SUMMER SESSION II 2009 (INTERNET)
CLASS TIME: Weekly
INSTRUCTOR: Dean F. McGinnis
OFFICE HOURS: M-F (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
CAMPUS
OFFICE PHONE: 808-735-4827
BOSTON HOME OFFICE PHONE: 781-350-1000
FAX: 781-350-1002
EMAIL: [email protected]
REQUIRED TEXT(S):
This course introduces the student to the diverse historical, philosophical and spiritual foundations from which the major religious traditions in the world have arisen. The course examines these foundations, the lives of their founders, their basic teachings, and the historical development of their communities and institutions.
On completion of this course, students will be able to:
· discuss the important elements of the world's major religions;
· recognize the differences and commonalities among the religious traditions;
· understand the religious issues and conflicts in the modern world;
· appreciate more their own religious backgrounds and that of the global community;
· reflect on their own beliefs, feelings and attitudes
towards different religious perspectives;
Organizational themes refer to underlying structural links that contribute to the choice of content, the pedagogy selected for participation of the teacher/learner and student/teacher in bringing the content to life, and fulfillment of the course objectives within a broader frame of education and building community.
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v Provide an integral quality education;
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These characteristics are important in the way we will teach the course, in our expectation of your participation in the realization of the course goals and objectives, and in the selection of materials we will ask you to read. As the semester progresses, the specific character of your education in a Marianist University will impact on your discipline in ways that emphasize the reflective dialogue between faith and reason in the issues and values we study. Marianist education seeks graduates who, having been schooled with a concern for the whole person, approach their professions from this same wholistic perspective as they seek to build communities that serve the needs of justice and peace, while seeking creative ways to adapt to changing environments and needs.
Instruction will consist of readings, group discussions, personal reflections and papers. Students will be expected to participate in the group discussions.
REQUIREMENTS:
Students are to log onto the website weekly, participate in the group discussions having read the assigned readings, and have completed any assigned papers.
GRADING:
Grading will be based upon regular class participation, reflection papers, final paper and the final exam. Papers must be typed, double-spaced, 12 point font only with 1-1/2 inch margins. Style must be consistent with the Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers.
Attendance:
More than three unexcused absences (failing to log into the web site and participation in the discussions) may result in one grade reduction. Excessive absences may result in failure of the course.
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any specific special needs or difficulties that one may have in order that appropriate strategies for the completion of the work may be mutually developed.
GRADING POLICY:
A: 90-100%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60-69%; F: below 60%
Students are expected to attend all classes. Attending all classes is defined as logging on to the website at least once a week. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor regarding any absence. Participation is defined as preparing for, completion of, and participation in, all reading assignments, group discussions and writing assignments given at the discretion of the instructor. Students will be required to respond to at least two of their fellow students’ postings each week via the website. Additional interaction is encouraged but not required.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:
These will be weekly
questions posted to the website each Sunday evening and must be completed
before Sunday of the following week
FINAL PAPER:
The final paper will be an 8-10 page double-spaced paper comparing and contrasting the major religions examined from an ecumenical perspective. This will be discussed further as the semester progresses.
FINAL EXAM:
This will be a multiple
choice open book comprehensive exam administered on campus at a date and time
to be determined by the University. Students must bring/present a valid picture
ID (current military ID, current drivers license, passport, etc.) at the time
of the final exam. Any student who arrives for the final exam without a valid
picture ID will not be able to take the exam and will receive a grade of “F”
for the exam, and may receive a grade of “F” for the course. Those students off
island should make arrangements with the instructor one month in advance to
have the exam proctored. Please note that
LEARNING OUTCOME ASSESSMENT:
Student’s work will be evaluated for:
· knowledge of the subject matter from textbooks, discussions, and research;
· ability to apply the knowledge to understand current issues in society;
· understanding of the subject matter from different viewpoints;
COURSE
SCHEDULE (subject to revision)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ACCELERATED
CLASS (10 WEEKS COVERED IN 5 WEEKS); NONETHELESS, STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO
COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNED WORK IN THE ALLOTTED TIME:
Week I: Intro/Understanding Religion/ Indigenous Religions
Reading assignment: pp. 1-71
Week II: Hinduism/Buddhism
Reading assignment: pp. 73-189
Week III: Jainism/Sikhism/T(D)aoism/Confucianism
Reading assignment: pp. 191-263
Week IV: Shinto
Reading assignment: pp. 265-291
Reading assignment: pp. 293-499
Week VI: Alternative Paths
The Modern Search
Reading assignment: pp. 501-576
Final Paper due
Final exam (Time and place
TBA)
Please note that there will be several opportunities to obtain extra credit throughout the session. However, any/all extra credit is subject to the instructor’s discretion, and will only be applied to your final grade if all assignments are completed.