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HUM 170: Introduction to Religious Studies Course Syllabus (Draft) Instructor: P. Fortier, M. A. Class Times: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Thursdays Office
Hours: By
appointment only - Messages can be left at (586) 286-2144 E-Mail
Information: oldsoul1966@yahoo.com Academic
Website: http://fortiepm.faculty.udmercy.edu Course
Prerequisites:
None Employer
Tuition Remissions: Students
receiving course tuition reimbursement from employers must submit a written
request to the facilitator for any letters verifying attendance and/or earned
credits. Required
Texts: Living Religions (3rd Edition), Author: Mary Pat Fisher Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall,
Inc., 1999. ISBN: 0-13-254806-2 Course Packet: TBA
MLA Style Handbook (See Course Packet For Details)
o
Supplemental
Readings will be provided or other readings may be required from Internet
sources. The schedule of readings, topics and assignment due
dates TBA Contact
Hours: 3
contact hours Credit
Value: 3
Credits Grading
Scale: 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D 0-59% E Course
Grading Weights: Exam I 15 Points Exam II 15 Points Exam III 15 Points Research
Paper 15 Points Field Trip
Report 1 10 Points Field Trip
Report 2 10 Points Assignments/Participation 20 Points *Due
Dates: Student Papers/Assignments/Field Trips/Exams: TBA **Exam
format: 60/40% division, short answers, identifications, multiple choice
& essay(s). Bonus: Film
Review on Religious Theme (specific details TBA). I will post paper guidelines and suggestions at later
date. All paper topics must be submitted
in writing and approved by the instructor before final paper submission. I will post paper guidelines,
suggestions, and paper evaluation criteria at later date. Course
Catalog Description: The course begins by exploring the
dimensions and functions of religion in the lives of human beings. Then basic
beliefs of a variety of eastern and western religions are surveyed and
discussed, noting similarities and differences among these traditions. Field
trips to a variety of religious services supplement classroom lecture and
discussion. (3 contact hrs) More
Specific Course Description: Introduction to the Study of Religions will begin
looking at religion and religious concepts from a variety of perspectives.
The method of comparing religions will be established. The faith traditions
of Native Americans, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and New
Religions will form the bulk of the course. We will approach these faith
traditions through a balanced perspective, which takes many facets of religion
into account such as beliefs, practices, myths, rituals and ethics of
religious communities. There is no presumed "right religion" or
"right way of thinking." Learning to be objective towards all faith
traditions is encouraged and emphasized.
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Three
General Topic Units: 1)
Introduction to Study of Religion: Religious Response Basic Terms Ritual and Symbol 2) World Religions: Foundations and
Doctrines Indigenous Religions: Spiritual Specialists, Right
Relationships, Diversity Hinduism: Branches and Movements. Theistic Cults,
Ritual/Disciplines Jainism: Asceticism, Morality, And Ritual Disciplines Buddhism: Buddha, Different Ways, Ritual Disciplines Taoism & Confucianism: Sages, Virtues, Rituals Judaism: Branches, To’rah, Attributes of God, Rituals Christianity: Branches, Non-Canonical
Texts, Christian Doctrine, History, Ritual,
Contemporary Movements Islam: Branches,
Muhammad, Core Teachings, Five Pillars,
Jihad, Muslim Life & Contemporary Movements New Religious
Movements & Contemporary Social Problems Sacred Arts:
Architecture, Painting & Music Peace Studies & Religious Belief 3)
Contemporary Social Problems & Religion Regional International and Global Issues Learning
Outcomes: Upon
successful completion of this course, the student should be able:
Lord Krishna |
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Missed Exams, Late Papers & Attendance:Exams: A missed exam may only be made up in case of documented emergency or extreme circumstances. A missed exam must be made up at the Learning Center. Bring a photo ID with you. Only one make-up exam is permitted. Coursework: Coursework will drop by one letter grade if handed in more than one day late. No coursework will be accepted beyond one day late. This rule includes days falling on a weekend.
More than one absence is likely to impact negatively on a student’s grade. A student’s grade will drop by one letter grade if he/she accumulates more than three absences at the end of the term. You are responsible to obtain any lecture notes,
assignments and supplemental materials on your own if you should be absent
during the course. In case of absence, you are
responsible for all class work, as well as information and materials given
out. You should exchange phone
numbers with two other students, to exchange as much information as possible.
However, many in-class assignments cannot be made up. Requirements For Student Papers: All written assignments must be typed. All writing must express your own ideas or understanding. Please refer to the section on plagiarism in this syllabus on referencing issues. Written work must be typed, double-spaced, using a New Times Roman #12 font, and stapled. All assignments should be labeled on the front page or cover sheet with your full name, the assignment title, and the date and class title. Please do not use plastic covers, binders, folders, duo-tangs or other complicated holders for your papers. Assignments on in-class experiences cannot always be made up. However, if you miss an assignment you should see me about a possible substitution. All students must submit the following items with their final paper copy: 1. Humanities Fortier Evaluation/Criteria Sheet 2. Copies of any References/Sources* * Tentative requirement. Class
Composure/Attitude Students
are expected to show respect and understanding in their rapport with other
students and instructor. It is the
policy of Macomb Community College and this class not to discriminate against
any person on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, age,
marital status, handicap or national origin.
Furthermore, it is essential to our study to respect the diversity in
beliefs, cultures, intellectual expressions and/or personal lifestyles. |
Plagiarism/Cheating Plagiarism
of any material is a serious offense, not to mention illegal and may result
in failure of the course. Outside
sources may be used if properly referenced as such. Cheating will not be
tolerated. If plagiarism is detected in a student's work, that student will
not receive credit for that assignment.
If plagiarism occurs a second time, the student will be assigned a
zero for the course. Academic
dishonesty could involve any of the following: 1. Having
a tutor or friend complete a portion of your assignments. 2. Having
a reviewer make extensive revisions to an assignments. 3. Copying
work submitted by another student for the class. 4. Using
information from INTERNET OR ONLINE information services without proper citation 5. Having
someone assist you in answering examination questions or cases, or having
someone see/review/critique your answers prior to submitting those answers to
the classes. N.B. This
list is not all-inclusive. Please check with me ahead of time if you have any
questions regarding academic integrity.
Class
Discussion/Participation Class
discussion/participation is required to keep the class interesting and to
maximize your learning. Students are required to actively participate in
discussions. I encourage students to
bring personal experiences to the class forum. However, in the true spirit of philosophical reflection,
discussion will be directed toward the objective and philosophically
relevant. Students are also
encouraged to bring into the course discussion any relevant information from
current events, from contemporary arts, from the media, from pop culture or
from the political sphere. Assessment
Summary: See Addendum ** I will
provide a schedule of field trips and movie nights. Various Learning Aids will be used including: movies, group
work, slides, art experiences, etc. |
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Philip
M. Fortier, M.A. (1997-2005)