Original Web Document: http://www.stlcc.cc.mo.us/fv/users/mfuller/syllabus/worldreligion.html


Professor Michael J. Fuller
Philosophy 103:
WORLD RELIGIONS

Instructor

Michael J. Fuller, mfuller@artsci.wustl.edu

Institution

St. Louis Community College

Course Level and Type

Introductory

Enrolment and Last Year Taught

Approximately 150 students, last taught 1999

Pedagogical Reflections

I don't have a supertight schedule of chapters and quizzes because that ties my hands in terms of taking advantage of quest speakers or unique opportunities. My basic approach is 2 weeks for theory, 2 weeks for Africa, 2 weeks for New World religions, 2 weeks of Judaism, 2 weeks for Orthodox and Catholic, 2 weeks for Protestant, 2 weeks for Islam, 2 weeks for Buddhism. I do have many video handouts because a video is shown once every 2 weeks. These are not a prepackaged set, but a selection of my favorites (Saints and Spirits, Hopi, Jews of Djerba, Mary Baker Eddy, Living Islam, etc.).


Purpose of the Course: An orientation course, examining the nature and function of religion in human experience and culture, and an introduction to the history, content, and present status of selected world religions, such as Traditional African religions, Traditional Native American religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Required Textbook:

Scupin, Raymond  (Editor)

	2000	Religion and Culture.  Prentice Hall Publishers 

****Note: This textbook will be used in Spring 2000 and you can resell it to the college bookstore at the end of the semester.

Objectives:

1. We will use textbook readings, lectures, discussions, films, and student reports to survey the range of human behaviors that have been classified as religion.

2. One person's religion can easily be viewed by a non-believer as myth or silly superstition. We will try not to pass judgment on the merits of the religions that we examine.

3. It is important to realize that no religion is static. Changes in technology and social structure constantly pressure religions to adapt. We will examine instances of such adaptation.

The hunter and the hunted alike call on God.
Tunisian Proverb

Course Requirements:

A series of 8 quizzes will be given during the span of the semester. Each quiz will include information contained in the textbook, lectures, and films. The list of quiz questions will be handed out in advance. The last quiz will be given during the final examination week; it will not be comprehensive. The combination of the quizzes will count for 70% of your grade. I will drop your lowest quiz score. Make up quizzes are possible. You are permitted to have handwritten notes or typewritten notes with you during a quiz, but the use of photocopies or any printed book is absolutely disallowed.

YOU MUST USE A BLUE BOOK TO WRITE THE QUIZ ANSWERS!!!!

How do I do well on an essay quiz?

2. You will be required to produce a term paper on the topic of religious landmarks in St. Louis. The paper comprises 30% of your grade.

Due date: first class meeting in December.

3. You attendance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but I do not penalize you for being absent. You will discover that each absence is a severe handicap in terms of answering the questions on my examinations!

4. The ACCESS OFFICE - disAbility Support Services has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, counsel and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through the ACCESS OFFICE and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment to see me as soon as possible to discuss you approved accommodation needs. Bring your Instructor Notification Memo provided by the ACCESS OFFICE to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

5. An Honors Contract can be developed for this class if your GPA is 3.5 or higher. Please contact the Honors Coordinator (Mary Seeger at 595-4461) for more information.

6. Do the assigned readings from the textbook. It will require your quiet, concentrated attention. Yes, you may have to look up some new words.

7. All class presentations will be videotaped and can be reviewed in the college library.

8. Begin preparing for the examination on the first day of class by disciplining yourself to master the material every step of the way. By the time the exams come, you will be ready - and confident. That feeling of confidence is one of the major buffers of stress.

9. Make a friend in the class who you can telephone and study with during the week before the examination. 10. See me if your are having problems with the course.

11. HOSE ME DOWN AND I WILL FAIL YOU.
Translation: you will be given a failing grade if you cheat on a test, cheat on the paper, or act in an uncivil manner.

CAN I GET SOME SAND UNDER MY FINGERNAILS and EXPLORE ANCIENT RELIGIONS???
OR
CAN I SEE ANCIENT SITES WITHOUT GETTING SAND UNDER MY FINGERNAILS????

Balance each hour given in this world with an hour given to the next.
Arabic Proverb