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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:

  • Identify and define relevant terminology such as asceticism, dharma, karma, samsara, moksha, nirvana, yoga, ahimsa, guru, bodhisattva, lama, Dao, wu wei, kami, khalsa, filial piety, ren/jen, etc.
  • Explain the role great religious founders have filled in human history
  • Summarize the origins, teachings, organization and practices of the religions studied
  • Interpret some of the sacred writings and mythic imagery of Indian and East Asian religions
  • Compare and contrast recurring themes in the religions studied such as: mysticism, loving devotion, reincarnation, ultimate liberation
  • Discuss the historical connections among the religions studied
  • Analyze the complex relations between religion and society/culture in various historical and contemporary contexts
  • Respectfully experience and discuss previously unfamiliar religious events/communities

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Materials
 

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Grading
 

Please note that you must get a passing average across all proctored 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 180 (a low "D") out of a possible 300 points. Completing only the exams will not earn you enough credit to pass the course.

Point distribution for individual assignments:

Assignment
Points
Percentage of Grade

Five 500 word personal reflection essays

250
25%
Religion Basics Worksheet
50
5%
Q&A Discussion
100
10%
Primary Text Discussion
100
10%
11 quizzes (points vary per quiz, 100 points total)
100
10%

Four exams:

2 short response essay exams (100 points each)

2 objective exams (midterm and final (50 points each)

300
30%
Econounter & Dialogue (field research)
100
10%
Total
1000
100%

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

Grading Scale
A
900-1000
90-100
B
800-899
80-89
C
700-799
70-79
D
600-699
60-69
F
0-599
0-59
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Exams
 

There are four proctored exams in this course. The exams are online and are to be taken in the testing center. You may take the exams whenever you are ready for them, you need not get my permission. All exams are closed book/no notes.

Midterm and final exams consist of objective questions (multiple choice, matching, and true-false). This course allows students to use ProctorU to take exams.

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ELI Policies and Procedures
 
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Beginning the Course