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books
& materials | classroom policies | grading
policies | assignments
Course Description:
This course studies religions of the world with attention to origin, history and
doctrine.
General Course Purpose:
To introduce the students to the attitudes of other cultures and to other
religions and philosophic ideas.
Entry Level Competencies:
Basic college level skills in reading comprehension and writing, familiarity
with (or willingness to learn and use) Internet browsing and e-mail
communication
Course objectives/Educational Outcomes:
At the completion of this course the student will have developed a comprehension
of what religion is in varied cultural settings. Specifically, the student
should be able to:
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Distinguish terms such as metaphysics, asceticism, yoga, ahimsa, monism, dharma, karma, etc.
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Recognize the ideological similarities and historical relationships among the different religions studied
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Identify recurring themes in the world's religions: mysticism, loving devotion, obedience and law, the golden rule
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Discuss some of the sacred writings and mythical imagery of Indian and Asian religions
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Use methods of criticism in the study of religion
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Witness to the role great religious founders have filled in human history
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Appreciate the distinctive genius of each great religion studied
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Display a mature respect for the religions of others
Major Topics to be Covered:
Eastern traditions including:
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Hinduism: Vedic and Brahmanic origins, Vedanta metaphysics and
popular Hindu beliefs and practice
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Other Indian religions: Jainism and Sikhism
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Buddhism: Origins and teachings, development and variations
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Taoism: The Law of the universe and its dialectical unfolding
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Confucianism: The high ethical religion of China
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Shinto and other Japanese traditions
Textbooks:
(you may purchase your texts in the campus bookstore or through other
resources such as Amazon)
Here
are some tips for managing your reading
Online resources:
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Classroom
Policies and Student
Responsibilities:
Class format: It is not my intent
to spend much of the class time lecturing on facts you can learn from
reading. We will use our time together in class more productively:
- You will read the material at home
and come to the next class session prepared for group work and
discussion. You should expect to spend between 3 - 6 hours a week
outside of class doing readings, assignments, and exploring online
resources as you prepare for the next class session. I will provide you
with a study guide for each religion that you should complete to the
best of your ability based on the reading and my online lecture
notes.
- Each class session will begin with group
work where you will compare notes
with your group mates and together, complete a group activity. Be sure
to bring your completed study guide and text to class with you each
week.
- Class sessions will also include viewing
of selected video clips, discussion, my addressing your questions on
things you did not understand from the reading and some
"mini-lectures".
| What you
will do in class |
What you will do
outside of class
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- Participation in group work
& discussion (15%)
- Group discussions and presentations on primary
texts (15%)
- three exams (30% of your grade)
60% of your
course grade will be completed in the classroom
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- Complete assigned reading of the
texts and my online lecture notes
- Complete study guides to the best
of your ability
- Complete the following
assignments:
- Introductory reflections (5%)
- Religious Scavenger Hunt (5%)
- Encounter & Dialogue
experience/report (10%)
- Response and Reflection papers
(20%)
See
below for details on these assignments
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What I expect from you:
- attend class regularly, on time and remain
for entire class session
- complete all assignments in a timely
manner and to the best of your ability (part of which means you do not
wait until the day before an assignment is due to begin working on it)
- complete
all reading assignments attentively and on time, ready for group
work and discussion
- be attentive in class (no sleeping, side
chats, cell phone use, etc.) and contribute to class discussions
- do your own work rather than cheat or
plagiarize
- care more about learning than about
grades!
Classroom Behavior:
Disruptive behavior in the classroom that detracts from the teaching-learning process will not be tolerated, and disruptive students will be asked to leave the class.
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Please turn off or mute all cell phones and pagers prior to entering the
classroom.
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Please avoid side chats
with your classmates - they are distracting and annoying to other
students who are trying to pay attention.
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If you arrive to class
late or leave early, please do so quietly so as to not be a distraction.
(If
you do come to class late make sure I have checked off your name so you
get credit for being present.)
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Absolutely no cell phones or other personal devices
permitted on your person while taking exams!
Special
needs: If
you have a documented physical
and/or learning disability that requires special accommodations, please feel
free to discuss your situation with me. If your needs are not documented,
see a campus counselor who will work with you to analyze and document your
needs.
The Internet, e-mail, and
computer use:
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Grade book and final exam will be done through the Blackboard Course Management System.
login in at: http://learn.vccs.edu/
(specific login directions are available at: http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart/
or
http://tac.nvcc.edu/blackboard/student/login.htm)
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You
will want to access lecture notes, details on assignments and other
resources at your
mentor’s Website.
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You
should maintain e-mail communication with your mentor, especially
in the case of absence or personal questions regarding assignments. Every
NVCC student is provided a VCCS e-mail address. This is the address you
should use for communication regarding this class (for privacy and security
purposes, grades cannot be sent to any other e-mail address). Log
in to your student mail at: https://nvcc.my.vccs.edu/
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Always
keep an up-to-date copy of your work on disk so your work is not lost if
something happens to your computer!
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All written work is expected to be
word-processed/typed. If you send your work to me via e-mail, be sure to save and send your file in MSWord format (.doc) or Rich Text Format (.rtf). I will not be able to open any other formats (e.g., WordPerfect or Works).
Also be sure to
include your name on both your attached work and in your e-mail message. It is your responsibility to make sure your e-mailed submissions get through to me.
If I do not return your graded work in a timely manner, ask if I got it.
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If
you need assistance with the technology, training sessions and help are
available in the computer lab on campus.
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If
you do not have computer access to the Internet from home, you may use
computers in the computer lab or the library on campus. Your local public
library also provides Internet access to patrons.
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If
you are not willing to learn to use these basic technology tools, you need not
drop the course. However, you will be at a great loss if you cannot or will
not use a computer and the Internet. If
you anticipate having a problem accessing the course site or online resources,
please let me know. Perhaps, together, we can work out a solution
Emergencies:
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Emergency evacuation procedures: Please take note of the closest fire exit to the classroom.
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A framed emergency evacuation plan on one of the walls of each of the classrooms. This describes the procedures that must be followed and diagrams the evacuation routes that are to be used in case of emergency.
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All occupants must immediately evacuate the building when the fire alarm bells/lights are activated unless the Building Warden has advised that the system is undergoing a scheduled test.
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Occupants will exit the building using posted evacuation routes or the nearest safe exit.
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Elevators will not be used during emergency evacuation.
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Upon exiting, occupants are to continue moving until they are at least 300 feet from the building.
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The instructor will assist handicapped persons with mobility disabilities.
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You should take your coats, books, purses, and other personal belongings with you as there is no assurance that you will be allowed to return.
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Check
in with me once you clear the building so that we know everyone is
accounted for.
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In
case of tornado/storm warning report
to the nearest designated shelter area (generally an interior/windowless
room).
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In
case of inclement weather check
for school closing on the NVCC website, radio or TV. In
the event of an emergency cancellation of class or college closing
Check the Blackboard course site for an announcement from your mentor
regarding how to proceed with scheduled course work. If no such announcement
appears or you can't check (perhaps due to power failure), proceed with your
reading and course work as scheduled.
If
the professor is late students are to wait at least 15 minutes
before leaving. In the meantime, someone should call the Humanities office
(room LR 304, 703-450-2505)
to see if they know where the professor is or if she has left any directions
for work to be done in her absence.
Grievance
process: If you have a complaint about
the course policies, procedures, perceived lack of fairness from me or similar
grievance:
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First
talk with me about it one-on-one during my office hours or at some other
mutually agreeable time (make an appointment)
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If
you remain unsatisfied, your next step is to talk with the dean for the
division
Consult
the student
handbook for additional details and guidance regarding the “complaint
and grievance policy”
Withdraw or fail:
Failure
to attend class regularly and/or to submit completed assignments may result in a
grade of "F".
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You can avoid failure by officially
withdrawing from the course.
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Last day to withdraw is Monday,
Nov. 2.
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If
you miss the three weeks prior to this date I
will automatically withdraw you from the course unless
you consult with me (through e-mail, phone or otherwise) regarding your
problem and intentions.
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Withdrawal
after the withdraw date must not be done through NOVAconnect as the
system will automatically change the “W” you enter to an “F”.
Withdraws after the withdraw date must be submitted using the proper form
(NVCC 125-047)
and provide accompanying documentation regarding the mitigating
circumstances that preclude completion of the course.
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Be aware that withdrawal from a class may affect your status as a full-time student for purposes of financial aid or insurance. However, remaining enrolled solely for such purposes, without any intention of completing the course successfully, is considered fraud!
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If
you fail to communicate with me regarding continued absence, fail to
complete sufficient graded assignments and fail to withdraw yourself (proper
paperwork must be filled out after the withdraw date), you will receive a
grade of "F" for the course.
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Under certain circumstances grades of
"Incomplete" may be given with the understanding that work will be
completed by a specified time. You will have to consult with the instructor
to receive an "incomplete."
I
would rather see you withdrawn from the course than have to fail you.
Attendance
policy:
Absence will impact negatively on the quality of your work - you will miss
discussions, presentations, videos and opportunities to contribute to and
benefit from group work (60% of your grade is based on work done in the
classroom).
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Attendance
will be taken at
every class session (taken again
after break for double length sessions). You are expected to
arrive to class on time and remain until dismissed.
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Perfect attendance will bring
up a borderline grade.
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In event of an absence,
you are expected to keep up with the reading and course work as noted in the
syllabus and class schedule. Assignments, lecture notes,
many handouts and
other information pertaining to this course can all be found on your
mentor's website.
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Graded work that is done in
class each week (group exercises and discussions) cannot be
made up and will thus affect you grade for the course.
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Missed
exams may be made up in the testing
center prior to the next
class session. The final exam cannot be made up.
- If
you anticipate having a problem maintaining regular attendance, please
discuss the issue with me.
Under certain circumstances, exceptions and alternative arrangements for
completion of course work may be made.
- Please:
if you are legitimately sick, do not come to school and spread your
germs to others. Contact me via e-mail for alternatives to work
done in the classroom that would otherwise be a major part of your course
grade (e.g. your primary text read & discuss).
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Grading
policies:
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Grading
is done on a 1000 point scale where 900 – 1000 = A, 800 - 899 = B, 700 –
799 = C, 600 – 699 = D, less than 600 points is failing
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Points
for specific assignments noted below
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Assignments
receiving less than a B may be invited for revision if submitted on
time. If you choose to revise the assignment and resubmit it for a grade
change this should be done ASAP. No
revisions accepted during the last two weeks of the semester.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated!
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Plagiarism
includes the use of paraphrased as well as quoted material without citing
sources.
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If you are caught plagiarizing from the Web or elsewhere, you will receive a no credit for that assignment with no opportunity to re-do the assignment.
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If
you are caught plagiarizing a second time, you will automatically fail the
course!
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Learn
how to avoid plagiarism at this
site
Late
submission of assignments:
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“Late” is defined as “not received in time to be graded and returned at the next class session after the work was due.”
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Late submissions (due to absence or otherwise) will be downgraded one letter grade for each week late.
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But, “better late than never” so work due on days you are absent should be handed in ASAP.
Work that is not done will receive a zero. Work that is done (be it late or entirely unsatisfactory) will receive at least 50% - what I call the “fair F” as, unlike a zero, it will not unfairly pull down your grade average.
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To avoid the penalty for late
submissions, it is recommended that you e-mail your work to the instructor or have someone drop off any work due so it gets into my hands ASAP rather than wait until the next class session.
(See above re: e-mail use for format considerations)
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Late
assignments will not be given the opportunity for revision.
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Absolutely
no late submissions accepted during the last two weeks of the semester!
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The following assignments will be weighted as
indicated: See class schedule for due dates
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Introductory
Reflections (5%=50 points): Compose a first person narrative (500
words, grade deduction for short papers) discussing your personal
experience (or lack thereof) with and perspective on religion to this
point in your life and reflect on what you expect from this course. Address
the following questions:
- Would you consider yourself to be a
"religious" person? Why or why not?
- What religion(s) are you personally most
familiar with?
- How is your involvement with religion
today different from how it was when you were growing up?
- What are your hopes and expectations for
this course?
- How might this course challenge you:
intellectually, spiritually, academically or otherwise? How do you plan
to address those challenges?
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Religious
Scavenger Hunt (5%=50 points): this exercise should familiarize
you with the diversity of religions in your geographic area. (worksheet to
be distributed in class or use or click link for directions and access to
electronic worksheet)
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Response
& Reflections Papers
(4@50
points/5%
= 200 points/20% total): reflect on what you have learned about each religion (four
submissions, each approximately 500 words; point deduction for short
papers Please respond to the following four questions:
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What did you know and/or think and how did you feel about this religion when you entered this course?
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What would you say are the three most interesting, important, and/or valuable things you learned here about this religion? Why did you find them interesting/important/valuable?
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In what ways has your learning here changed your understanding and/or perspective regarding this religion? (in contrast to your response to the first question, above)
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What
lessons, values or insights can you take from this religion to
inform your own life?
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Preparation
& Participation (150 points/15%): Reading is to be done in
advance of the class session for which it is assigned (see class
schedule for reading assignments) and you should be prepared for group work
and discussion
on the material. Bring in completed study guides to use in group
work. Contribute to collaborative effort in group exercises. Come
with questions about the material (questions may also be e-mailed at
least one hour prior to class session).
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Encounters
and Dialogue (field research)
(100 pts/10%): Each student will have one
“Encounter
and Dialogue” experience
with a religion being studied that is unfamiliar
to you. This exercise should expand your personal horizons,
knock down emotional and attitudinal barriers, as well as give you a most
direct way to see religion in action and converse with followers of these
faiths, thus allowing an “insider” to address specific questions. Written
reports
to be submitted as they are completed (due during the middle half of the semester -
between weeks 5 and 13).
(see detailed
directions for additional elements
to include in your report).
- Primary
source text read,
discuss & group
presentation (15%/150 points): Throughout the semester, you will read a a series of four primary source texts. Groups of students will be assigned to
develop questions and lead the discussion of one or another of these texts
while participating in the discussions of the other three texts led by
students in other groups. Each group member will facilitate one small
group discussion at a specified class session (see schedule) and then each
group leader will summarize highlights from their group discussion. After
all four texts are read and discussed, every student will write a short
response paragraph (in class writing). Quality grade based on leadership
of one discussion (peer evaluation will be done). Any discussion you do
not participate in will be one grade level deducted from your grade
for the group leadership. See
assignment sheet for details.
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Two
short
response essay exams (2@10%=200
points): these will test your knowledge and understanding of the
facts and concepts related to the major religions being studied (Hinduism and Buddhism). Exams will consist of your
choice of five out of ten questions. Use study
guides and review PowerPoint
overviews to help you prepare.
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Final
comprehensive objective
exam:
(10%=100 points) Review "terms
to know", study guides
and use interactive
online exercises to help you prepare.
The above is just a brief summary of assignments.
For detailed directions and guidelines, follow links noted above.
Specific grading criteria for various assignments is also available at your mentor's Website
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