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REL 231: Religions of the World I (3 Credits)
Overview

In this course, you will learn the general history, basic teachings and important practices and values of the major Eastern religions of the world. These religions will include: Hinduism and other Indian religions such as Jainism and Sikhism, Buddhism, Chinese traditions of Taoism and Confucianism, and the indigenous Japanese tradition of Shinto.

You will learn by...

  • Reading texts and online lecture notes from your mentor
  • Watching videos
  • Doing field research
  • Exploring pertinent Websites
  • Discussing issues with your classmates and mentor (through use of an online discussion board)

In the process, you will engage with...

  • the content
  • your mentor
  • your fellow classmates
  • real people in the real world
  • and yourself

What you learn in this course will benefit you by...

  • Expanding your awareness of the diversity of religion in the world and in your own backyard
  • Eliminating stereotypes and misconceptions you may have
  • Helping you to develop a mature respect for the religions of others
  • And perhaps even by introducing you to some new ideas and practices that may be of personal value to you in your own spiritual life
Prerequisite:

There are no formal prerequisites for this course, but...

  • It is presumed that the student will have college-level English language reading and writing skills. This will be important since the instruction will be delivered through written media and require a lot of reading and writing on the part of the student.
  • Being an online course, the student should also be familiar with and able to use Internet browsing, online discussion board, e-mail communication and basic computer literacy skills. Regular and reliable access to a computer and the internet is as much a requirement as having the textbook!

If you feel you lack any of these skills, if you have not tested into ENG 111 and (if applicable) passed ESL testing please consult with your academic advisor regarding remedial coursework you may need to complete before attempting this online course. (Information on placement testing available on the NVCC website)

Note: This course does require a self-scheduled field research experience at a local place of worship for a religion other than your own. If you have concerns about this, you may contact the instructor.

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Objectives
 

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

  • Distinguish terms such as metaphysics, asceticism, yoga, ahimsa, monism, dharma, karma, etc.
  • Recognize the ideological similarities and historical relationships among the different religions studied Identify recurring themes in the world's religions: mysticism, loving devotion, obedience and law, the golden rule
  • Discuss some of the sacred writings and mythical imagery of Indian and Asian religions
  • Use methods of criticism in the study of religion
  • Witness to the role great religious founders have filled in human history
  • Appreciate the distinctive genius of each great religion studied
  • Display a mature respect for the religions of others
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Materials
 

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Grading
 

Grading is on a scale of 1000 points. Your final grade will be based on the following scale:

Grade Points Percentage
A 900-1000 90-100%
B 800-899 80-89%
C 700-799 70-79%
D 600-699 60-69%
F less than 600 less than 60%

Please note that you must get a passing average across all exams (2 objective, 2 essay) to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments. This means the total of all exam grade points must be at least 240 (a low "D") out of a possible 400 points. Completing only the exams will not earn you enough credit to pass the course.

Based on the following assignments:


Assignment

Points

Percentage
of Grade

Five 500 word personal reflection essays

250

25%

Religious Scavenger hunt

50

5%

Q&A Discussion

100

10%

Primary Text discussion

100

10%

Four exams (100 points each):
2 short response essay exams
2 objective exams (midterm and final)

400

40%

Encounter & Dialogue (field research)

100

10%

Totals:

1000

100%

16, 12, and 8 week long sections offered. The 16 week section also allows for an eight week option. Should you want or need to finish the course early, simply complete the weekly assignments at double pace (a rate of two per week, instead of one).

The easiest way to fail the course is to fail to compete enough assignments to earn at least 600 points. Assignments that are submitted will get at least half credit, just for the effort. Assignments that are not submitted will receive a zero, which will severely eat into your point totals. Your final course grade can easily be reduced by an entire letter grade (or more) if you fail to complete one or more assignments.

Requests for alternative timing of assignment submission should be discussed with your mentor.

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Exams
 

There are four online exams in this course.

  1. Essay exam on Hinduism
  2. Midterm exam on the first half of the course content
  3. Essay exam on Buddhism
  4. Final exam on the second half of the course content
  • The essay exams consist of a series of short response questions, and give you a choice to respond to any 5 out of 10 topics. These will test your familiarity with some of the most important terms and concepts associated with each religion being tested.
  • Midterm and final exams consist of objective questions (multiple choice, matching, and true-false) covering all three religions.

Your first two exams must be completed before you will be able to move on to the second half of the course material.

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ELI Policies and Procedures
 
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Beginning the Course
 

Last Updated: January 4, 2013