Religious Studies Department
St. Augustine Catholic Secondary School
Course Code: HRE 3O1Course Name: World Religions (Faith and Culture)
Level: Open
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
Student learning will include the Church’s teachings on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue,
together with an historical overview of the Church’s relationship with various religions. For all students,
this course will help break down stereotypes about other religions, and for some it may lead to a
deeper understanding and more authentic adherence to the teachings of the Church concerning
spiritual and moral truth. At no time will Christianity be presented as “one amoung many” searches for
meaning available to students. Religions that will be studied in depth include Catholicism, Aboriginal
Spirituality, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Islam and other Christian denominations.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
I. Scripture:
 Examine the literary characteristics, origin and development of the sacred writings and oral
traditions of various religious traditions
II. Profession of Faith:
 Demonstrate an understanding of religion as an innate human response to our encounter with
God/Transcendent/Supernatural in our search for meaning and purpose
III. Christian Moral Development:
 Demonstrate a practical understanding of the key moral precepts of various world religions
 Explain the practical link between beliefs, rituals and moral codes which shape human beahviour
IV. Prayer and Sacramental Life:
 Describe the role rituals play within a religious worldview
 Describe similarities and differences in rituals that celebrate life milestones across various
religions
V. Family Life
 Examine the role of the family within the world’s major religious traditions.
 will be made to meet the individual lea
Efforts
to ensure these expectations are being met.
V. Family Life Education:
 recognize and explore the meaning of integrity and belonging in human life
Resources:
Course Breakdown

Introduction to World Religions

Aboriginal Spirituality

Hinduism

Buddhism

Sikhism

Judaism

Christianity

Islam
The textbook, Exploring World Religions, will
be distributed to students during the first week
of the course. The text and all other resources
assigned to students are the responsibility of
the student. Replacement cost for the text is
$65.00.
Evaluation Structure::
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
25%
25%
25%
25%
These are assessed in both term work and summative
work as follows:
TERM WORK - 70%
SUMMATIVE WORK – 30%
Culminating Task – 15%
+ Final Exam – 15%
Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning
activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized. Student marks will be
determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding


Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Inquiry



Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Communication



Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
-Thorough
understanding
of concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Application




Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology / Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization,
work habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently student achievement and will be conducted
through the use of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
G – Good
Other Evaluation Issues:
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement


LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Late Work will be accepted for up to five school days (with a penalty of
Up to 10%). However, late work will not be accepted if the teacher has already returned the corrected
assignment to the class.

STUDENT ABSENCES: Students are responsible for the completion of assignments, notes, reading and tests that
were missed during any absence. Students with verified absences (proof of reason) must write missed tests or
hand in assignments on the first day back following the absence. Unaccountable absences (ie. skips, truancy) will
result in a mark of zero for missed evaluations. In the case of a prolonged excusable absence, the assessment
date will be established at a mutually satisfactory time. The appropriate vice principal should be notified
regarding extended absences.

PLAGIARISM The submission of any ‘copied’ material, either in whole or in part, will result in the student receiving
a grade of 0% on the affected assignment. This position applies to text, electronic information and peer created
materials.