Mesa Community College: Internet

REL243 World Religions section 39274 Spring 2010

Instructor: Judy Christensen; 480-461-7661. BPO-10 at Southern & Dobson

Use WebCT email (preferred) or christensen@mesacc.edu

Textbook: Living Religions: A Brief Introduction, 2nd Edition. Fisher, Mary Pat.

Prentice Hall/paper ISBN- 0205784763

Important: this textbook is packaged with a "myreligionkit" code. You must have both!

Make certain you do not purchase the book without the code.

Course Description:

This course will introduce you to a variety of religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and New Religions. "Introduce" because although you will feel overwhelmed sometimes by new and puzzling subject matter, this is a survey course. It's a start. Fortunately, learning about religions is quite a lot of fun!

Course Game Plan:

Each week you will listen to an audio discussion and post your thoughts on our discussion room. It's your link to your classmates.

Every two weeks or so you will complete a chapter (6 in all). There are very helpful exercises connected with the textbook web site - "my religion kit." All your assessment tests will be based on questions in the multiple choice/matching/pattern sections found with each chapter in "my religion kit."

The first week of each new religion we study will conclude with an assessment. Extra credit (3 points) for scoring 85% or above on the myreligionkit (must be done before you take the assessment). Good news, you can take them over and over until you get the score you need:)

The second week of each new religion we study will conclude with your assignment: write an essay. I will supply the topic. The essay will be based on the "Destinations" section in "myreligionkit."

Do these steps. Finish the course. Be happy.

Grades:

1. WebCt discussion: not graded. 10 points awarded per week. You may do ANY 10 of 14 offered. They have open/due dates. 100 points are the maximum.

2. Chapter 1 - Religious Responses

You will be awarded 25 points upon completion (85% or more) of the matching/mc/patterns in "myreligionkit." The exercise is available until Monday, Feruary 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM.

3. Assessment quizzes

6 quizzes @ 25 points each (3 extra credit points per unit for scoring 85% or better on "myreligionkit" matching/mc/patterns BEFORE you take the assessment quiz. It will help you learn better and faster!

4. Assignments

6 essays based on "Destinations" @ 25 points each. I will supply the topic.

5. Discretionary Points

Up to 25 points awarded by the instructor for quality of responses on Discussion Room. Plan to be fully engaged with your classmates.

Grand total

A=405-450 pts; B=360-404 pts; C=315-359 pts; D=270-314 pts. F=below.

Attendance:

"Being here" matters. College policy dictates that you may be dropped from a class for too many absences. Monday nights are when vairious things are due by 11:59 PM. After two weeks in a row without hearing from you, you will be dropped.

NOTE: be certain to check the dates for all your courses concerning the last day to withdraw AND receive a refund. Do not count on the purge!

Official Statement of Approach:

The Philosophy & Religious Studies Department at MCC offers courses in religious studies, as distinguished from religious education. Whereas religious education seeks to strengthen a person in his/her particular tradition, religious studies seek a perspective from outside all traditions in pursuit of an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions of various traditions. While the beliefs of religions are taught in our classes,our instructors do not evaluate the truths claims of these traditions, nor do we privilege or denigrate any particular religion.

Student Responsibilities:

The syllabus is our contract for this course. You are responsible for knowing the information in the syllabus. You are accountable for knowing the college policies included in the college catalog and the student handbooks. These policies inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a student.

Do NOT engage in any form of cheating (copying, lying, plagiarism, dishonesty, etc.) Do your own work. Do not do anyone else's work. If you have questions, consult the catalog or student handbook. Cheating = zero pts for the assignment.

Student Disabilities:

If you have, or think you might have disabilities, including learning disabilities, you may receive help and support from the Disabilities Resource Services. The DRS is located on the Southern and Dobson campus east of the Kirk Student Center. Call: 480-461-7447. Open M-Th from 8 am-8pm and Fridays from 8am-5pm.Your instructor will gladly assist you in any way she can. I'm here to help!

EARS:

Mesa Community College is committed to the success of all our students. Numerous campus support services are available throughout your academic journey to assist you in achieving your educational goals. MCC has adopted an Early Alert Referral System (EARS) as part of a student success initiative to aid students in their educational pursuits. Faculty and Staff participate by alerting and referring students to campus services for added support. Students may receive a follow up call from various campus services as a result of being referred to EARS. Students are encouraged to participate, but these services are optional. Early Alert Web Page with Campus Resource Information can be located at: http://www.mesacc.edu/students/ears

Lastly:

Your instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus, etc. The instructor will notify students of any changes in course requirements or policies.