Department of Religion Ascension of Our Lord Secondary School Course Code: Course Name: Level: HRT 3M1 World Religions Mixed Student Name: ________________________ Textbook #: __________ World Religions introduces students to the various expressions and responses to humanity’s encounter with mystery in our quest for life’s meaning. The course explores the life wisdom found in the responses of the major faith traditions to the compelling questions concerning the spiritual dimension of human experience, self-understanding, and the role of the individual within the family. In the Family Life Education strand, students explore a variety of topics related to the themes of personhood, family relationships, and sexuality. Its purpose is to familiarize students with the language of religious discourse and to develop their awareness of the place and function of religion in human culture. This exploration can lead students to a more authentic adherence to their religious tradition and a deeper commitment to the Catholic faith. It can help to break down prejudices and misconceptions about other religious traditions and, at the same time, strengthen and affirm the students’ own search for answers to life’s meaning. This course enables students to discover what others believe and how they live, and to appreciate their own unique heritage. Students will learn about the teachings and traditions of a variety of religions, the connections between religions and the development of civilizations, the place and function of religion in human experience, and the influence of a broad range of religions on contemporary society. This course also introduces students to skills used in researching and investigating world religions. Overall Course Expectations or Strands: Religious Beliefs Historical Background Systems of Belief Practices, Rituals, Symbols, and Festivals Social Structures Religion and the Human Experience Place and Function of Religion in Human Experience Prejudices and Misconceptions Significant Figures Present and Future Roles of Religion Research and Inquiry Skills Using Research and Inquiry skills Communicating Results Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students to promote student success with respect to meeting the expectations of this course. My signature below indicates that I have read the Course Handout, and I am in agreement with its contents. Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________ Students’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________ Course Timeline: Resources: Unit 1a: Introduction to the Study of World Religions Unit 1b: Hinduism The course will use a variety of resources which will be distributed to students during the first week of the course. The text and all other resources assigned to each student are the responsibility of the student. Unit 2: Buddhism Unit 3: Sikhism Resources for this course include: Unit 4: Judaism Student Text: “Exploring Canadian Perspective” Unit 5: Christianity World Religions: The Unit 6: Islam Culminating Summative Tasks will be administered towards the end of the course and will be weighted at 30% of the final mark. These tasks are specifically itemized below. Any damage incurred will result in payment for replacement. All timelines as stated are approximate. Evaluation Policies 1. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories (see below) & 4 levels of the Achievement Chart as found in the Ministry Policy document for Religious Education. Evaluation Structure: Knowledge/Understanding Application Communication Thinking/Inquiry 25% Each Term Evaluations = 70% of the final mark. Final Evaluation = 30% of the final mark. (Final Evaluation=10% Culminating Performance Task & 20% Final Exam) 2. Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Working independently, teamwork, organization, work habits/homework, and initiative are assessed apart from student achievement in the four categories outlined above and will conform to the coding: E – Excellent G – Good S – Satisfactory N - Needs Improvement 3. Assignments submitted after the due date established by the teacher will receive a penalty in accord with our Board Assessment & Evaluation Policy Document as outlined in the student agenda. 4. Should a student miss an evaluation due to a legitimate absence, in accord with our Board A&E Policy Document, the student and teacher will make arrangements to address the missed evaluation in a timely manner. In the cases of extended vacation or prolonged absence, consultation with the appropriate administrator is required. 5. In the event that the student does not make up the missed evaluation(s), a zero may be assigned. If it is determined that the evaluation(s) has/have been missed as a result of a skip/truancy or has/have been plagarized, a zero may be assigned. 6. For all other cases of absence and/or missed evaluations (including absence during the final examination period), please refer to our Board A&E Policy as outlined in the student agenda. May God bless your efforts this semester!