Religion 200-1 World
Religions
Parish Episcopal
Term: Spring 2008
Room: 4025
Instructor: Dr. Stuart
Chepey
Course Description:
Religion 200 World Religions (1/3
Credit)
Prerequisite: None.
This course provides an historical, critical, and comparative study of
the world’s major
expressions of religious experience, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam. Additional topics may include contemporary religious
issues, other religions of the world, and approaches to religious plurality. The nature of the course is academic and
non-confessional.
Required
*Ludwig, T. M. The Sacred Paths: Understanding the Religions of the World. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle
River: Prentice-Hall, 2001. ISBN 0-13-025682-X *Classroom copy provided
Course Objectives and
Methodology:
The principal objective of this course is to provide a comparative survey of today’s major world religions. In order to facilitate this objective, contemporary beliefs and rituals, as well as key historical developments, personalities, texts, and theological/philosophical themes respecting each faith will be explored and discussed.
Required Supplies:
In addition to the course text, a folder should be purchased in which to organize supplemental reading material (if you haven’t purchased one already).
Website:
See: Religions of the World, 9th
Edition
http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_hopfe_religworld_9/
The above website (which
accompanies the textbook by L. Hopfe, Religions of
the World. 9th ed.) will provide relevant information, including
short video essays, links, etc.
Course Policies:
No credit will be given on assignments handed in after due dates.
Quizzes, tests, or
written assignments missed due to absence may be made up only by arrangement
with the instructor. YOU must initiate
this arrangement; I will not approach you, as this is a waste of my time.
No food and /or drinks
are allowed in the classroom. For all
other matters relating to my expectations of student conduct, I refer you to
the student handbook and the
Notes:
It is imperative that assigned readings be completed on schedule, as class sessions will involve relevant quizzes and group discussions in addition to lectures provided by the instructor.
Class activities will typically comprise the following: (1) lectures; (2) discussions about key texts and themes; (3) quizzes over assigned reading material; (4) one break if needed (five minutes).
Course Credit: 1/3
Grade Type: Whole Letter Grade (A-F)
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=59 and below
(For further particulars see the Parent and Student Handbook)
Student Assessment:
Student grades are based on tests over
classroom discussions and quizzes over assigned readings. 60% percent of the student’s final average is
comprised of test scores and 40% percent of quiz scores.
Skills and Other Emphases:
Textual analysis, critical and comparative thinking, and
cultural awareness are skills emphasized and developed in this course. Core
curriculum relevancy is also emphasized.
Special note on quiz and test formats:
Quizzes are multiple-choice and/or
True-False.
Tests are multiple-choice and short
answer. Short answer questions must be
written in two to three good quality paragraphs.