FALL EVENING SESSION 2011 (INTERNET)
CLASS TIME: Weekly
INSTRUCTOR: Dean F. McGinnis
OFFICE HOURS: M-F (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
CAMPUS
OFFICE PHONE: 808-735-4827
FAX: 781-350-5628
EMAIL: [email protected]
REQUIRED TEXT(S):
Within
the context of the dialogue between Christianity and the other world religions,
the student will explore the diverse historical, philosophical, and spiritual
foundations from which the major religious traditions in the world have arisen.
The course examines the lives of their founders, their basic teachings, and the
historical development of their communities and institutions, while providing
an inter-religious survey of ethics.
On completion of this course,
students will be able to:
·
Demonstrate an
understanding of the important elements of the world’s major religions (PLO 2)
·
Compare and
contrast the differences and commonalities among those religious traditions
(PLO 2, 3);
·
Demonstrate an
understanding of the religious issues and conflicts in our contemporary world
(GE RE 2);
·
Demonstrate an
understanding of their own beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards different
religious perspectives (GE RE 2).
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.
v
v Provide an integral quality education;
v
v
v
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, videos, 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’ assignments 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 a creative 8-10 page paper comparing and contrasting the major religions examined from a personal and ecumenical perspective. This will be discussed further as the semester progresses.
FINAL EXAM:
This will be a multiple
choice open book comprehensive exam and will be administered on campus and/or at several of
the off-campus military bases at a date and time to be determined by the
University. Students must present a valid (current military ID, current
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
SCH
Week I: Introduction
Understanding Religion
Reading assignment: pp. 3-32
Week II: Indigenous Religions
Reading assignment: pp. 35-73
Week III: Hinduism
Reading assignment: pp. 75-123
Week IV: Buddhism
Reading assignment: pp. 125-187
Reading assignment: pp. 189-211
Week VI: Daoism and Confucianism
Reading assignment: pp. 213-261
Week VII: Shinto
Reading assignment: pp. 263-287
Week
VIII: Judaism
Reading assignment: pp. 289-341
Week IX: Christianity
Reading assignment: pp. 343-421
Week X: Islam
Reading assignment: pp. 423-487
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.