REGIS UNIVERSITY
REGIS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS
RT 201: RELIGION AND THE HUMAN QUEST
SPRING 2011 SECTIONS RU01/02 MWF 11:30-12:20/12:30-1:20 LOYOLA 15
PLEASE READ THIS SYLLABUS CAREFULLY AND ENTIRELY. NOT KNOWING ITS
CONTENTS WILL NOT EXEMPT YOU FROM ITS PROVISIONS
RT 201 BULLETIN DESCRIPTION: Considering human existence in relation to “the holy”
and drawing on Eastern and Western religious traditions, this course explores religious
perspectives on human questions about life, suffering, goodness, and ultimacy.
THE APPROACH OF THIS CLASS: This class may be categorized as philosophy of
religion, although what that means will require definition. The human search for life is
universal. By exploring some of the ways human beings have recorded their experience in a
variety of iconic or symbolic forms from the great traditions, we shall seek to identify what
they have learned about the human condition, its promise and its problems.
A “BLENDED” LEARNING MANAGEMENT PROCESS: This class will “blend”
standard classroom management with an electronic learning management system (LMS)
called Moodle. Detailed instructions on the use of Moodle will be provided and support of
use will be available throughout the semester. Quizzes will normally be administered on
Moodle, and some other assignments will be submitted electronically through the dedicated
Moodle site. Reading materials and other electronic resources will be linked and accessible
through the class site. NOTE: Most required readings will also be available at
www.academic.regis.edu/rlumpp under RT 201.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Express and discuss a basic philosophy of religion in the context of question, “How
ought we to live?” and the guiding questions of the course;
2. Provide and explain a working definition of “religion”;
3. Identify and use a basic vocabulary for the study of religion;
4. Employ a basic method for the analysis and interpretation of significant iconic
(symbolic) expressions of the Holy as experienced in various religious traditions;
5. Demonstrate how the meanings of these expressions can be applied to the human
quest for meaning, the problem of evil and suffering, the social character of human
being, and the relation of humans to Holy power.
6. Speak and write effectively and critically about the foregoing topics.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions.
HarperSanFrancisco, 1991. ISBN 0-06-250811-3
A detailed schedule of classes, readings and other assignments will be posted on the
class Moodle site and on my Faculty Web Page at www.academic.regis.edu/lumpp
under RT 201: Religion and the Human Quest.
INSTRUCTOR: Randolph F. Lumpp, Ph.D.
Professor of Religious Studies, Director of Catholic
Studies, Affiliate Faculty, College of Professional Studies
RT 201 Syllabus 2
My Schools: Wheat Ridge High School (1959); Regis College (1959-60; Seattle University (B.A.,
Philosophy, 1963); Marquette University (M.A., Theology, 1968); University of Ottawa (Ontario);
Ph.D., Religious Studies, 1975).
Some Areas of Special Interest: Philosophy of Religion; Catholic Tradition Studies; Religion,
Culture and Media; World Religious Traditions; Native American Traditions.
Some Other Things I Enjoy: being a Boy Scout leader (currently Venture Crew Advisor), flying
airplanes, cooking, doing photography and listening to music (particularly jazz and classical).
Somaly Mam Foundation: My family and I are involved with this foundation started by my son
that combats sex-trafficking and helps survivors. See www.somaly.org I also work
informally with STOP, the Regis College student anti-trafficking organization.
Office: Loyola 1A
Phone: 303-458-3511
E-MAIL: rlumpp@regis.edu
OFFICE HOURS
Mondays 10:00-11:30 a.m.
3:45-4:15 p.m.
Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.
3:45-4:15 p.m.
Fridays 10:30-11:30 a.m
Other times by appointment
CLASS SCHEDULE:
RT 210/01
MWF 11:30-12:20 L-15
RT 201/02
MWF 12:30-1:20 L-15
RT 308/01
MW 2:30-3:45 L-25
NOTE: Federal privacy regulations require that discussion of privileged information (e.g., grades) is allowed only
when student and instructor RegisNet. A RegisNet email account is necessary for use in this course.
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Some Communication Tips
I prefer to use email for basic informational purposes. It beats playing phone tag. I
will use RegisNet to communicate with you about things going on in the class. If
you email me, I will expect your email to respect appropriate college-level standards
of language, form and courtesy. If it doesn’t meet those standards, I will likely
simply delete it.
If you have difficulties, questions, concerns or issues, please let me know. I don’t
read minds. Generally I will try to treat you as responsible (young) adults and not
intervene unless asked. That being said, you may still expect me to intervene if I
judge something to be outside of acceptable parameters in one way or another.
I appreciate knowing why you are absent or going to be absent. This does not
affect the absence itself. If it is an “official absence,” I need to know in advance if
you want it to be counted as an approved absence. (See attendance policy below.) It
is not necessary to present doctor’s notes or other documents to prove the validity of
your reason for being absent.
No matter the reason, if you miss class, you should contact a classmate who was
present and who can fill you in. it would be good to make such arrangements ahead
of time. Do not email me asking whether or not you missed anything or asking me
to fill you in on what you missed. This is why we have classes. If you know in
advance of class that you will be absent, it would be good to make an arrangement
with a classmate in advance to cover such contingencies.
RT 201 Syllabus 3
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If you email me about something that is covered in the syllabus, I will probably
ignore it. If you want to discuss grades or other performance issues, I am always
happy to have those discussions, but I prefer to do this in person and not by email or
voice mail or telephone. The appropriate thing to do for something of this sort is to
make an appointment so I can have things ready to discuss with you.
Some Things I Believe About College Education:
 I believe going to college is a privilege, not a requirement and not a right. Someone is
paying a lot of money (more than a life’s income for many people on the planet) to
enable you and me to be here. Wasting it is a matter for moral concern.
 I believe in the Jesuit philosophy of education that for 450 years has been to prepare
people to be constructive agents and leaders in their communities. “How ought we to
live” and “Men and women in service to others” are essentially bound together.
 I believe that traditional undergraduate education is about growing up and getting one's
head on straight for entering responsible adult roles in society and community. The point
is not just to become independent of the house of one’s childhood, but to develop the
capacity to function as adult human beings in the complex of roles that includes.
 I believe that, no matter what one is doing, one ought to try to do one's best. Perhaps that
is the Boy Scout coming out. Doing one’s best is not easy even part of the time, but
getting it right even part of the time takes practice, practice, practice.. We human beings
are creatures of habit. It is not surprising that people carry their habits, good or bad, into
their living, civic and work environments after leaving college. Being in college is
about forming good habits of learning and performance. As with the residential and
extra-curricular environments, developing and practicing good habits in the academic
work is essential.
 A MOTTO FOR THIS CLASS: “Few People realize how much you have to know in
order to realize how little you know.” Walter J. Ong, S.J. (1912-2003)
COURSEWORK AND EVALUATION:
The final grade in this course will be based on the following:
GRADE PERCENTAGE SUMMARY: (See details below)
Attendance and Participation
Written Assignments
Quizzes (online or in –class)
Supplemental Activity
Final Exam
TOTAL:
20 %
20%
20%
15% (optional)
25%
100%
Final Grade Percentage Ranges:
A = EXCELLENT 93.0-100%; A- = 90.0-92.9%; B+ = 88.0-89.9%; B = GOOD 82.0-87.9%; B- = 80.0-81.9%;
C+ = 78.0-79.9%; C = ACCEPTABLE 72.0-77.9%; C- = 70.0-71.9%; D = MINIMAL 65.0-69.9%; F =
UNACCEPTABLE 64.9% or below
A FEW GENERAL RULES:
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If you must leave class for any reason before the end of the class session, please take your
belongings and do not reenter the class. Go to the restroom before class. Bring Kleenex in case
you have to blow your nose. Otherwise come prepared to stay for 50 minutes.
If you are ill with something contagious, stay home. I appreciate being informed if you know you
will be absent. If you cannot reach me by phone, leave a message on my voice mail or email.
Attendance includes being prepared for class, active involvement in classroom activities.
RT 201 Syllabus 4
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION (20%) is expected and required
at all class sessions.
Three (3) absences will be allowed without penalty. (Athletes and others who will miss more
than two classes due to required participation in GAMES or other approved and required University events
should consider taking the course at another time.)
The idea of free absences is to allow for the unforeseen possibility of illness, death in the family or
other unavoidable circumstance. After three absences, points will be deducted from your final point total
for each additional absence beyond 3. Do not waste your free absences. You may need them if you have to
pick up your parents at the airport or take your roommate to the hospital or go to traffic court, or....
In the event of prolonged absence due to serious illness or some other serious cause, withdrawal
from the course may be advised, or some other remedy may have to be worked out with the instructor. In
any case, inform the instructor promptly about any such circumstances.
Attendance: There are 38 meetings. You may miss three (3) classes without penalty. After three absences,
points will be deducted from your final point score for each additional absence. (0-3 absences=200 points;
4=150 points; 5=100points 6=50 points; 7=0 points)
WRITTEN ASSIGMENTS (20%):
There will be five (5) short (1-3) page writing assignments. Topics related to course material will be assigned in
class. Instructions and due dates will appear in the detailed course schedule.
FORM FOR ALLWRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
(including take home assignments):
SOME WRTING ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY: SPECIFIC
INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN IN CLASS
1. Submit in Microsoft Word.
2. Typewritten, double-spaced, 1 inch margins on all sides; proper Standard American English grammar
and spelling. Font: New Times Roman or Courier or the equivalent, 10 or 12 point.
3. Heading in upper LEFT-hand corner of page 1 should include:
Your Name
RT 201 Section #
Assignment/Theme Name
Date Submitted
Subsequent pages must include an upper-right-hand header with your last name and the page numeral:
Smith 2
4. Center TITLE in caps one inch below heading on page 1. No title pages, folders, binders or extra pages,
please. STAPLE upper-left-hand corner.
5.. Sources: ANY MATERIAL taken from someone else should be properly cited whether quoted directly or
not. Cite only sources actually used. Citing author and page parenthetically at the appropriate place in your
discussion can do this: (Taylor 175).
A Complete list of WORKS CITED arranged alphabetically by the author's last name should follow
directly after the body of your paper. Authority for form will be D. Hacker. A Writer’s Reference, 4th ed.
NOTE: The style REQUIRED here is MLA. MLA Style instructions also appear on my academic page:
www.academic.regis.edu/rlumpp
DEW KNOT TRUSSED YORE CHECQUER
TWO FINED AWL YORE MISS STEAKS
RT 201 Syllabus 5
Four good reasons for citing your sources:
1. Avoiding plagiarism: “Plagiarize” comes from the Latin word for kidnapping. Do not
kidnap someone’s ideas and present them as your own. This is basic honesty. Any
plagiarized material submitted for this course will receive a failing grade.
2. Given the no plagiarism rule, there are also positive reasons for giving references to
your sources. You let the reader know where she or he can find more about your
topic. If you write about something worthwhile, it should encourage your reader to
want to know more about it. In any case you need to make that information available.
3. Still more important is letting your reader know what your presentation is based on.
It can make a big difference if you base your argument on material from John McCain
or Barak Obama
4. Most important of all and most difficult of all is being able to tell the difference
between what you really think and what others think. This is part of critical thinking.
It is a very important part of a Regis education. It includes knowing why you think
what you think and where it comes from—what it is based on.
HOLISTIC SCORING GUIDE FOR WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
10. (Outstanding) A paper in category 10 completes the task set by the assignment
and meets all the evaluation criteria specified. It follows instructions for content and
form exactly. It is virtually free from errors in mechanics, usage, and sentence
structure. It shows evidence of excellent control of language, and is distinguished
by clear and orderly thinking.
9. (Very Good) A paper in category 9 may slight, but not ignore, the primary task
of the assignment. It may not be as thoughtful or as carefully reasoned as a 10
paper, but it will not be characterized by mere statement and restatement of
generalized ideas. There may be minor weaknesses in paragraphing, but there is
evidence of the ability to organize information into coherent units. The paper is
largely free from serious error in mechanics usage and sentence structure, and is
generally well written.
8. (Satisfactory) Although a paper in category 8 may accomplish the assignment
less completely than a 10 or a 9 paper does, the paper comes to terms with the basic
task of the assignment. The reasoning may be less precise than one would expect to
find in a 9 or 10 paper, but it does not contain serious errors in logic. It may
insufficiently develop minor points, but it gives evidence of the writer’s ability to
support key ideas. It is organized and paragraphed well enough to allow the reader
to move with relative ease through the discourse, though there may be some
disjointedness and lack of focus. The paper may contain errors in mechanics, usage
and sentence structure, but not so frequently as to call into question the writer’s
command of Standard English or to consistently distract the reader from the
content. The paper shows generally accurate use of language.
7. (Minimally Acceptable) A paper in category 7 shows serious difficulty
managing the task of the assignment and definite weakness in analytical thinking.
Key ideas lack adequate support of illustration. Errors in sentence structure, usage
and mechanics seriously interfere with readability. There may be distinct
RT 201 Syllabus 6
weaknesses in paragraphing and organization, but the total effect will not be
chaotic. The writer’s control of language is uncertain.
6. (Poor) A paper in category 6 fails to come to terms with the assignment. The
primary task is ignored, misconstrued, badly mis-handled, or redefined to
accommodate what the writer wants to say or is able to say. There may be a
combination of the following defects: serious errors in reasoning, little or no
development of ideas, and no clear progression from one part of the paper to the
next, and/or the writing exhibits serious and frequent errors in sentence structure,
usage and mechanics, showing a lack of control in using Standard English.
IN-CLASS OR ONLINE QUIZZES (20%):
IN-CLASS: Quizzes or other short or impromptu exercises on readings, lectures, videos, etc., may be given at
any time. Home work assignments to be turned in at class may also be assigned. If you enter class after a timed
quiz or exercise has begun, additional time will not be given. Quizzes may be used in class to take roll. There
will be no makeup for missed quizzes.
ONLINE: Quizzes will usually be administered online through Moodle. Online quizzes will be scheduled in
advance and will be open for a specified time period.
QUIZ FORMATS: Quizzes may include any or all of the following formats:
An essay or report on an assigned topic (take home). Topics will be discussed in class o on the site. Such
assignments are college-level compositions, prepared and evaluated according to criteria concerning style,
form, content described in the syllabus. They must correctly follow MLA Style.
Objective questions (e.g., multiple choice, true-false, matching, etc.) testing knowledge of basic information in
assigned material. There is no make-up of missed quizzes.
Theory and Applications. Short answer essays on the theoretical aspects of the study of religion and
application to the various items studied.
SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING ACTIVITY(Optional): (15%)
UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE, ALL SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITY REPORTS WILL BE
DUE AT THE TIME OF THE FINAL EXAM
This portion of the class is for students who want to design part of the learning in this class. It allows you to
undertake an individual detailed supplemental learning activity contract. Through this contract you
have the opportunity (but not a requirement) to complete one or more activities to earn up to 15% in
additional points.
Without this supplemental activity, it is possible to obtain up to a B (85%) in the course by attaining 100%
of the points available in the required learning activities for the course (attendance, quizzes, writing
assignments, final exam. Successful completion of 15% additional points allows one to obtain up to 100%
(A) for a final grade. It is important to realize that QUALITY is as crucial as QUANTITY. Activities that
fall below B level in quality will not add points to the score.
Written reports must relate the student’s learning experience explicitly to course materials and the course
learning outcomes.
The contract is approved by the instructor in advance of the activity, Changes to the contract after approval
only will be allowed for serious reasons, and only with the approval of the instructor. Failure to complete
the contract and to complete it at B quality or better will result in fewer points or in no points for the
particular activity.
RETREAT: You may choose to attend a Regis University Ministry sponsored spiritual retreat and
afterward write a 3-4 page report on the retreat and your response to the experience. The paper should
relate the experience to course outcomes and material. Documentation signed by retreat leader must be
RT 201 Syllabus 7
submitted with the written report. Both are due at the time of the final exam. Obtain the retreat schedule
and signup procedure from University Ministry, STC-200.
SERVICE: You may perform and apply up to 10 hours of service learning or community learning for a
maximum of 10% of the class grade (up to one half of the supplemental component) and submit a written
report on your learning experience. The first part of the written report must include complete information
about the sponsoring organization, its mission and activities as well as your specific duties, schedule and
activities. The second part of the written report must include your own response to the experience,
particularly what you have learned and how it relates to the course and its learning outcomes. The written
report should be submitted with written verification of your service work from an appropriate agency
supervisor.
 The Office of Service Learning has a list of appropriate sites AND DIRECTIONS ABOUT
PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN ORDER TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE OSL AND IN
THEIR COMPUTER. http://www.regis.edu/regis.asp?sctn=ars&p1=sl&p2=rc Details for working
through the Office of Service Learning are on their web pages. Failure to follow the specified
procedures and/or the posted deadlines can result in a loss of points.
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FATHER WOODY SERVICE PROJECTS also offers a wide variety of appropriate opportunities.
(www.regis.edu)
APPROVED SPEAKER OR EVENT REPORT: You may attend an approved speaker or other approved
event and submit a written report for a maximum of 5% of the class grade (up to one half of the
supplemental component). The first part of the written report must include a thorough summary of the
content of the speech (including detailed information about the speaker), or, in the case of some other kind
of event, a complete description of the event and its purpose, its sponsor, and the specifics of your
involvement. The second part of the written report must include your own response to the experience,
particularly what you have learned and how it relates to the course and its learning outcomes.
RELIGIOUS SITE VISIT: Individuals or groups of students will have the option to visit one or two
prearranged, approved religious sites related to class topics. Details and arrangements for this option will be
determined in consultation and cooperation with the instructor. Often Regis personnel are involved in these
local sites and are willing to act as hosts to students from the class.
The first part of the written report must include a thorough summary of the content of the speech
(including detailed information about the speaker), or, in the case of some other kind of event, a complete
description of the event and its purpose, its sponsor, and the specifics of your involvement. The second
part of the written report must include your own response to the experience, particularly what you have
learned and how it relates to the course and its learning outcomes.
RESEARCH PROJECTS: One or more research projects on agreed upon themes. Details will be
arranged with the instructor.
FINAL EXAM (25%): There will be one scheduled comprehensive exam. It will have both
in-class and take-home parts.
SECTION RU01: 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2011
SECTION RU02: 10:10 a.m., Friday, May 6, 2011
Please make sure your travel/departure arrangements do not interfere with your ability to take the
final exam in the prescribed time period. Conflicts for athletes with team events should make
arrangements with the instructor as early soon as possible.
RT 201 Syllabus 8
Academic Dishonesty
Regis University is committed to intellectual integrity in its academic pursuits. Sanctions
may, therefore, be imposed for cheating (defined as using inappropriate sources of
information on a test) or plagiarism (defined as presenting as one’s own, the ideas, words, or
products of another). Such sanctions may include a failing grade on the assignment, failure
of the course, or expulsion of the student from the course or the department.
Consistent with the College's Academic Integrity Policy, we will report all violations of this
course's academic integrity policy to the Dean's office. Students who have committed multiple
instances of academic dishonesty can be subject to institutional penalties like probation,
suspension, or expulsion, in addition to the penalties for this course.
INCOMPLETES for the course will be granted only upon request. Verbal requests must be confirmed in writing on
the form available in the Dean’s Office to the instructor without delay. The written request must include a
description of the work to be finished and a timetable for completion. The final arrangement will be subject to
instructor approval.
REGIS WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center is a free resource for Regis College undergraduates. All writers, no matter how
proficient they are, benefit from working with a writing consultant. Our consultants are
undergraduates who are recommended by faculty, pass a test, and take a class about writing issues
and how to work with other writers. They can help you at any point in your writing process, from
brainstorming for ideas to organizing a draft to polishing the final version. You get immediate and
personal feedback about your writing as well as answers to your questions. Appointments are
recommended. Drop by the Writing Center in Loyola 1 or call (303) 458-4039 for more information.
EQUAL ACCESS TO CLASSES AND LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS
Equal access to education means equal opportunity to learn. If you have a documented disability requiring academic adjustments
for this course, please contact
Disability Services.
(Call for Fall 2004 location.)
Telephone 303-458-4941
Email: disability@regis.edu
Disability Services will review your documents with you and help determine appropriate, reasonable
accommodations. Following your meeting, please make an appointment with your instructor to
discuss your accommodation request in light of course requirements. You may self-disclose and
request an academic adjustment any time during the semester. Early attention to the matter is
strongly recommended. Accommodations are not applied retroactively.
Course Withdrawal Policy: Students are expected to know and observe the published deadlines for (a)
dropping the course and (b) withdrawing from the course. These deadlines are published on the
University’s Academic Calendar, which is available in the Bulletin, the course schedule and is in the
Dean’s Office. Please observe the following dates: Last Day to Drop the Course: Tuesday, January 25,
2011; Last Day to Withdraw from the Course (no refund): Friday, March 25, 2011. THESE
DEADLINES ARE NOT FLEXIBLE.