RE103-01 World Religions
CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU
Fall 2007

TIME:			12:30-1:50 p.m., Tues./Thurs.
CLASSROOM:	Henry Hall 225
INSTRUCTOR:	Regina Pfeiffer
PHONE:		739-8536
OFFICE:		Henry Hall 206Q
OFFICE HOURS:	T-F 10 a.m. to noon and by appointment
E-MAIL:		rpfeiffe@chaminade.edu

COURSE
TEXTBOOKS:	Richter, Kent, et al. Understanding Religion in a Global Society.  Belmont, CA: Thomson and Wadsworth, 2005.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to the historical, philosophical and spiritual foundations of the major religious traditions of the world-- Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  The course will examine the lives of their founders, their basic teachings, the historical development of their communities and institutions, and their current status in the world.  Using an experiential approach, and the classroom as a sacred space for personal spiritual growth, this course also endeavors to create a more universal understanding and appreciation of one's own tradition amidst this great cultural variety, in order to foster a more harmonious global community. 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Linked to Program Learning Outcomes

The three Program Learning Outcomes that this course introduces are:
2.  Christianity and its relationship with other major world religions;
4.  the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, particularly the Marianist tradition of education for service, social justice and peace; 
6.  the uniqueness of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim as a meeting place for various religious traditions.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1.	discuss the important elements of the major religions - their myth, symbols, ritual, doctrine, moral codes and artistic expression (PLO 2);
2.	recognize the differences and commonalities among the religious traditions (PLO 2);
3.	understand some of the social justice issues and religious responses to them (PLO 4);
4.	appreciate more their own religious backgrounds and that of the Chaminade community (PLO 6)
5.	reflect on their own beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards different religious perspectives, correlating and contrasting them with what they are learning (PLO 2, 6)

Organizational Theme:
Marianist Educational Philosophy
	
The choice of content, the pedagogy selected, and the fulfillment of the course objectives rely on the organizational theme. The organizational theme around which the course is constructed is derived from the document, “Characteristics of Marianist Universities.”

Educate for formation in faith;
Provide for an integral quality education;
Educate for family spirit;
Educate for service, justice and peace; and,
Educate for adaptation and change.

The root of the word educate, educare, means to “lead out from.” To educate means to begin where persons are individually to lead them to a future locus of where they will become. It is a journey that continues throughout one’s life.

Formation in faith
Individuals are persons of “faith.” To be human, one must be in relationship with others and that requires “faith” of some kind. Specific faith in a Transcendence experienced by peoples worldwide is the major content of this course.

Provide an integral quality education
Integral education provides learners with the foundations necessary for completeness and wholeness, to be fully human in the global community. As the global community becomes more a part of an individual’s life, the understanding of the various ways in which people believe and act is crucial to a person’s personal and communal growth. As a core course, we will further our knowledge of the worldviews of others.

Educate for family spirit
Family is more than the persons to whom we are related. We create families in many ways, through friendships, work and school. Working together for the common needs and good of the family group is fundamental to healthy relationships. Through the assignments and discussions, we will work together to build the family of Chaminade University.

Educate for service, justice and peace
To quote John Paul II from a speech on Jan. 1, 2002, he said, “There is no peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness.” The road to forgiveness begins with awareness and service to work toward justice and peace. In light of Sept. 11, 2001 and all acts of violence, degradation, and oppression worldwide, we need to begin the process of self-examination and expand toward understanding. This course will attempt to give students the opportunity to reflect on themselves and grow in self-knowledge.

Educate for adaptation and change
Adaptation and change begin with new knowledge and insight, and with the wisdom to view another’s perspective. This course will enable the learner to explore various ways in which people attempt to answer or ponder the questions of ultimate meaning.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are expected to:
•	attend class regularly;
•	read required text assignments;
•	participate in group discussions in class;
•	do additional research as required;
•	complete all assignments on time. Points may be deducted for late work if the student does not inform the instructor in advance.

LEARNING OUTCOME ASSESSMENT:
Student’s work will be evaluated for:
•	knowledge of the subject matter from textbooks, class presentations, discussions, videos, research, outside class activities;
•	critical application and accuracy of content;
•	thoroughness of answers in reflective assignments and essay;
•	continuing development of understanding.

GRADING:
Grading will be based on class attendance, class work and discussion, homework, quizzes, participation, effort, term or service project and exams.  Assignments and papers, except for reflection exercises, must be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font only with 1 inch margins with required and appropriate citations using a consistent style.  Style must be consistent with the Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers. 

Points will be deducted from assignments and journals that are turned in late unless arrangements have been made IN ADVANCE and APPROVED by the instructor.

Note:  In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required.  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.  Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Student Affairs Office.

A = 225-250 points 90%>
B = 200-224 points 80-89%
C = 175-199 points 70-79%
D = 157-174 points 63-69%
F = <157 points

Reminder: No Term Project, no higher than a C regardless of points completed.

CATEGORIES:		 	Total points possible 	
Class Participation and Attendance:		 75 points			
Group Presentation and project:		 25 points			
Reflection assignments:			 15 points
Comparative essay:			 10 points
Term Project Option:			 25 points 			
Exam one:			 25 points			
Exam two:			 25 points			
Exam three:			 25 points			
Final exam:			 25 points			
						250 total points	           

Class participation and attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor regarding any absence. Points are given for each class and will be deducted for unexcused absences. Students with excused absences will need to complete a missed class assignment that the instructor will provide in order to receive a portion of the day’s points.

Participation includes preparing readings, discussion and in-class writing assignments given at the discretion of the instructor. 

CLASSROOM CONDUCT
In order to create a viable and productive learning environment, and to show respect for each other in the classroom, all persons are expected to follow the basic rules of conduct.
1.	Talking only when it is your turn to do so.
2.	Cell phones, pagers or other such equipment should be turned off. If you need it for an emergency, permission must be obtained from the instructor. 
3.	While there is no handbook policy that prohibits eating food or drinking non-alcoholic beverages during class time, all should limit their intake of food and drink. Any containers or rubbish must be discarded as appropriate.
	
According to the handbook, the instructor may require a student to leave the classroom if the conduct is such that it can be deemed as disruptive to the rest of the class.

Reflection assignments:
Students will be required to complete three reflection assignments. The syllabus has several choices. Reflection assignments will be graded based on thoroughness of explanation. (Assessment # 4 and 5).

Comparative Essay: Due 
Students will complete one comparative essay. The essay will require the student to complete additional research and include proper text and bibliographic citations. WIKIPEDIA is not allowed as a resource.

This essay should be a minimum of 2 pages, typed, double-spaced. The number of pages does not include the bibliography or footnotes, endnotes or in-text citations. Use a consistent style. Remember that in-text-citation style requires both works cited and bibliography pages. Using footnotes and endnotes requires a bibliography but not a works cited page. (Assessment # 1 and 2)

Select one of the following:
1.	Compare and contrast the Christian concept of heaven with the Islamic understanding of paradise. What is necessary in each tradition to reach this goal? 
2.	Compare and contrast one of the goddesses in the Hindu tradition with the Mary in the Christian tradition. What role does each play in the respective religious tradition?
3.	Compare and contrast the five precepts of Buddhism or the five vows of Jainism with the Ten Commandments. You will need to describe the importance of these to the followers of the religious traditions. (Ten Commandments from either the Judaic or Christian perspective). 
4.	Water is a universal symbol used in many of the religious traditions. Compare and contrast a ritual that uses water in an Eastern tradition with a Western tradition.

Group Presentation and paper:
Students will be assigned to a group consisting of two or three students. Each group will select a religious tradition and prepare a participative seven-minute presentation of one of that religion’s ritual. The group will be required to do research in order to acquaint the rest of the class symbolism or meaning associated with the ritual or art. In addition, content from Chapter Nine – Ritual must be included in the presentation and serve as one of the group’s resources.

The group will submit two papers: one for the presentation and a second one that delves into a social justice issue and how that religious tradition might respond to it. More information will be given with the group assignments. (Assessment # 1 and 3)

Extra-Credit:  Activities may be given at the discretion of the instructor. Students may submit up to three extra-credit assignments for additional points toward final grade. Requirements:  two-page reflection/review paper on an attended extracurricular, intercultural activity or service, pertinent films or enrichment reading. These extra credit options may not be used to fulfill any other requirements for the course.

Term and Final Exams
There will be three term exams and a final exam. Each exam will cover specific chapters of the text and material covered in class. The final will be cumulative. Students are responsible for all reading assignments, including material that is not discussed in class. (Assessment # 1 and 2).

Term Project Option: Service Learning or Term Paper 
Due Last Day of class
The following are two options for the paper for the course.  Select one. If you do not complete this final paper, you will receive a “C” for the course despite total points earned. You will need to make your decision by Oct 4.

•	Option A: Service Learning (Assessment # 3 and 5).
•	Contact Candice Sakuda for a service-learning project or have one approved by the instructor. Students will submit all required papers to Candice. NO PAPERS, NO CREDIT!
•	Students will keep a log of activity and hours worked. You must work for a minimum of 15 hours. You may not use the 15 hours for this class and another one but you may use the same project for more than one course adding the necessary hours to meet the requirements for both courses.
•	Students will keep a journal. After each time served, students will write a reflection on how that day’s activity affected them and a connection with the course’s content during that week. The journal must be dated to coincide with the student log. 
•	Students participating in service learning will write a final paper of 4-5 pages that integrates the material learned in class with the service learning activity. The final paper and journal are submitted to the instructor. All forms - waivers, evaluation and work log – are given to Candice Sakuda in Henry 118.

Option B: Term Paper – (Assessment 1, 2, or 4).
•	Students will write and submit a 7-10 page paper on the topic selected. 
•	Suggested topics
•	Attending a service other than one's own religion;
•	Attend a service in a religion that is new for you. Describe the service. If possible, interview the minister and ask about the ritual elements that were part of the service. Compare and contrast this service with your own. You will need to do some additional research on the ritual life of both communities.
•	Creating a new religion;
•	In creating this new religion, develop the primary symbols, rituals and stories that describe the sacred and the relationship between the sacred and humanity. You will need to include the creed, code and cult for the religion, and its basic myth stories.
•	Planning an imaginary pilgrimage that involves visiting at least five religious sites using a common theme;
•	Explain the purpose of visiting these five sights. What significance do these sites have for the pilgrim? What prayers or rituals would be included in this pilgrimage? 
•	A project of the student’s design with prior approval from instructor. This could be a research project on one of the religious traditions studied in class focusing in on a particular idea or aspect.

COURSE SCHEDULE (subject to revision)	

Date	Course content	Assignment(s) for next class	
Aug. 28	Introduction and overview	Answer the following: What are the questions I have regarding the sacred and/or meaning of life? How have I tried to answer them?

Read – Molloy, Chapter one	
Aug. 30	Why study religion????	Reflection assignment #1 – Due Sept. 13
Select one of the following:
1. In what way might the study of religion assist you in your future career?
2. Describe a place that you feel to be sacred. Why is it a sacred place for you? How does it affect you when you are in that sacred space?
3. The text lists several different yoga paths utilized in attaining moksha. Which one appeals to you the most? Why? How might that form of yoga assist you in developing your potential

Read – Molloy, Chapter two	
Sept. 4	Oral Traditions		
Sept. 6	Oral Traditions	Read – Molloy, Chapter three	
Sept. 11	Hinduism		
Sept. 13
	Hinduism
	Reflection assignment #1 due today	
Sept. 18	Review	Reflection assignment – Due Oct. 4
This assignment is in two parts. 
Part one - Select one of the following: 
1. Create either a mask or a mandala or a totem. 
Explain its symbolic meanings and the reasons you selected the various aspects of it.
2. Write a poem, song or prayer. Explain its significance to you. Why did you create it?
Answer one of the following for your reflection: 
What were you feeling as you created it? Why?
Or
How did creating it help you to understand yourself better?

Part Two – Answer the following:
What is the purpose of arts in religion? Review Chapter one and two
	
Sept. 20	Exam #1 
for chapters 1-3	
Read Molloy – Chapter four	
Sept. 25	Buddhism		
Sept. 27	Buddhism	Read Molloy – Chapter five to page 204 (omit Sikhism)	
Oct. 2	Jainism	Read Molloy – Chapter six	
Oct. 4	Doaism and Confucianism	Reflection Assignment #2 due today	
 Oct. 9	Review	Reflection assignment #3 – Due Nov. 1
Select one of the following: 
1. Spend three to five minutes in meditation. (Don’t watch your time but relax, breathe slowly, deeply, with eyes closed. Let any thoughts you have flow in and out; do not dwell on the thoughts but let each thought move out of your mind. Continue this for as long as you can). How did it affect you? Why do you think so many traditions encourage meditation?
2. Find an example of religious art from any of the traditions studied. Describe it or supply a picture of it. What might be its impact on followers of that tradition? How does it impact you?
3. Write your eulogy. (What would you like people to say about you?) Why did you include these aspects about you?
4. If you knew the end times were coming soon, what would you do differently or the same? Why?	
Oct. 11	Term Exam #2 
Chapters 4, 5 and 6	Read Molloy – Chapter 8	
Oct. 16	Judaism		
Oct. 18	Judaism	Read Molloy – Chapter 9	
Oct. 23	Christianity		
Oct. 25	Christianity		
Oct. 30	Islam	Read Molloy – Chapter 10	
Nov. 1	Islam	Reflection assignment #3 due today	
Nov. 6	Review		
Nov. 8	Term Exam #3 
Chapters 8, 9, 10		
Nov. 13	Comparative themes	Comparative Essay due today (see syllabus for questions)	
Nov. 15	Comparative themes		
Nov. 20	Group Research – no class		
Nov. 22	Thanksgiving – no class		
Nov. 27	Group Presentations		
Nov. 29	Group Presentations		
Dec. 4	Social Justice	Group Social Justice Papers due	
Dec. 6	Review	Term Paper due – See syllabus for options	
Dec. 11	Final Exam	12:45-2:45 p.m. in Henry 225