PHIL 5/RLGS 10 -- Mr. Emerick -- Syllabus -- Barstow Community College

Course Syllabus

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Instructor Information:

Instructor: Timothy Emerick, Ph.D.

Office Hrs: On-Line office hours will vary. Please contact the instructor.

Phone: Home/Office: 818-624-1038

E-Mail: temerick@bcconline.com

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I. PHIL. 5/GS 10: Comparative Religion

A. SOURCES

CLASS TEXT: Molloy, M. (2005) Experiencing the World’s Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. 5th Edition. McGraw Hill Publications.

In the box below type, I have my textbooks for PHIL. 5/GS 10 or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.

Email Updates

One of the primary methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share student email addresses with any other organization.

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As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change my email address.

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine the different world religions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This study will examine fundamental beliefs of each religion and their philosophical presuppositions.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this course are two fold. The first is that the student will acquire an understanding of the different aspects of these religions and how they relate to both philosophical understanding and sociological application. The second objective is that the student will learn to apply these religious theories and philosophical concepts in his/her everyday life and to use this knowledge for further study in religion and/or the social sciences.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Define Learning Outcomes of this Course

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate competence in the topics listed.
Discuss the valuable role an awareness of different religious beliefs can play in various professional careers and vocations.
Talk about how other academic disciplines benefit from a background in religious studies.
Discuss the reasons why religions exist.
Understand the distinctions among sacramental, prophetic, and mystical orientations of religion.
Explain the inherent meaning of the word primitive and discuss why oral religions should no longer be called primitive religions.
Explain what is meant by a holistic culture and give an example of a holistic culture.
Explain the notion of taboo and give an example of taboo within the context of a particular religion.
Recognize the four stages of life in Hinduism and what are their obligations.
Describe the categories of the Indian caste system and explain the connections with the legend of Parusha, the first super being in Indian mythology.
Talk about the concept of Hindu Atman and explain any similarities and/or differences from the typical western concept of ‘self’.
Talk about Siddhartha and the "Four passing Sights."
Explain the Buddhist notion of impermanence and give an example of it from everyday life.
Discuss the Buddhist notion of Nirvana and compare or contrast it to the Hindu notion of Moksha.
Understand the "Noble Eightfold Path" as the Buddhist way to inner peace.
Recognize shamanistic themes and influences in Tibetan Buddhism.
Understand the concept of Ahimsa and why it is not easy to achieve.
Know which religions share their belief in Ahimsa.
Talk about Mahavira and the origins of Jainism.
Know the five basic ethical principles of Jainism.
Talk about Nanak and the origins of Sikhism.
Describe the elements of the Khalsa dress and how these relate to Sikh beliefs.
Understand the modern struggle of Sikhism to establish a separate state in India.
Recognize the basic elements of traditional Chinese beliefs.
Explain the notion of yin and yang in Taoism.
Discuss the concept of the Tao and explain why it can only be experienced and not defined.
Understand the Taoist concept of wu-wei and give an example.
List the "Five Great Relationships" in Confucianism.
Discuss the basic Shinto notion of kami and describe and name the most important.
Explain how Amaterasu came into being and the role she played in history according to Japanese history.
Talk about some of the ceremonies that are typically performed by Shinto priests.
Explain the debate over whether Judaism was monotheistic from the beginning.
Summarize the central beliefs of Judaism.
Describe Babylonian and Zoroastrianism contributions to Hebrew thought.
Explain "assimilation" and how Judaism absorbed Hellenism.
Discuss the four major religious factions during the Second Temple Period of Roman-controlled Jerusalem.
List the three categories of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and define Torah (Pentateuch).
List the five books of the Torah (Pentateuch).
Define Halakah and Haggadah.
Distinguish between the two traditions of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Judaism.
Discuss the two directions in which Judaism moved in reaction to the ideas that came to dominate during the Renaissance.
Define Hasid and discuss Hasidim, from a new movement within Judaism in medieval Germany to the Baal Shem Tov.
List the four branches of contemporary Judaism.
Discuss the major Jewish holidays and festivals.
List the traditional dietary laws of Judaism.
Talk about some of the practices or beliefs that distinguish Orthodox Judaism.
List the four categories of the Christian New Testament.
Explain the Jewish belief in "end times" and in a Messiah as the context for Jesus’ life.
Discuss how a historian would be likely to view the accounts contained in the four Gospels.
Explain which three of the four Gospels are called the Synoptic Gospels and why.
Talk about Paul’s mission, how he became aware of it, and how he typically practiced it.
Define epistle and explain the social context of these letters to early Christian communities.
Recognize the influence of Augustine’s Confessions in later Christianity.
Describe how Benedict’s "Rule for Monks" helped organize and spread Western monasticism for Christianity.
Discuss the essential characteristics of monasticism and describe the ways in which Benedictine monasticism had a lasting influence on Christian practice.
Describe the main controversies that led to the distinctions between Orthodox and Western Christianity.
Explain what the Inquisition was, where and how long it operated, and what its goals were.
Discuss the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther’s emphasis upon the ultimate authority of the Bible.
Talk about John Calvin’s austere form of Protestantism.
Talk about Henry VIII and the Church of England, and explain how the Anglican church is the most tolerant of diverse practices and interpretations.
Describe the type of belief in Arabia at the time just before Muhammad’s religious reform and what other religions were practiced as well.
Understand Muhammad’s early message as a call for social reform and unity.
Describe the elements in Islam that are shared with Judaism and Christianity.
Recognize the importance of Mecca, Hira, and Medina in Muslim history.
List the essentials of Muslim prayer, the Five Pillars of Islam.
Define Allah, Aur’an (Koran), surah, and hadith.
Describe the split between the Sunni and Shiite branches in Islam.
Talk about Sufism and explain how al-Ghazali changed the perception of Sufism.
Explain three ways in which new religious movements arise.
Recognize the variety of alternative religions and the difficulty of categorizing.
Discuss the two key differences between a sect and a cult.
Compare and contrast the beliefs of Baha’i with Islam.
Talk about the similarities that Theosophy shows to Hindu Vedanta.
List the three offshoots of Theosophy.
Recognize important terms of Scientology.
List the important elements of new religious movements and explain how each appears to satisfy contemporary needs.
Discuss Naturism’s parallels with traditional religions.
Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the two Neo-Pagan religions of Wicca and the Druid movement.
Talk about some of the modern influences on religion; e.g., The New Global World Order, multiculturalism, secularism, and environmentalism.
Discuss how religious wars in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries generated the desire for separation of church and state.
Explain how the women’s rights movement has changed religion.
Describe some challenges that science may give to religion.
Describe some challenges that religion may give to science.
Talk about the challenges that modern democratic capitalism brings to traditional religions.

From the course objectives and student learning outcomes listed above, list the one that interests you the most and tell me why it interests you.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The student will be required to read all of the assigned readings within the time allocated for each discussion unit. This will allow the student to acquire the maximum benefit from class discussion as well as enable him/her to contribute knowledgeably to class discussions.

2. The ability to structure your own time to complete the reading assignments.

3. There will be on-going class discussions in which the student will apply critical thinking to the different topics studied.

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the requirements listed above.

III. EXAMINATIONS:

1. There will be two essay questions that the student will be expected to complete. These essay questions will cover the material as presented in class discussions as well as in the readings assigned. All essays are to be typed, spell-checked and grammar checked, well written with a logical flow of thought. Submit double-spaced with 1" margins, and prepared in the APA format. Papers should be in 12-pitch font, using Times Roman. Indent paragraphs five spaces to indicate a new paragraph. Please include a title page in APA format on all papers so that the instructor can identify the student, assignment, and course number. The Title Page, Abstract, Table of Contents, or Bibliography will not count toward the required number of content pages. The Bibliography must contain at least four references. One reference will be the course text. The other references can be other scholarly books and/or journals.

The student will write an essay that elicits the breadth of knowledge of this each course unit. It will include a statement of your position that demonstrates a critical analysis of important concepts and theories of the course unit. Each paper will be 6-8 pages in length. Once again the Title Page, Abstract, Table of Contents, or Bibliography will not count toward the required number of content pages.

2.The third examination will be the final in which this will be a proctored exam consisting of five essays questions. Each question has a minimum of three hundred words to be written. This will be an open book and open note exam.

3. The essays will not be cumulative.

In the space below type, I understand and agree to abide by exam information above.

IV. GRADES

The total or final grades will be based on the following criteria. 33.3% of the students’ grade will be based on the two essays and the final exam. And 33.3% of students’ grade will be based on daily participation and presentations in the class discussions. And lastly, 33.3% on the chapter summaries.

I will only accept late written essay assignments but this does not apply to the final essay. Late work will not receive full credit. Work turned in late cannot receive any grade higher than a C. I will not accept any written essay assignment later than three days. There will be no makeup assignments or extra credit assignments. I will not accept a late chapter summaries or responses to the Discussion Questions.

V. ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONS:

It is your responsibility to email and/or call the instructor if you have any problems or if you do not understand the syllabus.

Instructor: temerick@bcconline.com

temerick@bcconline.com

Home/Office: 818-624-1038

If you have questions please send all e-mails with the subject "Comparative Religions", Indicate the college your attending, your full name and a telephone number by where you can be reached. It will be necessary for the student explain the problem, etc. If you do not get a response in 48 hours please call the number listed on the syllabus and leave your phone number.

Also the first posting at the top of the discussion page within the lesson is the instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this each week so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications.

Class Discussion Questions On-Line Requirements

Each week you will be assigned discussion questions. The instructor usually posts at least two to three discussion questions per week. The student must answer all questions posed by the instructor as well as at least two fellow students per week. Your answers to the discussion questions must be posted on the discussion page for the specific question. Your responses should be a minimum of three paragraphs and no longer than five paragraphs. They should reflect critical thinking and evaluation of the issues presented.

Chapter Summaries

Each week you will be responsible for preparing a summary for each chapter assigned for the week. The summary should reflect the main points of the readings and demonstrated an understanding of the main concepts. The summaries should be a minimum of three paragraphs and no longer than five paragraphs in length. The summaries must be sent via e-mail to Dr. Emerick at temerick@bcconline.com. Be sure to state your full name, college attending, course number and title of the class. And in the subject box of the e-mail state "chapter summary".

LIST OF WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS

Week One

Assignment: Read Chapters 1, & 2, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summaries for chapters 1 & 2 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Two

Assignment: Read chapter 3, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapter 3 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Please pick one of the following three questions and write your 1^st essay.

How does religious belief reinforce the importance of community? Are there times when it does not?

What role does human experience play in the development of religious belief?

In what ways is the relationship between the natural environments and indigenous cultures a sacred one?

Submit 1^st essay to Dr. Emerick at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Three

Assignment: Read chapters 4 & 5, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapter 4 & 5 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Four

Assignment: Read chapter 6, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapter 4 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Five

Assignment: Read chapters 7 & 8, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapters 7 & 8 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Please pick one of the following three questions and write your 2^nd essay.

1. What are the differences between the four paths of yoga? And relate the four paths of yoga to other philosophical or religious traditions?

2. How do Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto demonstrate a reverence for nature?

3. Pick one of the contemporary manifestations of Eastern religions and describe its origin, beliefs, practices, and present activities and influences.

Submit 2^nd essay to Dr. Emerick at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Six

Assignment: Read chapter 9, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapter 9 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Seven

Assignment: Read chapters 10 & 11, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapters 10 & 11 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Eight

Assignment: Read chapter 12, and participate in all class discussions and answer the discussion question. You must respond to my discussion questions and at least two other students in regards to their comments on the discussion questions. Prepare and submit chapter summary for chapter 12 and e-mail them to me at; temerick@bcconline.com.

Week Nine

The final exam will be a proctored exam in which consists of five essays questions. You will need to write at least three hundred words per essay. This will be an open book exam. You will have two hours to complete the exam.

Possible Discussion Questions for Assigned Readings

Week 1: What are the basic characteristics or elements of religion?

Week 2: Can you relate the four paths of yoga to other philosophical or religious traditions?

Week 3: How can Buddhism be described as a way of liberation?

Week 4: How do the rituals and practices of Taoism reflect its basic beliefs?

Week 5: How does Confucianism differ from Taoism?

Week 6: How is Christianity a continuation of the Judaism? It is a break from Judaism?

Week 7: What role does the Qur’an play in the development of Islamic faith and society?

Week 8: How has the idea of the sacred or holy created conflict between these three Western religious traditions?

ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONS:

YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS SYLLABUS IF YOU INTEND TO TAKE THE COURSE!

It is your responsibility to make sure the instructor has the all the contact information stated at the top of this syllabus by the start of classes!! It is your responsibility to email the instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus.

It is your responsibility to confirm your enrollment either via the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/ or by calling (760)252-2411 x7236 if you are having problems accessing the course material. After you have confirmed your enrollment go to http://www.bcconline.com/orient/ and read the password link. Following this procedure will ensure you are helped in the fastest manner possible.

By enrolling for this class, the assumption is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email etiquette and to post to the discussions.

When emailing your instructor: temerick@bcconline.com include your full name. Send all email with the name of the course in the subject line and Lesson No. or the words: problem, question or comment. Many times I receive email with no name in the body of the email. Sign all email with your name as registered at school, or else you will not receive a reply and your assignment will not be graded.

You must explain the problem in the subject line, i.e., PHIL 5/RLGS 10, Research 1 -- no research available. Email without an appropriate subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current high incidence of viruses and unsolicited email I automatically delete all email without appropriate subject lines.'

Remember I do not answer email on the weekends, so 48 hours response time do not include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the subject line is sent on Monday through Thursday you can expect a response within 24-48 hours. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the subject line is sent on the weekends there will be a longer turnaround time, but the email will be answered by Tuesday of the following week.

Email assignments will have a one week turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one week turnaround time period. Receiving graded assignments or answers to your questions before the above stated timelines have passed do not guarantee that you will receive replies that quickly in the future.

Online classes are NOT conducted via instantaneous transmission. Just as I am giving you a SEVEN day period to complete your work, I am to be given SEVEN days to reply to your assignments. In addition, the above stated timelines apply to ALL students and ALL responses to your questions and concerns.

I appreciate your understanding of the above stated timelines and will respond to ALL questions and concerns about this class within the timeframes stated above.

A posting place at the top of the discussion page indicates the instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this each week so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications; remember that sometimes no instructor posting will have been made. Students are not to post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a concern with your class please email me your question. It is not appropriate for students to post their concerns in the instructor's posting area. Students who post in the instructor's posting area will receive a warning and their posting will be deleted unanswered. Students who ignore the warning and post again to the instructor's posting area will be dropped from the class.

At the conclusion of the class students may find out their grades by calling (760) 252-6868 (local or out of state) and (877) 336-6868 (toll free within California). You may also find out your grade by going on the Internet at http://bcregweb.barstow.edu/. I do not email or post student grades and will not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course.

In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the online instructions written above.

Disability Statement:

If you have a disability which may impact your success in this course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS) to arrange any reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The OSS department can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing oss@bcconline.com.

In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS department.

After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and send it via email to temerick@barstow.edu and temerick@bcconline.com.