MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS Religious Studies 3310 Spring 2003
Instructor- Barbara Ring Kotowski, #747-7945
Office hrs before class or appt. Religious Studies Office, Worrell Hall 202
WELCOME TO THIS COURSE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
We explore the major religious traditions of the world from the standpoint of the human
spiritual experience. We study Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism,
Shinto, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course provides you with an awareness of the impact of religion on world history,
culture and thought. The goal is increased understanding of self and of other people
achieved through appreciation of the values and spiritual visions that underlie various
religious traditions. We include religion’s influence in determining cultural gender roles.
CLASS FORMAT
Our class emphasizes collaborative/cooperative learning by using a discussion format.
Your participation in class discussion is a vital element. Therefore it is essential that you
read the assignment beforehand in order to be actively involved. To assist you I provide
vocabulary lists, supplemental handouts, visual aids and artifacts. I serve as
leader/participant and provide background and guidance with brief lectures to supplement
the textbook. Other time will be devoted to student reports and guest speakers
representing some of the major religions.
WRITTEN REQUIRENENTS
You are expected to complete two short typed reports (500 word minimum) on your
personal experience visiting each of two different religious services/events (one must be
non-Christian) . You give these reports in class to promote greater knowledge of the
religious diversity in our community. Due dates are listed on course calendar. Since class
time will be devoted to presentations no late reports will be accepted.
There are two exams (mid-term and final) . Each is a combination of objective short
answer and brief essay questions.
Finally, you have a choice to write either a research term paper (2000 word minimum,
approximately 8 typed pages) OR a brief report (1000 word minimum, 4 typed pages) on
your participation in PRRXIS(service learning).
Students who choose PPAXIS volunteer approximately 20 hours during the semester
with a community service agency helping people in need. This provides opportunity for
social, intellectual and spiritual growth and a practical way to explore career interests.
You present your term paper or PP~<IS report informally the last weeks of class to share
expertise and expand awareness of community concerns.
YOU MUST ATTEND CLASSES WHEN TERN PAPERS AND PPAXIS REPORTS
ARE PRESENTED SINCE YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE EXPENDED NUCH TIME
& EFFORT ON THESE PROJECTS.
EVALUAT ION
Final grade is weighted as follows:
Two reports— 30 points each 60
Two exams— 100 points each
Research paper or PRAXIS report
Class participation
40
“
Total 400 points
100%
Grading scale: A = 360—400 pta.
B=
320—359
C=
280—319
D = 240—279
F=
239 pts. and below
points 15%
200
“
100
“
10%
50%
25%
Due dates for written requirements are listed in the course calendar. No late reports or
written assignments will be accepted so PLAN AHEAD. You are not graded on your oral
presentations, solely on the written material of each report.
Extra credit will be available if you are interested in improving your grade. Subject
matter needs to be discussed with me beforehand. It may include book/film/video reports,
outside lectures, additional visits to religious services/events, creative projects etc. Use
your ingenuity. will advise you in class of other opportunities as they arise.
Attendance is required. Attendance lists are distributed at the start of each class period.
Latecomers may sign in at the end of class. Only three absences are allowed. I will drop
students who miss more than 3 classes. For unusual circumstances (illness, emergencies,
etc.) notify me for reconsideration After drop deadline, March 7, you will lose 10 points
on your participation score for any absence over the allotted 3. You are responsible for
any material discussed in class including guest speaker talks and calendar changes. You
are encouraged to pool resources, share notes and study together.
TEXTBOOK
Living Religions, by Mary Pat Fisher. Prentice-Hall Pub. 5th.Ed. 2002 Supplemental
handouts will be provided periodically.
WORLD RELIGIONS
Week 1
Jan.
16
COURSE CALENDAR
SPRING 2003
14
Introduction, Why Study Religion?
Orientation, Course Syllabus
Week 2
21
Fisher text: Ch. 1 - The Religious Response pp. 16-43
23
Ch. 3 - HINDUISM, (Origin and Beliefs) pp. 79-127
Week 3
28
(Development, Sacred Texts)
30
(Practices, Lifestyle)
Week 4
Feb. 4
Ch. 4 - JAINISM
pp.128-140
6
Ch. 5 - BUDDHISM, (Origin, 4 Noble Truths, 8 Folk
Path)pp.141-186
Week 5
11
(Development, Theravada!Mahayana)
13
Tibetan, Zen, Pure Land,
SGI)
Week 6
18
Ch. 6 - CONFUCIANJjs~yf & TAOISM pp.. 187-215
20
Ch. 7 - SHINTO
pp. 2 16-230
Week 7
25
REPORT #1 DUE ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS
27
Oral Class Presentations Continued
Week 8
Mar. 4
MID TERM EXAM
6
Ch. 8 - JUDAISM, (Origin and Scriptures)
pp.231-285
Week 9
“
11
“ (Development, Practices)
13
Guest Speaker, Judaism
Week 10
“
18 & 20
NO CLASS SPRING BREAK
Week 11
“
25
Video- JERUSALEM
27
Video- To be announced
Week 12
Apr. 1
CHRISTIANITY (Jesus of History/Christ of Faith)
Gospel of Mark
3
Ch. 9 - “ (Scriptures and Development) pp.286-358
Week 13
8
Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant
Reformation
PP
10
Christian Practices, Lifestyles
Week l4
15
Ch. 10 ISLAM (Origin, Beliefs, Development, Practices)
pp.359-411
P
17
Guest Speaker, Islam
Week 15
“
22
PRAXIS/RESEARCH TERM PAPERS DUE, Oral
Class Presentations
24
Oral Class Presentations Continued
Week 16
“
29
REPORT #2 DUE ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS
May 1 Oral Class Presentations Cont’d
FINAL EXAM
THURSDAY MAY 09 10:00 am. - 12:45 p.m