OAKTONCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
GENERICCOURSESYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
PHL
Course
Number
245
Course
Name
Foundational Religious Texts
Credit Lecture
3
3
Lab
0
Prerequisites
None
III.
Course (Catalog) Description
Course studies one or more of the foundational documents of world’s major religions, from a
humanistic viewpoint. Documents studied may include the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur’an
(Koran), or the Vedas. Course can be repeated once. IAI H5 901
IV.
Learning Objectives
After having completed the course, students will be able to:
A. Identify a critical distinction between foundational religious texts, or scripture, and
other forms of literature.
B. Sketch an outline of the major aspects of the historical, economic, social, and
cultural circumstances of the composition of the text being studied.
C. Identify and critically discuss literary motifs and styles through close readings of
the texts.
D. Identify critically discuss philosophical themes emerging in the texts.
E. Explain and critically discuss the basic approach and position of at least two
schools of interpretation for each text studied; for example, literalism,
intentionalism, and constructivism.
F. Express respect for each religious tradition studied through familiarization with its
scriptures.
G. Formulate implications of the texts in regards to contemporary questions
concerning ethics, politics, science, and aesthetics.
H. Exhibit values related to teamwork and collaboration, fostered by the pedagogy of
shared-inquiry and critical dialogue appropriate to the humanities and philosophy.
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PHL 245
V.
Academic Integrity
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate
academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:
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cheating,
plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
helping others to cheat,
unauthorized changes on official documents,
pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s
policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you.
If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the
assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of
the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI.
Outline of Topics
(Below is a sample outline. Other approaches could include basing the organization of the
class on the structure of the text(s) being studied.)
Outline for each text covered:
I.
The Context of Scriptural Origins
A. Historical and Religious Contexts
II.
B.
Issues of Authorship
C.
Language and Communities Addressed
Scriptural Content and Interpretation
A. The Organization and Contents of the Scripture
III.
B.
Philosophical, Literary and Narrative Themes
C.
Commentarial Traditions and Interpretive History
Tradition and the Modern World
A. Dissemination and Translation
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PHL 245
B.
Modern Interpretations and Social Relevance
VII. Methods of Instruction
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
A. Lectures and discussion
B. Small group work
C. Films
D. Student presentations and debates
E. Guest speakers
F. Field trips may be required
VIII.
Course Practices Required
(Please include information here about all expectations you have for your students
regarding behavior, work, etc. The following are sample topics you may wish to cover.
Please be aware that you must require students in this course to produce at least 15 pages
of critical written assignments over the course of the semester. These may be assigned in
a variety of ways including journals, response papers, field trip projects, etc.)
I. Attendance
J. Standards for written work
K. Quizzes/Exams
L. Participation
M. Essays
N. Final Project
O. Special policies about make-up exams, late papers, or other matters of concern
IX.
Instructional Materials
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton’s
Schedule of Classes.
Text(s) such as:
Scriptures of the World’s Religions. James Fleser, John Powers, eds., McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Tanakh: A New Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Jewish Publication Society, 1985.
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PHL 245
The New Testament of the New Jerusalem Bible. Henry Wansbrough, ed., Image Books,
1986.
The Koran. N.J. Danwood, trans., Penguin Classics, 5th ed., 2000.
The Bhagavad Gita. Barbara Stoller Miller, trans., Bantam, 1986.
The Buddhist Tradition in India, China and Japan. William Theodore de Bary ed.,
Vintage, 1972.
Songs of the Saints from the Adi Granth. Nirmal Dass, trans., SUNY Press, 2000.
The Analects of Confucius. Roger T. Ames and Henry Rosemont Jr., trans., Ballantine,
1999
Dao De Jing: A Philosophical Translation. Roger T. Ames and David L. Hall, trans.,
Ballantine, 2003.
Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan. Shoi Nihon and W.J. Aston, trans., Charles E. Tuttle, 1972.
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
(In this section, please present the percentages or point breakdown of their final grade.
The writing assignments should count for at least 40% of the final grade. An example
follows.)
A. Quizzes/Exams……40 points
B. Essays……40 points
C. Final project with oral presentation……10 points
D. Attendance and participation………10 points
E. Grading scale: 90-100, A…….80-89, B………70-79, C……….60-69……..D
XI.
Other Course Information
A. Disabilities
If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be
entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations
or services, contact the Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie
campus. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College
will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
B. Discrimination
The Oakton Community College Catalog states:
Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in
admission to and participation in its educational programs, activities and services, or
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PHL 245
employment practices. The College does not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual
assault by or of its students or employees.
In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us
(myself included) should strive to listen and give careful consideration to all ideas
expressed in class, especially those that are different from our own, without attacking or
demeaning the people who have those views. We should also strive to avoid using
insulting terms or telling offensive jokes when talking to or about individuals or groups.
C. Instructor information
Office number and office hours:
Phone number:
Email and website:
Approval Dates:
(Faculty: Do not include the following information on your individual syllabi created for class
distribution.)
Effective beginning term:
Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus prepared by: Hollace Graff
Date: March 2006
Revised by:
Date: June 2010
Joo Lee
Reviewed by Chair:
Hollace Graff
Date: July 2010
Approval by Dean:
Linda Korbel
Date
June 2013