. At other times, I am always available to answer your questions by email. Should an emergency arise, please email me.

PLEASE NOTE: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course.