Lake-Sumter State College Course Syllabus
Course / Prefix Number
REL 2300
CRN: 30458
Credits: 3
Term: Summer B 2015
This course is a survey of the origins, beliefs, and contemporary practices of
the world’s religions: Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Daoism, Shinto, Sikhism,
Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Confucianism. Attention is given to
the interactions between specific religions and the cultures in which they are
practiced.
Leesburg Campus
Robert Beckstrom
Contact Information:
LA Bldg.
beckstrr@lssc.edu
Mon-Wed.
Room #4
6:15 PM -9:30 PM
Course Catalog
Description:
Instructor:
Course Title:
World Religions
All students are required to use LakeHawkMail for official college e-mail communications. See the
college webpage for instructions on activating LakeHawkMail.
Prerequisites:
Co-requisites:
Textbook and Other
Course Materials:
Technology and Online
Computer Access
Requirements:
Course Objectives:
Student Learning
Outcomes:
Academic Integrity
None
None
Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions, 9th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2011.
Fisher, Mary Pat and Lee W. Bailey. An Anthology of Living Religions.
3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2012
Students will need to access the internet when necessary as well a dedicated
flash drive with at least two gigabytes of memory for assignments.
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To become sensitive to the world’s religions and systems of culture.
To compare/contrast religious traditions.
To see the greater context as to how religion connects to music,
world literature, and the human experience.
1.) Show sensitivity to various religious and cultural traditions by
responding in essay form.
2.) Compare/contrast religious traditions through test questions.
3.) View religion through the arts in the form of essay questions
4.) Analysis of the sacred texts from all the traditions through anthology
The successful functioning of the academic community demands honesty,
which is the basis of respect for both ideas and persons. In the academic
community, there is an ongoing assumption of academic integrity at all
levels. There is the expectation that work will be independently thoughtful
and responsible as to its sources of information and inspiration. Honesty is
an appropriate consideration in other ways as well, including but not limited
to the responsible use of library resources, responsible conduct in
examinations, and the responsible use of the internet. (See college catalog
for complete statement.)
Important Information
for Students with
Disabilities
Private Policy
(FERPA):
Attendance/Withdrawal
Policies:
Withdrawal Deadline:
Course Schedule
Any student with a documented disability who requires assistance or
academic accommodations should contact the Office for Students with
Disabilities immediately to discuss eligibility. The Office for Students with
Disabilities (OSD) is located on the Leesburg Campus, but arrangements can
be made to meet with a student on any campus. An appointment can be
made by calling 352-365-3589 and specific information about the OSD and
potential services can be found at www.lssc.edu, the go to “Quick Links”
and click on Disability Services.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. §
1232G; 34 CFR Part99) is a Federal Law that protects the privacy of a
student’s education records. In order for your information to be released, a
form must be signed and in your records located in Admissions/Registrar’s
Office.
If for any reason a student decides to discontinue class attendance, it is
that student’s responsibility to withdraw from class prior to the deadline date
published in the catalog. Failure to withdraw properly from class will result
in a grade of F for the class.
Regular attendance in class is required. If a student misses more than
three class meeting student will receive a failing grade.
July 21, 2015
Week #1 6/22-25
Introductions/syllabus review
Course Expectations
Chapter #1, Religious Responses
Chapter #2, Indigenous Sacred Ways
Research project sign up
Religion paper/ideas
Week #2, 6/29-7/1
Chapter #3,
Hinduism
Chapter #4
Jainism
Test #1
Week #3, 7/6-7/8
Buddhism
Daoism
Week #4 7/13-7/15
Confucianism
Shintoism
Zoroastrianism
Test # 2
Week #5 7/20-7/22
Judaism
Christianity…Talks/Paper
Week #6 7/27-7/29
Christianity
Islam#3
Week #7 8/3-8/5
Islam
Sikhism
New Religious Movements/ Talks/Paper
Religion in the 21st Century
Final Test
Methods of Evaluation
Grading Scale
Classroom Rules and
Policies
Violence Statement:
Syllabus Disclaimer:
Class Presentation
10%
Written Paper
15%
3 Tests
15% each
Final Exam
30%
90 to 100 equals A
80 to 89 equals B
70 to 79 equals C
60 to 69 equals D
0 to 59 equals
F
All missed work must be made up as soon as possible.
Tests may not be taken after the date they are administered unless prior
arrangements have been made with the instructor.
No cell phones in use during class sessions.
Lake-Sumter State College has a policy of zero tolerance for violence as
stated in College Board Rule 2.17. Appropriate disciplinary action will be
taken in accordance with Board Rule 2.17.
The information in this syllabus is, to the best of my knowledge is correct
and complete. The instructor acting within policies and procedures of LakeSumter State College, reserves the right to make necessary changes to any
course content.