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REL 232: Religions of the World II (3 Credits)
Overview

In this course, you will learn the general history, basic teachings and important practices and values of the major Western religions of the world. These religions will include: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (yes, Islam is considered a Western religion).

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!
  • REL 231 is not a prerequisite for this course. You may take any religion course in any order, alone or concurrently.

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 terminologies such as Tanakh, covenant, Torah, Bar mitzvah, diaspora, prophets, Talmud, Gospels, Christ, Trinity, atonement, salvation, sacrament, resurrection, Quran, Hadith, Tawhid, jihad, Sunnis, Shiites, Shari’ah, Five Pillars of Islam, etc.
  • Explain the role great religious founders have filled in human history
  • Summarize the history, teachings, organization and practices of the religions studied
  • Interpret some of the sacred writings and mythic imagery of Western religions
  • Compare and contrast recurring themes in the religions studied such as teachings, mysticism, scripture and tradition, religious leadership, worship and ritual, ethics, etc.
  • 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 exams (3 short response essay exams) 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
Four 500 word personal reflections essays
200
20%
Religion Basics worksheet
50
5%
Q&A discussion
100
10%
10 quizzes (points vary per quiz, 100 points total)
100
10%
Three exams (100 points each)
300
30%
Encounter & Dialogue (field research)
100
10%
Argumentative essay
100
10%

Other assignments:

  • Zoroastrianism (15 points)
  • Baha'i quiz (15 points)
  • Discussion (New Religious Movements) (20 points)

 

50
5%
Total
1000
100%

A fourth, optional exam may be done, thus allowing your lowest exam grade to be dropped. If the optional exam grade is higher than one of the essay exams, this can help you pass the course and/or boost your final course grade up a level (in case of an otherwise borderline grade).

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
 

  • Three exams will each consist of a series of short response essay questions:
    • Exam I will cover Judaism
    • Exam II will cover Christianity
    • Exam III will cover Islam
  • 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.
  • An optional final exam will consist of objective questions (multiple choice, matching, and true-false) covering all three religions. Doing this exam will allow your lowest exam grade to be dropped.
Exams and reflection papers for each religion must be completed before you will be able to move on to the next unit of study. 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