WORLD RELIGIONS

Humanities 10, section 28437, Fall 2019, Saturdays, 9:00 - 12:35 a.m., HUM 220

Instructor: S. Hughes

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To gain an understanding of the major religions of the world.
• To become familiar with the beliefs and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• To understand the multifaceted nature of religion (e.g., in art, music, architecture, clothing).

TEXT (optional, all readings are online):

Experiencing the World Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (5th edition) by Michael Molloy

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Midterm Exam: 25% of grade (100 pts).

2. Quizzes: 25% of grade (100 pts), 5 quizzes.

3. Essay: 25% of grade (100 pts). Options:

The Visitor: Visit a religious service (not your own) and write a 4-6 page essay on the experience.

The Scholar: Write a 6-8 page research paper on a new religious movement.

The Traveler: Write a 6 page travel journal detailing your hypothetical travels to six significant religious sites in six different countries.

The Journalist: Write a 6-8 page paper examining the portrayal of religion in the media.

The Nonconformist: Plan a project of your own and submit it to me for approval.

4. Final Exam: 25% of grade (100 pts).

F Grading Policy:

A = 400-360, B = 359-320, C = 319-280, D = 279-240

ATTENDANCE and ETIQUETTE:

Required. As a rule, students who are absent earn the lowest grades. There are no make-ups for unexcused absences. To excuse an absence, please email me in advance. No lateness allowed.

PLAGIARISM:

Plagiarism shall be punished according to the guidelines set forth by MVC, which is, an F for the assignment.

Students with disabilities: If you require special accommodations, please inform me.

COURSE SCHEDULE (tentative):

August 31st - Introduction to Religion, Chapter 1

September 7th - Indigenous Religions, Chapter 2, Quiz 1

September 14th - Hinduism, Chapter 3

September 21st - Buddhism, Chapter 4, Quiz 2

September 28th - Jainism and Sikhism, Chapter 5

October 5th - Daoism and Confucianism, Chapter 6, Quiz 3

October 12th - Shinto, Chapter 7

October 19th - Review, Midterm

October 26th - Judaism, Chapter 8

November 2nd - Christianity, Chapter 9, Quiz 4

November 9th - Christianity, Chapter 9

November 16th - Islam, Chapter 10

November 23rd - Islam, Chapter 10, Quiz 5

November 30th - Thanksgiving Break

December 7th - Alternative Paths, Chapter 11, Essay Due

December 14th - FINAL EXAM, 9:00-11:30am