SYLLABUS
HANDOUT
for
Introduction to Comparative Religion
Philosophy
220 / AW
Winter
2004-2005
Edward
Abplanalp
1-800-228-9553
COURSE SECTION AND TITLE: Philosophy
220 AW
Introduction
to Comparative Religion
ACADEMIC QUARTER: Winter
2004-2005
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME: Edward
Abplanalp
LOCATION OF CLASS: OFT
11
TIME OF CLASS Fri 5:30-9:25 p.m.
METHODS OF CONTACTING INSTRUCTOR:
Email
address:philosophered@cox.net
IMPORTANT DATES:
DATE CLASS BEGINS: December
3
DATE CLASS ENDS: February
25
LAST DATE TO DROP CLASS: February 10
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is an introductory course in
Comparative Religion. Some of the major world religions are examined,
comparing them with regard to their origins, world views, beliefs, philosophies
of humanity, and thoughts about our place in the universe.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: Students are recommended to have completed ENG 101 &
102.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will learn and demonstrate
these specific skills:
·
Explain the concept of worldview analysis.
·
Explain the importance of religious diversity and tolerance in a
pluralistic society.
·
Explain some of the main dimensions of religious experience.
·
Explain the basic ideas, values, and beliefs of the following world religions:
·
Hinduism
·
Buddhism
·
Confucianism
·
Taoism
·
Judaism
·
Christianity
·
Islam
REQUIRED TEXT: We will be using Huston Smith’s The World’s
Religions (New York: Harper Collins,
1991).
METHODS OF LEARNING: Students are expected to cover assigned
materials before class. Please try to
arrive on to class on time. If you are late to class, do not speed in your
vehicle; simply be courteous to other students when you enter the classroom.
Cell phones are expected to be off during lectures, unless there is a why they
need to be on.
ATTENDANCE STATEMENT: Students are expected to attend each class. Sometimes
we will discuss material not found in
the text. Please do not ask me if you missed anything important if you miss
class. You are expected to make up any missed work. Students who are unable to attend
class are expected to bear the burden of understanding the material on their
own.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot attend and complete this course, you should officially
withdraw by calling Central Registration, 457-5231. Failure to officially
withdraw will result in either an instructor withdraw (IW) or failing (F)
grade. The last date to withdraw is identified on the first page of this
syllabus handout.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials used in connection with this course
may be subject to copyright protection.
Additional information about copyright is provided on the library
webpage at http://www.mccneb.edu/library, by your
instructor, or by the College's Copyright
Officer. In response to incidents of
student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific
actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the
course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary procedures are available in
the Counseling/Advising Centers.
USE OF STUDENT WORK: The ownership of student works
submitted in fulfillment of classroom requirements shall remain with the
student(s): By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College,
the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work
as may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course
syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the work in any other
manner without the written consent of the student(s).
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM: Metropolitan
Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For
example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other
cases, tests or assignments you are required to do for this course may be
shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: By using the information technology
systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you acknowledge and
consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community
College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology and
Resources. It is your responsibility as
a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the
following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/itprocedures.htm
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM AREA IDENTIFICATION:
Program
Area: Communication and Industrial
Technology
Dean: John Mangini
Academic Dean’s office phone: (402) 738-4011
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION: This course will be a combination of
lecture, discussion, videos, and class exercises.
METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS: Student progress will
be assessed by take-home and in-class examinations. There will be two take-home
exams and three in-class exam given during the semester. Materials asked on the
exams are covered thoroughly in class.
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE: Each of the
five exams will constitute 20% of the final course grade. (You will receive a
score from 0 to 20.) The Final course grade will then be calculated as follows:
100-90% - A; 90%-80% - B; 80-70% - C; 70-60% - D; below 60% - F.
MAKE-UP TEST PROCEDURES: A missed exam can only be made up
under dire circumstances (and with good documentation). See the instructor for
details. The final exam given on February 25th cannot be made up.
MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS: Records are maintained by
the instructor and are available for review by the student at any time
immediately before or after class. Exams will be returned before or during the
next class.
SECTION V: TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
December 3rd: Introduction to Comparative
Religion
December 10th: Hinduism
December 17th: Hinduism (Exam #1: Take-Home)
December 24th: No Class – Holiday Recess
December 31st: No Class – Holiday Recess
January 7th: Buddhism
January 14th: Buddhism (Exam #2: In Class)
January 21st: Confucianism
January 28th: Taoism (Exam #3: Take-Home)
February 4th: Judaism
February 11th: Judaism (Exam #4: In Class)
February 18th: Christianity
February 25th: Islam (Exam #5: In Class)