REL 2300 – World Religions
Spring Term 20091
Reference #: 536846
Class Website: http://faculty.mdc.edu/jloftus/Religion
ANGEL site: http://mycourses.mdc.edu
InterAmerican Campus
MWF: 9:00 – 9:50
Room: 1388
Instructor: Jacquelyn Loftus
Office: 1358 / Office Phone: 305-237-6321
E-mail: Jackie.loftus@mdc.edu
Course Description:
This course will examine a variety of the world’s most popular religions, including their ideologies and
practices. Beginning with each of the religions’ historical development, the class will be able to recognize
and identify the basic beliefs, practices, and contemporary importance of each religion. The class will be
conducted mainly in a lecture format; however, class discussion on particular issues will be expected.
Required Materials:
Hopfe, Lewis and Mark Woodward. Religions of the World. 10th ed. New York:
Prentice Hall, 2006.
Various readings supplied by the instructor.
Grading:
This course will be broken up into six main units, with an exam following each unit. Each exam will
include multiple choice, true/false, matching, and essay questions. You will be responsible for obtaining
the Scan-tron sheets necessary for each exam. Exams will be worth 80% of your overall grade. You can
drop your lowest exam score. The final 20% of your grade will come from a work service project.
Assessments:
Exams: This course will be broken up into six units, with an exam for each unit. Each exam will include
a variety of objective questions (e.g., multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions) as well as essay
questions. You will receive a study guide approximately one week before the exam.
Research Paper: Each student will also complete a research paper or service learning paper (5 – 8
pages, double spaced.) If you choose the research paper, the objective is to discuss one aspect of
religion, as discussed in class, and how it has changed and developed through time. A list of suggested
topics will be distributed by the end of September. You are not restricted to the topics on the suggestion
sheet, but any other topics must be approved by the instructor. You must use relevant examples from an
outside source, such as specific works of art, texts, and reliable internet resources. Wikipedia is not a
reliable source and will not be accepted. Citation is absolutely required. Any plagiarism will cause your
paper to fail; there will be no opportunity to resubmit the work. Late papers will be accepted, but the
grade will drop one letter grade for each class period overdue. The research paper must be submitted
through the Internet. The service learning option will be discussed in class.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory for the class. Without consistent class attendance, no student can expect to
pass this course. Because of the amount and subject of the material which will be covered, readings
alone will not prepare the absent student for the exams. It is your responsibility to get notes for the days
that you miss.
If you do not wish to finish the course, and you want to withdraw, you must let the instructor know ASAP!!
If you do not let the professor know you wish to withdraw, and you simply stop attending class, you will get
an F in the course.
** Attention: If you find yourself coming into class late, please be courteous to
the students and the instructor. Have your notebook and pen ready before you
walk in, and take the closest seat possible.
Important Dates:
Classes Begin – January 6th
Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund – January 12th
Last Day to Withdraw – March 18th
Last Day of Classes – April 24th
Last Day of Exams – May 1st
MLK Jr. Day – NO CLASSES – January 19th
Spring Recess – NO CLASSES – April 10th
ACCESS: Any student who has special needs or who experiences learning difficulties is urged to visit an
ACCESS advisor to determine if he/she is eligible for any special services.
** Final Note: If you encounter any problems this semester that can affect your performance in this class, please inform the
instructor. Many problems or conflicts can be resolved before it affects your grade, but after the fact there is very little the
instructor can do to accommodate the student. For example, if you are going to miss an exam, tell the instructor beforehand and
arrangements can be made. If you simply miss the exam without a legitimate excuse (e.g., went on vacation), you will have to
take the zero for the grade.
Class Rules:
No Sleeping or Eating – you will be asked to leave!
No Cheating – you will fail the course!
Course Outline:
This outline is subject to change with notice from the instructor.
Readings are assigned by chapter as noted below. It is your responsibility to have read the chapter
before attending the lecture.
Week 1: August 24
Week 10: October 26
Introduction
Judaism
Exam Review
Exam #3
Week 2: August 31
Judaism
Week 11: November 2
Hinduism
Week 3: September 7
Judaism
Exam Review
No Class on Monday
Week 12: November 9
Week 4: September 14
Week 13: November 16
Exam #1
Christianity
Exam #4
Buddhism
Week 5: September 21
Week 14: November 23
Hinduism
Exam Review
Christianity
Buddhism
No Class Friday
Week 6: September 28
Christianity
Week 15: November 30
Week 7: October 5
Buddhism Review
Exam #5
Exam Review
Exam #2
Week 16: December 7
Week 8: October 12
Confucianism
Exam Review
Islam
Week 17: December 14
Week 9: October 19
Final Exam
(Exam #6)
Islam
Classmates:
Name:
Phone #:
email: