Heartland Community College
Humanities & Fine Arts
Course Syllabus for Students
Course Prefix and Number: Spring 2012 RELI – 215 (07)
Course Title: Major World Religions
Days and times the Course meets: Thursday ICB-1702 (6:00-8:45 p.m.)
Introduction to the Professor:
My name is Dr. Timothy James Ferrill. I’m a native of central Illinois and have lived in Peoria, Clinton,
Danville, Canton, and Illinois City. My father is a retired United Methodist Pastor and my mother is a
Registered Nurse. They both live in Clinton. I have one younger brother named Pete and he is married to
Jenny and they are the proud parents of Quintuplets: three boys and two girls. They have been featured on
the TLC channel in a show entitled “Quint-Essential.” I am married to Mindy and have two step-children
named Hayden and Laurenn. My wife and I have a three year old girl named Hope. Together we enjoy
riding motorcycles and four-wheelers, going swimming, and watching movies. We also like to get away
whenever we can and find a beach with an ocean view preferably in the Caribbean.
I graduated High School from Danville Schlarman, a Catholic school in Danville. I received my Bachelor
of Arts degree from the University of Indianapolis and upon graduating went to Asbury Theological
Seminary where I received my Masters of Divinity. Five years later I went back to Asbury and was a
Beeson Pastor in Residence and received my Doctorate of Ministry degree. I have been a full-time pastor
for the past 14 years. My wife and I along with a team of people are starting a Non-denominational
Church in Bloomington-Normal called LifepointeChurch.TV
I am looking forward to meeting you and growing in our knowledge of the Major World Religions that
make up the landscape of our world. Know that I am committed to you and to your success and dreams
for the future. If I can be of any assistance don’t hesitate to let me know. I think you will find that same
spirit of generosity and care throughout Heartland College.
Catalog Description:
An introduction to comparative religious study. This course will examine the basic tenets, beliefs, and
practices of major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, and some forms of the Religions of Pre-literate Societies, using historical,
psychological, sociological, phenomenological, and structuralist approaches.
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Instructor Contact Information:
Instructors name: Dr. Timothy James Ferrill
Instructors e-mail: timothy.ferrill@heartland.edu
Instructors office: Humanities and Fine Arts Department at HCC
Instructors office hours: By Appointment
Textbook Recommended: World Religions Sixth edition by Warren Matthews
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
RELI - 215 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for the A.A. or
A.S. degree. It satisfies the Humanities component of this requirement. RELI - 215 should transfer as
part of the General Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other
Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic
advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for
information as well at www.iTransfer.org
Academic Discipline:
The study of the Major World Religions is a discipline that spans the course of time. From the very
beginning of time Religion has been a very intrigal part of the humans of related to one another in society
and how they have related to their Creator. Regardless of what religion people have placed their faith and
trust in it has shaped the history of our world and it continues to influence our present. It will no doubt
also impact the future of our world. Therefore, it does one well to become informed with the knowledge
and experience as to as many world religions as possible. This course will do exactly that.
Student Learning:
As with anything in life, you will get as much out of the study of Major World Religions as you put into
it. No one can read, write, and think for you. You must do the hard work that this course will ask of you
in order to reap the benefits of knowing and understanding what the majority of people in our world only
hope of having. You will be asked to put in College level studying techniques and efforts. If you do you
will walk away with pride in your endeavor and the knowledge and experience that you have gained
through this course.
Instructor’s Role:
I will be here to instruct and inform you about the Major World Religions that have influenced and
shaped cultures and societies for thousands of years. You will be asked questions in regards to the
curriculum and content we are covering. I will expect you to think and dialogue with me and others in the
class about beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the Major World Religions. I am committed to the
successful learning of my students so they can go on and achieve their goals and dreams. If you have any
questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
After completing this course, students will be able to:
1.
Define the basic tenets of Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism,
Shinto, Daoism, and religions of pre-literate societies (D-1, D-2).
2.
Compare and contrast the ways in which different religions provide answers to certain
fundamental questions (D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4).
3.
Engage and demonstrate an understanding of the style and content of selected primary source
sacred writings for each of the religions studied (C-6).
4.
Explain the historical origins and development of each major religion studied (D-4).
5.
Identify key figures in the origins and development of each major religion (D-3, D-4).
6.
Describe various rituals and liturgical practices associated with each of the major world religions
(D-1).
7.
Compare and contrast the moral and ethical precepts advanced by each of the religions studied, as
well as the problems addressed and the proposed solutions these precepts offered to their various
historical social contexts (P-1, P-5, P-6).
8.
Analyze the social and political factors associated with the practice of the religions studied.
Course/Lab Outlines:
1.
Hinduism
2.
Buddhism
3.
Jainism
4.
Sikhism
5.
Daoism
6.
Confucianism
7.
Shintoism
8.
Tenrikyoism
9.
Zoroastrianism
10.
Judaism
11.
Christianity
12.
Islam
13.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
14.
Mormonism
15.
Scientology
16.
Wicca/Neopaganism
Methods of Instruction:
The teaching of the Major World Religions involves lecture, discussions, readings and appropriate
quantities of writing and group discussions or activities. Your role as students is to read, be prepared to
discuss and debate the issues of the day, to question doctrines of any of the Major World Religions.
Students will be invited but not required to take notes, ask and answer questions and develop ideas about
the course material. As an Instructor I will assume that you will ask questions if you find either the
textbook readings or any part of my lecture and teachings are confusing to you. Students will be asked to
summarize, analyze and explain the information from the textbook readings and class discussions into
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written form for the exams and/or paper. This class promises to prepare every student with the appropriate
life skills for further academic work and for ones future position in society.
Method of Evaluation
Each student will be required to complete Four Exams and one Research Paper or Project throughout the
Semester for a total of 500 possible points. An additional 50 points can be earned by the student through
Extra Credit questions on the Exams and through class Participation.
Points & Percentages that make up Course Grade
Exam #1: (100 points)
Exam #2: (100 points)
Exam #3: (100 points)
Exam #4: (100 points)
Religion Research Paper or Project: (100 points)
Extra Credit: (20 points)
Student Participation: (30 points)
Grading Scale used to determine Course Grade
90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Grading Policy:
A = Consistently superior work through out the course.
B = Very good work with some superior work.
C = Acceptable level of competence in all parts of the course.
D = Minimally adequate work, but deficient in some levels of competence.
F = No credit for the course, lack of competence, lack of production.
Participation Policy:
Class attendance will be taken at every class. Students will be expected to read the days assignments prior
to coming to class. Class preparation will ensure good discussion and give the student an opportunity to
question curriculum or topics being covered by the instructor. Students will also be asked to discuss and
debate with one another in groups during class for further understanding and insight as well as give in
class presentations. Students will therefore not only learn from the Instructor but from one another. The
instructor expects every student to be in attendance every day that they are not sick. The student’s
responsibility to gain all he/she can from this course ultimately falls on the student. Therefore, excuses as
valid as they are will not be required. If a student misses class for any reason they lose out on
Participation points.
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Incomplete Policy:
An incomplete grade may be given to a student who, by the withdrawal date, can reasonably be expected
to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified by extreme circumstances (e.g.,
serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate family). Incomplete grades are not
given for such reasons as unjustified failure to appear for the final examination. A written agreement,
outlining the requirements to be met, must be signed by the instructor and student. The agreed upon
requirements must be completed no later than the end of the following semester. By the agreed upon date,
the instructor will assign a grade or the incomplete will be changed to an “F” if the requirements are not
completed.
Extra Credit Policy:
There are a total of 20 Extra Credit points (5 points per Exam) that can be earned by the student. Students
will not be penalized if they get the Extra Credit question wrong.
Make-up of Test Policy:
A clear policy for make-up tests and assignments is necessary for the fair conduct of the class. In the
unfortunate event that a student is unable to take an Exam on the listed due date he/she will be asked to
complete the Exam in the Testing Center located in the Library. It is the student’s responsibility to take
the Exam in the Testing Center. There is no need to contact the instructor to set up a time to take the
Exam. Please do so at your convenience. Students are required to take the Exams on the specific day they
are given. Students who are ill, have been in an accident, or are attending a funeral are excused from
taking the Exam on the day of the test, but must provide proof of excuse to be awarded full credit towards
the Exam. For those students who cannot provide proof they will be docked one full letter grade on the
Exam. Students will have a timetable of seven days from the scheduled day of the test to take the Exam in
the Testing Center.
Deadline Policy:
Course deadlines are listed by date in the back of the syllabus along with the respective Reading, and
Writing assignments throughout the Semester.
Student Conduct Policy:
The instructor will expect every student to respect him as he gives the day’s lecture. The instructor also
expects students to respect other students as they are either asking a question or talking. One person
should be talking at a time to promote sound learning and understanding. At all times endeavor to conduct
yourself in such a manner that will cause others to look upon you as an example of maturity and honesty.
Humor is useful, within bounds, and that clever turns of phrases are prized by instructors and fellow
students. Most important, respect yourself enough to give of your time and energy to the process of
education. You are a college student, a seeker of knowledge and a seeker of amusement, you must
conduct yourself as a representative of a community of scholars and a participant in an ancient tradition of
learning. It is an honor and a privilege to be a college student. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by to
advance your future and the future of your family.
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Required Reading Policy:
All assigned readings from the text book (World Religions by Warren Matthews) are to be completed
prior to class in order to facilitate discussion, debate, and dialogue. All reading requirements are listed by
dates and are in the course Syllabus.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions:
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in the A-Z
Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web-site. Go to:
www.heartland.edu/classcancellations/ to learn what classes have been cancelled for that day and the
upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might contain a message from the instructor.
Disability Services:
If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact Anita
Moore, Director of Disability Support Services at 268-8249 or anita.moore@heartland.edu
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and is
essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading may be
competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their fellow students. The
College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary
measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College.
In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially imposed
penalties. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of
academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative
records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create a
project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that which
is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense
and may take the following forms:
1.
Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
2.
Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
3.
Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
4.
Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
5.
Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your own.
6.
Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it were your
own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism may be
severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or expulsion from school
in extreme cases. [Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
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Support Services:
Heartland Library Information: The Library, located in the Students Commons Buildings at the Raab
Road campus, provides Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal
databases, videos, newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are available to
assist in locating information. For more information please call the Library (309) 268-8200.
Tutoring Center:
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students at the
Academic Support Center (ASC) in Normal and at the Pontiac and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are available
at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups, group tutoring facilitated by a specially-trained
tutor, are also available by request. For more information about services available at each location, please
call the ASC in Normal (309) 268-8231; the Pontiac Center (815) 842-6777; the Lincoln Center (217)
735-1731.
Testing Center:
The Testing Center provides a quiet environment for students to complete make-up exams, online exams,
and exams for students with special accommodations. Students may be able to complete exams in the
Testing Center if arrangements are made with their instructor. For more information, contact the Testing
Center at (309) 268-8231.
Syllabi Disclaimer:
Changes to this Syllabus will be made as the need arises and will be printed out and given to the students
as they are made. Students will be informed verbally at the earliest convenience if a change is made to the
Syllabus. Any change in the Syllabus will be at the discretion of the instructor in order to give effective
instruction and teaching to the students that were not anticipated when the instructor first made the
Syllabus.
Course Calendar:
The following page includes the Course Calendar with daily, weekly, and monthly assignments and their
appropriate topics. Section topics, chapters to be covered, as well as the dates of exams to be given are
listed as well as some important dates to be remembered by the student.
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Major World Religions: RELI – 215 (07)
Dr. Timothy James Ferrill – Religion Adjunct Professor
Major World Religions: Quarter #1 - Religions of India
January 19: Class Introductions, Review of Syllabus, Study Guide, Research Paper & Project, and Handouts
Introduction to Major World Religions (pgs.1-11)
January 26: Hinduism (pgs. 65-98)
February 2: Buddhism (104-139)
February 9: Jainism (146-155) & Sikhism (156-166)
February 16: Exam #1 – RPP Step #1
Major World Religions: Quarter #2 - Religions of East Asia
February 16: Shinto & Tenrikyo (196-208)
February 23: Daoism (172-181)
March 1: Confucianism (182-195)
March 8: Exam #2 – RPP Step #2
Major World Religions: Quarter #3 – Religions of Middle East
March 8: Zoroastrianism (224-232)
March 15: SPRING BREAK
March 22: Judaism (238-275)
March 29: Christianity (280-321)
April 5: Islam (326-361)
April 12: Exam #3 – RPP Step #3
Major World Religions: Quarter #4 – Religions of North America
April 12: Jehovah’s Witnesses
April 19: Mormonism (309-310)
April 26: Scientology (368)
May 3: Wicca (378) & Neo-Paganism (378)
May 10: STUDY WEEK
May 17: Exam #4 – RPP Step #4
May 21: Final Grades Due into Dean!
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