MIDLAND LUTHERAN COLLEGE

REL 240

Religions of the World

Course Syllabus

Fall 2008

Class Meetings: T/Th, 8:00-9:20 a.m., Fremont Hall 205

Instructor: Edward Abplanalp

Office Hours: See me to set up an appointment.

Email: philosophered@cox.net

Class Materials: The required text we will use for this class is the 7^th edition of Living Religions, by Mary Pat Fisher (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2008)

Catalogue Description: This course in world community examines the religious traditions of humanity as a means of confronting the students with the diversity within the world. Ancient and indigenous religious traditions are studied, but emphasis is given to the major religions of the East and West, such as Islam and Buddhism, which have had the most effect on contemporary lives and cultures, illustrating the interdependence of all world communities. Historical developments, religious texts, and key personalities and movements are presented so that the students may discern, through comparison with their

own background, an awareness of religious world community.

Course Learning Objectives - This class will promote an understanding of the major world religions. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

I. Describe the role religion plays in contemporary culture.

II. Identify and discuss the basic beliefs, values, practices, and history of the major world religions. Particular emphasis will placed on the following:

· Hinduism

· Buddhism

· Confucianism

· Taoism

· Judaism

· Christianity

· Islam

III. Develop skills of careful and disciplined reading, discussion, argumentation, writing, and editing.

IV. Respectively express and discuss differing religious views.

Academic Integrity: I support and enforce the academic integrity policy that has been adopted by the college. A copy of this policy can be found in the Student Handbook. The policy covers cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and related areas. Violations of this policy will result in an F for the course.

Attendance and Participation: The success of this course depends largely on the shared process of questioning and dialogue among a community of learners. Regular attendance is expected of all class participants. Preparation of readings and review of notes are essential to individual and group success in this class.

Students are expected to enter class prepared to discuss their responses to the texts.
Please turn off electronic devices while I am lecturing.
Please try to arrive on to class on time. If you are late to class, do not speed in your vehicle; simply be courteous to other students when you enter the classroom.
You need to attend class and pay attention.
Please do not ask me to email you handouts, power point presentations, or class notes. A student who is absent from class is responsible for all material and assignments given during that class period.
Students are permitted one unexcused absence. The second unexcused absence will result in one point deducted from the student’s final grade. The third unexcused absence will result in two points being deducted from the student’s final grade. The fourth will result in four points being deducted. The fifth will result in eight points being deducted, and so on.

Grading Policy: Work submitted late will be graded harder than work submitted on time.

Grades: Grades will be calculated as follows:

Exam #1: 20%

Exam #2: 20%

Quiz #1: 10%

Quiz #2: 10%

Quiz #3: 10%

Final Exam: 30%

There is no extra credit!

100-90 A

89-88 B+

87-80 B

79-78 C+

77-70 C

69-68 D+

67-60 D

below 60 F

Exams: Specific information regarding the questions asked on exams will be provided as the time of the exam nears. Materials asked on each exam are discussed thoroughly in class lectures. No make up exams will be given unless prior permission of the instructor has been granted. If an exam has been missed due to an illness, then documentation of the illness must be presented. You must take the final exam in order to pass this class!

Learning Disabilities: Students should self-disclose learning disabilities to Dr. Lori Moseman (Director of Academic Support Services) by the third day of class. Some accommodation for class work may be possible after consultation with Dr. Moseman. Please read the ADA policy in the Student Handbook.

Tentative Schedule

8/21 Introduction to World Religions

8/26: Hinduism (Chapter 3)

8/28: Hinduism

9/2: Hinduism

9/4: Hinduism

9/9: Buddhism (Chapter 5)

9/11: Buddhism

9/16: Buddhism

9/18: Buddhism

9/23: Exam #1 (20 points)

9/25: Daoism (Chapter 6)

9/30: Daoism

10/2: Daoism

10/7: Confucianism (Chapter 6)

10/9: Confucianism

10/14: Confucianism

10/16: Exam #2 (20 points)

10/21: Judaism (Chapter 8)

10/23: Judaism

10/28: Judaism

10/30: Judaism + Quiz #1 (10 points)

11/4: Christianity (Chapter 9)

11/6: Christianity

11/11: Christianity

11/13: Christianity + Quiz #2 (10 points)

11/18: Islam (Chapter 10)

11/20: Islam

11/25: Islam

11/27: Thanksgiving Vacation (No Class!)

12/2: Islam + Quiz #3 (10 points)

12/4: Review

12/9 (Tuesday): Final Exam (30 points)