Religion 101: Introduction to Religion
Professor: Sarah Moses
Office: Bryant Hall 022
Email: smoses@olemiss.edu
Office Phone: 915-1367
Office Hours: Mondays: 10-11am; Tuesdays: 11am-Noon; and by appt.
I. Course Description
This course is founded on the assumption that a critical, yet sympathetic, knowledge of the
major religions of the world will better equip you to understand the world in which you live--whether
you pursue a career in the military, business, the arts, politics, or nursing! Thus, this course will provide
an introduction to the rudiments of some of the world’s major religious traditions: Judaism, Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, & Confucianism. Our purpose is to gain basic familiarity with the
rituals, beliefs, figures, sacred texts, and holy days that most generally characterize each of these
distinctive traditions. In addition to the introductory textbook, we will examine primary sources such as
sacred scriptures and theological writings.
II. Course Format
Class format will include short lectures, film presentations, and visual images to augment and
clarify the textbook readings. However, we will also frequently engage in class discussion, including
small groups and in-class writing exercises, and in analysis of sacred texts. You should come to class
prepared to contribute to general discussions and small groups!
III. Course Goals
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To develop basic literacy in the world’s major religious traditions
To equip students for citizenship in a religiously diverse, globalized world by exploring religion in
contemporary societies
To introduce students to tools, methods, and thinkers that enable them to sympathetically and
critically understand religious rituals, beliefs, texts, and historical development
III. Course Requirements
 Completion of reading and film assignments prior to class.
 Attendance: after five absences (for whatever reason), your final grade will be lowered 5%
points for each additional absence, WITHOUT EXCEPTION. [If you suffer from major illness that
involves extended absence, you should notify the Dean’s office to negotiate completion or
withdrawal from your courses. If you miss classes for official university activity (such as
athletics), you must provide official documentation to your professor.]
 Response papers: For each religious tradition, we will hold a small group discussion day to
discuss a contemporary writing from that religion. Each student will choose two small group
discussion days to participate in and prepare a one-page response paper analyzing the assigned
reading. Papers will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. No late work or electronic submissions will
be accepted. More information provided separately.
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 Exams: There will be five unit exams and a final exam (cumulative). There will be NO alternate
unit exam dates offered for individual students. A make-up exam session for missed unit exams
will be offered on the last day of classes: Friday, Dec 4, 4pm. The make-up unit exams will differ
in format from the original exam.
For the final exam, there will be NO alternate or make-up exam session offered, without
exception. Students must take their final exam during the officially scheduled exam session for
their course section. (The only exception is students with 3 exams on one day.)
 Religious Site Visit and Report: Students will visit and observe a religious service of their choice,
approved in advance by the professor, and submit a 2 page observation report of your site visit.
More information provided separately.
Final grade evaluation:
 Response papers: 10%
 5 Unit Exams: 12% each
 Final Exam: 15%
 Religious Site Visit/Report: 15%
V. Course Materials
~Molloy, Michael, Experiencing the World’s Religions, 4th Edition (Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008).
**Additional readings will be posted on Blackboard, including scripture texts and the reading
assignments for the small group discussion days.
VI. “Religion Matters” Lunches: You are invited to join me and other religion professors for casual luncheon
discussions on controversial and significant issues related to religion in contemporary societies. We will gather in
the lounge area of Bryant Hall and I will announce the discussion topic to you prior to the lunch meeting. This is a
totally voluntary affair and all are welcome! Dates of the lunches will be posted on Blackboard.
VII. Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented learning disability that affects your learning style or
test-taking ability, please see me as soon as possible. I am happy make necessary accommodations but I must
have advance notice to do so!
VIII. Academic Integrity: You are expected to conduct yourself with the utmost academic integrity and honesty in
this course. You will automatically receive a “zero” on any exam or paper that violates the rules of academic
honesty and you may also be subject to university disciplinary action and failure of the course. You are responsible
for understanding the standards of academic integrity at the University of Mississippi and what constitutes a
violation of them. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s official policy concerning academic integrity,
“Student Academic Conduct and Discipline” (Policy # 10000600).
IX. Academic Support Services: My office hours are intended to provide you an opportunity to discuss class
material and address any difficulties you may be experiencing in the course. For additional support, you are
encouraged to take advantage of the academic support services available to Ole Miss students, such as the Writing
Center (J.D. Williams library).
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