2400 NEW YORK AVE. ! WHITING, IN 46394 ! TEL. 219-473-7770 ! 773-721-0202 ! FAX 219-473-4259

         

COURSE  SYLLABUS    Term:    Fall,  2015  

Course:    Introduction  to  Religious  Studies    

Instructor  Information:  Instructor  Name   Dr. Joan Crist Office  Number:   513 Phone  Number:   (219) 473-4304 (office); (219) 932-2706 (home—you are welcome to call in the

evenings or on weekends before 10 pm. If I cannot answer, please leave a message with a call-back number, since we do not have caller ID.)

Email:   jcrist@ccsj.edu Hours  Available:   Please see the schedule posted by my office door and in Blackboard. Instructor  Background:  B.A.,  Classics,  St.  John’s  College,  Annapolis,  MD;    M.A.,  Ph.D.,  Theology,  University  of  Notre  Dame,  IN.      Coach  and  advisor,  Rowing  club.    Program  director,  Philosophy  and  Religious  Studies.    I  have  been  involved  in  various  ways  in  interfaith  dialogue  and  service  projects  since  2004.  

Course  Information:  

Course  Time:   Monday/Wednesday 1:45 – 3:15

Classroom:   TBA Prerequisites:       RLST 110; EWPC 103; EPWC 150. Required  Books  and  Materials:    

John Bowker, World Religions. You will also need a binder for notes, assignments, and handouts, with looseleaf paper. Use of Blackboard online is also required.

Learning  Outcomes/  Competencies:  As a result of this course, students will be able… • To speak, read, and write critically about religion, faith, belief, and theology. • To explain what religion is and whether it is important in today’s society. • To describe the history, beliefs, morals, and ways of worship of major world religions. • To search for your own religious roots in a more mature, reasoned manner. • To interpret the Bible and to become familiar with it. • To explain why Christians believe that Jesus Christ is unique. • To discuss major themes of theology, particularly Revelation, Christ, the Trinity, and the history of

theology. Course  Description:  In this course, students seek what is true and holy in the world’s great religious traditions through encounter with diverse faith communities, with critical and constructive reflection on their history, beliefs, morals, and ways of worship. These diverse traditions are brought into dialogue with Catholic theology and with the students’ own religious roots or philosophical views. A visit to a faith community is a requirement of this course. The Signature oral exam and writing assignment are requirements of this course. Learning  Strategies:    Reading, research, presentations, discussion, journal writing, embodied activities, Blackboard assignments

2

and quizzes, field trip. Experiential  Learning  Opportunities:    Case  studies  and  field  trip           Assessments:    Your final grade will be the cumulative total of points for assignments and assessments in these areas, explained in detail below, pages…….. Grades will be posted in Blackboard weekly. Major  Assignments:  

1. Research reports: 25 points each. 2. Participation in discussion, activities, and review sessions: points vary. 3. Writing assignments: point values vary. 4. Blackboard quizzes: point values vary. 5. Review tool meeting: 10 points, prerequisite for the midterm exam. 6. Oral midterm exam & evaluation: 45 points, prerequisite for the oral final. 7. Faith Community visit and paper: 50 points 8. Final Essay exam—Signature Assignment: 26 points. You must write a sufficient final essay during class time in order to pass the course. An insufficient paper will result in a failing grade for the course. A sufficient essay that does not meet Signature Assignment writing skill scores will result in a grade of Incomplete for the course. 9. Oral final exam—Signature Assignment: 70 points. You must pass the oral final exam in order to pass the course, achieving a score of 52 points (75%) or higher. If you fail the exam, you fail the course. A passing exam that does not meet Signature Assignment oral communication or critical thinking scores will result in a grade of Incomplete for the course. 10. Post-test: to be taken in Blackboard in the Student Success Center during exam week. Failure to take the post-test will result in a grade of Incomplete.

 

Class  Participation   Every  class  day  offers  opportunities  to  get  involved  in  conversation  or  physical  activities.    I  (the  instructor)  take  detailed  notes  during  these  sessions  and  base  your  grade  for  the  day  on  my  notes.    Your  grade  for  review  sessions  will  be  self-­‐  and  peer-­‐assessed.    Please  feel  welcome  to  talk  with  me  about  this  if  you  have  questions  or  concerns.  

 

Signature  Assignments    

This General Education class will help you to prepare for CCSJ’s Signature Assignments, a common written and oral project that students complete in Social Justice as freshmen, Religious Studies as sophomores, and Philosophy as juniors. Signature Assignments are assessed for written communications, oral communications, and critical thinking. You must meet required scores in Religious Studies to move ahead to Philosophy, and in Philosophy to complete your General Education program.

 

     

3

Schedule: Group 1 If a class must be canceled, expect to have an online assignment. The schedule will be rearranged and

posted to Blackboard. Faith community visit opportunities will be announced as they arise.

Date Blackboard deadlines in italics

Topic Assignment to be completed before class or by the deadline listed.

Mon., Aug. 31 Who are we and why are we here?

Wed., Sept. 2 Religion: Why Bother? Discussion. Two methods. Lecture and journal.

Read the syllabus: bring any questions you have to class. Sign and turn in the video release form. Read “Religion, Why Bother?” and come to class with an open mind, ready to share your thoughts and listen to others. Bring a binder to class with looseleaf paper in it, and 6 dividers.

Sun., Sept. 6, 7:00 pm

Personal experience essay due in Blackboard, under “assignments.” In class, we will be sharing the experiences we write about in these essays. See Blackboard for guidelines.

Mon., Sept. 7 Labor Day Take the “Pre-test” in Blackboard: your score does not affect your grade.

Wed., Sept. 9 As Society, So Religion: the Sociological Method Organize groups 1 and 2

Read the chapter from William Paden. View the video “lecture” in Blackboard. Take the online quiz in Blackboard. Post a unique response to one of the discussion questions in Blackboard. Bring a totem to class (this will make sense when you do the reading!). Write a brief expository paragraph explaining why your object is a totem and bring this to class.

Sun., Sept. 13, 7:00 pm

Read Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on the Relationship of the Church with non-Christian religions: use the link in Blackboard. Post a unique response to one of the discussion questions in Blackboard.

Mon., Sept. 14 Rosh Hashanah

The Human Search for Meaning: the Theological Method.

Come to class prepared for an in-class written quiz on Nostra Aetate. Come to class prepared to share some of the ideas from your personal experience essay.

Wed., Sept. 16 How to do a research report All: read the “Native Religions” chapter in the textbook, pages 198 to the end. Also read the supplementary article posted in Blackboard

Sun., Sept. 20, 7:00 pm

Final versions of Indigenous Religions research report slides due in Blackboard, one for each team.

4

Mon., Sept. 21 Indigenous Religions Take the quiz in Blackboard over the “Native Religions” chapter and reading. Come prepared to give your reports. Come prepared to discuss the readings and to ask questions.

Wed., Sept. 23 Yom Kippur

Fun activity, room TBA Dress comfortably. Let me know ahead of time if you cannot eat pizza.

Sun., Sept. 27, 7:00pm

Use this time to work ahead on future deadlines. Post drafts of your Hinduism slides and get feedback.

Mon., Sept. 28 Exam review Together, go over what you have learned about Indigenous Religious. Individually, create a review tool that will work for you. Assess your and your colleagues’ contributions to this session.

Design a review tool for yourself and bring needed materials to class. Take a learning styles survey if needed. You may retake the quiz for a higher average score (but only if you took it by the original deadline).

Wed., Sept. 30 Day off—use it to work ahead on assignments. Remember to schedule your review tool meeting.

Sun., Oct. 4, 7:00 pm, Feast of St. Francis

Hinduism research report slides due in Blackboard.

Mon., Oct. 5 Hinduism All: read the chapter on Hinduism in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Wed., Oct. 7 Fun activity IMPORTANT: Dress in sweats or comfortable work-out clothes.

Sun., Oct. 11, 7:00 pm

Buddhism research report slides due in Blackboard.

Mon., Oct. 12 Exam review Wed., Oct. 14 Buddhism

All: read the chapter on Buddhism in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Mon., Oct. 19 Exam review Week of Oct. 19 MIDTERM EXAMS and

midterm paper writing Sign up for a time to take your mid-term exam and keep your appointment. Work on your mid-term paper.

Friday, Oct. 23 Midterm paper due: see Blackboard for guidelines

Mon., Oct. 26 Fun Activity

IMPORTANT: bring something to sit on that will elevate you about a foot off the floor, such as a bookbag stuffed with books, or a very

5

thick rolled up sleeping bag. Dress comfortably in sweats and be prepared to take your shoes off.

Wed., Oct. 28 Day off—use it to work ahead Sun., Nov. 1, 7:00 pm, All Saints Day

Judaism research report slide due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 2 Judaism All: read the chapter on Judaism in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. BRING A BIBLE to class. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Wed., Nov. 4 Fun activity

Sun., Nov 8, 7:00 pm

Christianity research report slides due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 9 Exam review – start practicing for the final

Wed., Nov. 11 Christianity All: read the chapter on Christianity in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions. BRING A BIBLE TO CLASS. Any version of your choosing.

Mon., Nov. 16 Fun activity

You may need to come dressed formally.

Wed., Nov. 18 Exam review Sun., Nov. 22, 7:00 pm

Islam research report slides due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 23 Islam All: read the chapter on Christianity in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Wed., Nov. 25 Fun activity Sun., Nov. 29, 7:00 pm

Midterm exam transcript and evaluation due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 30 Exam review Wed., Dec. 2 Final essay exam—Signature

Assignment. Room TBA. Your writing will be assessed by English program faculty for writing skill achievement.

Bring all your notes and journal entries; you will need them to write your essay.

Exam Week Oral exams Take the post-test in Blackboard in the Student Success Center.

Sign up for a time to take your oral final exams, and keep your commitment. See guidelines below.

6

 Schedule: Group 2

If a class must be canceled, expect to have an online assignment. The schedule will be rearranged and posted to Blackboard.

Field trip opportunities will be announced as they arise.

Date Blackboard deadlines in italics

Topic Assignment to be completed before class or by the deadline listed.

Mon., Aug. 31 Who are we and what are we doing here?

Wed., Sept. 2 Religion: Why Bother? Discussion. Two methods. Lecture and journal.

Read the syllabus: bring any questions you have to class. Sign and turn in the video release form. Read “Religion, Why Bother?” and come to class with an open mind, ready to share your thoughts and listen to others. Bring a binder to class with looseleaf paper in it, and 6 dividers.

Sun., Sept. 6, 7:00 pm

Personal experience essay due in Blackboard, under “assignments.” In class, we will be sharing the experiences we write about in these essays. See Blackboard for guidelines.

Mon., Sept. 7 Labor Day Take the “Pre-test” in Blackboard: your score does not affect your grade.

Wed., Sept. 9 As Society, So Religion: the Sociological Method Organize groups 1 and 2.

Read the chapter from William Paden. View the video “lecture” in Blackboard. Take the online quiz in Blackboard. Post a unique response to one of the discussion questions in Blackboard. Bring a totem to class (this will make sense when you do the reading!). Write a brief expository paragraph explaining why your object is a totem and bring this to class.

Sun., Sept. 13, 7:00 pm

Read Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on the Relationship of the Church with non-Christian religions: use the link in Blackboard. Post a unique response to one of the discussion questions in Blackboard.

Mon., Sept. 14 Rosh Hashanah

The Human Search for Meaning: the Theological Method.

Come to class prepared for an in-class written quiz on Nostra Aetate. Come to class prepared to share some of the ideas from your personal experience essay.

Wed., Sept. 16 How to do a research report All: read the “Native Religions” chapter in the textbook, pages 198 to the end. Also read the supplementary article posted in Blackboard.

Sun., Sept. 20, Final versions of Indigenous Religions research

7

7:00 pm report slides due in Blackboard, one for each team.

Mon., Sept. 21 Indigenous Religions Take the quiz in Blackboard over the “Native Religions” chapter and reading. Come prepared to give your reports. Come prepared to discuss the readings and to ask questions.

Wed., Sept. 23 Fun activity, room TBA Dress comfortably. Let me know ahead of time if you cannot eat pizza.

Sun., Sept. 27. Hinduism research report slide due in Blackboard.

Mon., Sept. 28 Exam review Together, go over what you have learned about Indigenous Religious. Individually, create a review tool that will work for you. Assess your and your colleagues’ contributions to this session.

Design a review tool for yourself and bring needed materials to class. You may retake the quiz for a higher average score (but only if you took it by the original deadline).

Wed., Sept. 30 Hinduism All: read the chapter on Hinduism in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Mon., Oct. 5 Exam review in your group Wed., Oct. 7 Fun activity IMPORTANT: Dress in sweats or comfortable

work-out clothes. Sun., Oct. 11, 7:00 pm

Buddhism research report slide due in Blackboard.

Mon., Oct. 12 Buddhism All: read the chapter on Buddhism in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Wed., Oct. 14 Exam review

Week of Oct. 19 MIDTERM EXAMS and midterm paper writing Sign up for a time to take your mid-term exam and keep your appointment. Work on your mid-term paper.

Sun., Oct. 25 Judaism research report slide due in Blackboard.

Mon., Oct. 26 Fun Activity

IMPORTANT: bring something to sit on that will elevate you about a foot off the floor, such as a bookbag stuffed with books, or a very thick rolled up sleeping bag. Dress comfortably in sweats and be prepared to take your shoes off.

Wed., Oct. 28 Judaism All: read the chapter on Judaism in the

8

textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. BRING A BIBLE to class. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Mon., Nov. 2 Exam review– start practicing for the final

Wed., Nov. 4 Fun activity Sun., Nov. 8, 7:00 pm

Christianity research report slides due in Blackboard. You must frame your report on one of the study questions posted in Blackboard!

Mon., Nov. 9 Christianity

All: read the chapter on Christianity in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions. BRING A BIBLE TO CLASS. Any version of your choosing.

Wed., Nov. 11 Exam review Sun., Nov. 15, 7:00 pm

Islam research report slides due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 16 Fun activity You may need to come dressed formally.

Wed., Nov. 18 Islam All: read the chapter on Islam in the textbook and the supplementary article in Blackboard. Take the quiz in Blackboard. Come prepared to give your report, to listen, and to ask questions.

Mon., Nov. 23 Exam review Wed.., Nov. 25 Fun activity Sun., Nov. 29, 7:00 pm

Midterm exam transcript and evaluation due in Blackboard.

Mon., Nov. 30 Day off – use it well. Wed., Dec. 2 Final essay exam—Signature

Assignment. Room TBA. Your writing will be assessed by English program faculty for writing skill achievement.

Bring all your notes and journal entries; you will need them to write your essay.

Exam Week Oral exams Take the post-test in Blackboard in the Student Success Center.

Sign up for a time to take your oral final exams, and keep your commitment. See guidelines below.

I  reserve  the  right  to  change  this  schedule  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  class.      

Responsibilities      Attending  Class    

You  cannot  succeed  in  this  class  if  you  do  not  attend.  We  believe  that  intellectual  growth  and  success  in  higher  education  occur  through  

9

interaction  in  the  classroom  and  laboratories.  However,  we  do  not  want  to  penalize  students  for  participating  in  college-­‐sponsored  events.  When  you  miss  class  because  of  a  college  event,  you  must  give  notice  of  your  absence  in  advance,  and  you  are  responsible  for  all  missed  work.  Being  absent  doesn’t  excuse  you  from  doing  class  work;  you  have  more  responsibilities  to  keep  up  and  meet  the  objectives  of  this  course.    

• You   need   to   be   on   time,   present   for   the  whole   class,   and   actively  involved  in  order  to  earn  full  credit  for  the  day’s  work.    

• You  may  take  two  excused  absences  for  any  personal  reason:  in  this  case   you  may  make   up  missed  work.     It   is   your   responsibility   to  organize   make-­‐up   sessions   if   needed,   and   to   record   the   sessions  outside   of   class.     You   may   take   additional   excused   absences   for  college-­‐sponsored  events,  such  as  athletics;  or  jury  duty;  or  military  service:   provide   official   notification.     You   may   take   one   excused  tardy.  

Turning  In  Your  Work    

You  cannot  succeed  in  this  class  if  you  do  not  turn  in  all  your  work  on  the  day  it  is  due.    Assignment  deadlines  are  firm.    Problems  with  technology  will  not  be  an  excuse  for  late  work.    If  you  are  having  a  technology  problem,  contact  me  well  in  advance  of  the  deadline  to  work  out  an  alternative  way  to  do  the  assignment.    If  you  have  any  medical  or  personal  issues  that  are  likely  to  affect  your  work,  talk  with  me.    The  standards  of  this  course  will  not  be  lowered  or  changed;  I  will  work  with  you  to  help  you  to  meet  them  to  the  best  of  your  ability.  You  are  responsible  for  tracking  your  grades.  

• Check  the  grades  on  returned  assignments  against  what  I  post  in  Blackboard,  and  be  aware  of  your  current  average.  

• If  you  have  a  question  about  a  grade,  ask.    The  best  time  is  right  at  the  end  of  class,  or  during  office  hours.  

• I  am  responsible  for  returning  graded  assignments  to  you  within  one  week.    If  I  get  behind,  class  will  be  canceled  until  I  am  caught  up.      

• If  you  make  up  missed  work,  you  are  responsible  for  making  sure  that  the  grades  are  entered  in  Blackboard.    If  you  see  a  discrepancy,  contact  me  to  see  that  it  gets  corrected.

Using  Electronic  Devices  

Turn  off  and  put  away  all  electronic  devices  for  the  duration  of  the  class  –  unless  you  are  the  primary  caregiver  of  a  dependent.    Do  not  use  them  during  class,  unless  there  is  a  discussion-­‐related  need:  in  this  case,  ask  permission.    Do  not  even  appear  to  be  using  them:  you  will  be  asked  to  leave  and  lose  points  from  your  grade.    If  there  is  a  true  emergency,  please  let  the  class  know  that  you  need  to  step  out.    I  reserve  the  right  to  make  a  judgment  call  about  your  grade  in  such  an  instance.      

Participating  in  Class   You  must  be  on  time,  stay  for  the  whole  class  and  speak  up  in  a  way  that  shows  you  have  done  the  assigned  reading.  If  you  are  not  prepared  for  class  discussion,  you  may  be  asked  to  leave,  in  which  case  you  will  be  marked  absent.    

• Come  prepared,  having  done  the  work  for  the  day  and  bringing  needed  materials.  

• Use  body  language  that  shows  attention  and  respect:  sit  upright;  make  eye  contact  with  speakers.  

• Do  not  sleep  in  class,  or  appear  to  be  sleeping.  • Do  not  come  to  class  drunk  or  high.  • Do  not  hold  side  conversations  while  your  colleagues  are  

10

speaking.    • Dress  modestly  and  appropriately  for  a  formal  academic  setting,  

so  that  you  are  not  a  distraction  to  others  and  so  that  you  can  be  prepared  for  professional  life.  

• Show  respect:  religion  is  a  sensitive  issue.    Every  viewpoint  deserves  to  be  heard  and  honored.    When  you  talk  about  a  religion,  assume  that  someone  who  believes  in  it  is  listening.  

• When  you  are  meeting  without  the  instructor,  show  respect,  responsibility,  and  strong  collaboration  skills.  

Doing  Your  Own  Work      

If  you  turn  in  work  that  is  not  your  own,  you  are  subject  to  judicial  review,  and  these  procedures  can  be  found  in  the  College  Catalogue  and  the  Student  Planner.  The  maximum  penalty  for  any  form  of  academic  dishonesty  is  dismissal  from  the  College.    Using  standard  citation  guidelines,  such  as  MLA  or  APA  format,  to  document  sources  avoids  plagiarism.  The  Library  has  reference  copies  of  each  of  these  manuals,  and  there  are  brief  checklists  in  your  Student  Handbook  and  Planner.      PLEASE  NOTE:  All  papers  may  be  electronically  checked  for  plagiarism.    

Withdrawing  from  Class    

After  the  last  day  established  for  class  changes  has  passed  (see  the  College  calendar),  you  may  withdraw  from  a  course  by  following  the  policy  outlined  in  the  CCSJ  Course  Catalogue.  

 Resources  

Student  Success  Center:    

The  Student  Success  Center  provides  faculty  tutors  at  all  levels  to  help  you  master  specific  subjects  and  develop  effective  learning  skills.  It  is  open  to  all  students  at  no  charge.  You  can  contact  the  Student  Success  Center  at  219  473-­‐4287  or  stop  by  the  Library.  In  this  course,  you  may  be  required  to  use  the  SSC  for  certain  assignments  and  assessments.  

Disability  Services:    

Disability  Services  strives  to  meet  the  needs  of  all  students  by  providing  academic  services  in  accordance  with  Americans  with  Disabilities  Act  (ADA)  guidelines.  If  you  believe  that  you  need  a  “reasonable  accommodation”  because  of  a  disability,  contact  the  Disability  Services  Coordinator  at  219-­‐473-­‐4349.  

   CCSJ  Alerts:    

Required:  Calumet  College  of  St.  Joseph’s  emergency  communications  system  will  tell  you  about  emergencies,  weather-­‐related  closings,  or  other  incidents  via  text,  email,  or  voice  messages.  Please  sign  up  for  this  important  service  annually  on  the  College’s  website  at:  http://www.ccsj.edu/alerts/index.html.  In  addition,  you  can  check  other  media  for  important  information,  such  as  school  closings:    Internet:      http://www.ccsj.edu  Radio:  WAKE  –  1500  AM,  WGN  –  720  AM,  WIJE  –  105.5  FM,  WLS  –  890  AM,  WZVN  –  107.1  FM,  WBBM  NEWS  RADIO  78  TV  Channels:    2,  5,  7,  9,  32  

Assignments: detailed guidelines

11

If you have any medical, technology, or personal issues that are likely to affect your work, talk with me. These standards will not be lowered or changed; I will work with you to help you meet them to the best of your ability. 1. RESEARCH REPORTS Each time we study a religion, students will be responsible for brief presentations. Before class:

1. Read the textbook chapter and take the quiz. 2. Choose a topic within the chapter that is narrow yet significant, representing an aspect of

the religion’s history, beliefs, morals, or ways of worship. 3. Check Blackboard to make sure that no one else has chosen this topic! 4. Draft a single powerpoint slide outlining what the book says about this topic and post

this draft to the appropriate Blackboard discussion forum. Put your main idea in the subject line of the post. See Blackboard for template & example.

5. Research current news on this religion in the world or in your community. What does it mean in the lives of people today? If you know someone who believes in this religion, you may interview the person for your research. Add the results of your research to your slide

6. Revise your slide carefully to meet the guidelines below. See Blackboard for an example.

7. Post the revised slide back to Blackboard as a REPLY to your original post by the deadline. Late slides will not count: you will have a zero for the assignment.

8. PRACTICE giving your report. Plan to speak for about 5 minutes and then take questions. You will be the expert on your topic.

During class

• Present your slides to the class, speaking extemporaneously from your seat. Be conscious of time limits and how many people need to speak. Respond to questions from the teacher or students.

• Take notes on other people’s reports. Keep the notes in your binder. • Ask at least one question of a speaker. Participate in discussion. • If you miss class, you will earn points for your slide, but not for the report. If you will

miss class due to sports or other plans, do not sign up to give research reports on those days.

After class

• Study your notes in preparation for the final exam. • Study your feedback on your report to learn how to improve your report next time.

12

RESEARCH REPORT GUIDELINES Guidelines Points

possible Points earned, notes

SLIDE: SUMMARIZE your topic: A brief title communicates the main idea, a narrow but salient aspect of the religion’s history, beliefs, morals, or worship. No duplication.

1 After your second try, an incomplete slide will earn a score of zero.

Four to five bullet points on slide communicate accurate details related to main idea. Draw information from the book and from independent research --brief but informative. --Use correct English. --End points with periods. No duplication of content on prior slides.

5

Image or brief clip on one of the slides: creative but relevant; not clip art; helps listeners to understand information.

2

Caption fully describes the who, what, where, and when of the image.

2

A Reference cites the textbook in a standard format with page numbers.

2

A Reference cites the source/s of additional information with working link.

2

A Reference cites the source of the image, including the artist/photographer and working link.

2

Your Name on slide. (point off if not) REPORT You expand on the points in the slides by speaking extemporaneously, covering your topic thoroughly, and demonstrating memory of your information: you may refer to notes but not read.

5

You express a personal view on the topic, sociological or theological.

2

You respond knowledgeably or reflectively to at least one question.

2

DELIVERY Speak clearly and slowly enough to be heard.

1

Establish & maintain eye contact with all participants in the room.

1

*Speak in complete sentences. 1 Avoid fillers, such as “ah…” “you know” 2 Total 30

13

2. PARTICIPATION. Every class day offers opportunities to be actively involved. During discussion, ask at least one question of a speaker. During activities, take part to the best of your ability. These opportunities are graded assignments. If you are not fully involved in a class, you are losing points from your grade. 3. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS During class, you will write journal entries based on the reports, discussion, or activities held that day. The purpose of the journal is for you to:

1) Reflect on and to find meaning in what we are doing in class; 2) Strengthen the skills of practicing critical thinking; 3) Prepare for your final oral and essay exams.

What you write is confidential: I will not share it or ask you to share it without your permission. You will pick up your journal or folder at the beginning of each class, and hand it in at the end of each class. The assignment is due at the end of class: do not take it home. I will record your grades in it for each day.

JOURNAL GUIDELINES

for an entry on each religion we study Personal view: Take a clear position on the religion using either the sociological or theological method, demonstrating a grasp of what the method is, and the ability to apply it, and using reasoning to explain why you think this.

3 After your second try, an incomplete or insufficient entry will earn a score of zero.

Use at least one accurate detail in direct support of the claim, and discuss it thoroughly.

2

Reflect personally on your topic in a thoughtful and original way.

2

Total 7

4. BLACKBOARD QUIZZES Each time we study a religion, you will read the textbook chapter and (if you signed up) prepare a research report. You will then take a quiz over the chapter that I should have posted in Blackboard ahead of time. These must be completed before the relevant class. 5. REVIEW TOOL MEETING Make an appointment to meet with me (the instructor) before midterm exams. Bring your review tools, explain to me why you chose the tool you did, and how you are using it on a regular basis. You must hold this meeting before your midterm exam or you will not be permitted to take it. 6. ORAL MIDTERM EXAM & SELF-EVALUATION This formative assessment is practice for the final. Sign up for a time to meet with me in my office for a one-on-one interview where you will demonstrate your knowledge and personal views on any one of the religions we study in the first half of the semester. You will not know until you arrive which one. Your exam will be video-taped. You will be assigned to view and to evaluate your

14

video, turning this assignment in through Blackboard by the deadline. After you pass the final oral exam, if it helps your average to drop this grade, it will be dropped. 7. FAITH COMMUNITY VISIT and PAPER Visit a faith community that you have never been to before and be present for their worship or a special event. You will demonstrate in real life the knowledge, skills, and respectful attitudes that you have gained in the course. Write a detailed and reflective verbatim report on the experience afterward. I intend to organize some group opportunities so that we can go together and have some unique experiences. See me to discuss other ideas. If you go on your own, you will need to bring in evidence from your trip, including a photo of you at that faith community (ask permission before taking photos inside a worship space), and to give a research report on your trip. If your religious beliefs present a serious obstacle to visiting other faith communities, see me to discuss an alternative. 8. FINAL ESSAY EXAM—SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT At the end of the semester, you will write an in-class essay in response to a prompt that you will be given. The essay should take the five-paragraph form. In the essay, you will apply information you have gained throughout the semester to the question. Your grade will be based on the knowledge and critical thinking skills you demonstrate. The essay will also be read by English Program faculty to assess your writing skills. You may bring in and use all of your notes, journal entries, and review tools. You must write a sufficient essay in order to pass the course, regardless of your coursework grade. 9. ORAL FINAL EXAM—SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT: a 15-minute interview with me, in my office. When you arrive, your topic – one of the religions we have studied – will be chosen at random. A second topic will be chosen for comparison. Detailed guidelines are below. Exam policies You must pass the final exam in order to pass the course, regardless of your coursework grade. If you fail the exam (or don’t take it), you fail the course. No make-ups will be given unless there is some extremely extenuating circumstance that you can document. You must be in my office at your scheduled exam time and dressed formally and modestly as if for a job interview. If you are late or not dressed appropriately, you will not be able to take the exam. If you miss your scheduled exam time, it is your responsibility to contact me to request a make-up appointment after grades are due. You will take an F for the semester and receive a grade change after you make it up. You will lose half a letter grade from your final grade for the course. Once exams begin, I will be running a tight schedule and it will be difficult for me to be available. Please be understanding. 10. POST-TEST: Take the post-test in Blackboard during exam week. The test will be timed, so notes and other resources will not help you. Just use your memory.

15

Intro to Religious Studies Final Essay Guidelines

COMPETENCY POINTS/NOTES Content: All paragraphs evaluated for content.

• Accurate, interesting, substantive ideas. • Responds appropriately to assignment.

Thesis (2 points) • Clear and Focused/Asserts a Position

Introduction (3 points) • Grabs Attention. • Clearly States Thesis. • Indicates how thesis will be supported.

Body Paragraphs (15 points) • Each paragraph states main idea in topic

sentence that supports thesis. • States specific, accurately-reported details

that support topic sentence. • Includes transition words that make logic

of paragraph and essay clear, linking sentences within paragraph and paragraphs to one another.

Conclusion ( 3 points) • Restates the thesis. • Recaps the support for the thesis. • Concludes with implications or look to

future.

Sentence Grammar and Style (3 points) • Uses correct, appropriate grammar. • Uses proper punctuation and spelling. • Prose is concise and clear.

Grammar and spelling mistakes will not negatively impact your final essay score unless they render your writing unintelligible.

Total:

16

ORAL FINAL EXAM GUIDELINES Guideline Points

possible Points earned, Notes

Introduction -- Attention-getter 2 History -- Main idea, followed by at least 3 supporting details. (see explanation!)

2

Detail 1 1 Detail 2 1 Detail 3 1 Beliefs -- Main idea, followed by supporting details.

2

Detail 1 1 Detail 2 1 Detail 2 1 Morals -- Main idea, followed by supporting details.

2

Detail 1 1 Detail 2 1 Detail 3 1 Ways of Worship -- Main idea, followed by supporting details.

2

Detail 1 1 Detail 2 1 Detail 3 1 Personal view: The student takes a clear position using either the sociological or theological method, demonstrating a grasp of what the method is, and the ability to apply it, and using reasoning to explain why he/she thinks this.

4

At least one accurate detail is used in direct support of the claim, and thoroughly discussed.

2

The ideas are thoughtful and original: unique.

2

The discussion is coherent: stays focused on one idea.

2

Student speaks without long pauses, repetition, BS, or excessive prompting.

2

Follow-up questions on comprehension and your personal view.

10

Comparison: Compare this religion with another that we have discussed from the

10

17

other half of the semester. This is necessary to pass. DELIVERY Speaks clearly, loudly enough to be heard.

2

Establishes & maintains eye contact. 2 . Sounds practiced but not read or memorized.

2

Uses some expressiveness. 2 *Speaks in complete sentences. 2 Avoids fillers, such as “ah” “um” “you know” “I mean” “basically” “like”

2

Maintains posture. 2 Dresses to help not hinder speech 2 Total

70

Explanation of Guidelines

Introduction -- Attention-getter: open with a brief but memorable personal statement on the religion you are going to discuss. What are your overall impressions of this religion? Or what is the most important thing you would want someone else to know about the religion? Discussion: distinguish between information you know about the religion, and your informed personal view about the religion. This is an important critical thinking skill. Complete this discussion without too many long pauses, repetition, BS, or frequent prompting from me. Information about the religion: This must come from what we have talked about in class! It is not necessary to follow this order rigidly, but do discuss each of these areas: History: Every religion came from somewhere. Explain when and where this religion originated, and/or how it has changed over the centuries, and/or its situation today. Begin with a main idea that indicates the general theme of your discussion. Support this main idea with details learned in class. The details must be accurate and relevant. Each detail must be formulated in at least one complete and meaningful sentence. **Three distinct details is a good guideline: but this is flexible. You may discuss MORE than three if you choose, or you may wish to focus on one or two details and discuss them VERY thoroughly! Beliefs: Every religion includes a set of ideas that are important to believers. These ideas may take the form of stories, myths, statements, images, or a formal creed. Begin with a main idea and discuss at least three accurate and relevant details as above. Morals and Ways of Worship: Every religion includes activities people do. These can be rituals involved in worship or prayer. These can also be moral guidelines which help believers to choose between right and wrong in their everyday lives. Begin with a main idea and discuss at least three accurate and relevant details as above.

Personal View. CHOOSE one of the following methods: by the end of the semester you should understand what these mean and be able to apply them: 1. Sociological – Is this religion helpful for human life? Why or why not? What is sacred in this religion? Why? What values are encoded in this religion’s myths, beliefs, or practices? Are

18

these values meaningful in today’s world? Include and explain at least one specific example to illustrate your point. OR 2. Theological – How is this religion similar to or different from my religion or personal beliefs? What is true or good in this religion? What is not? Why? If it’s your own religion, explain WHY it makes sense to you. You may compare it with a different religion, or explore your own beliefs in greater depth. Include and explain at least one specific example to illustrate.

Follow-up questions: I will ask several questions to see how much more information you know: anything in lessons or student research is fair game. I may ask you to compare the religion you are discussing with others religions we have studied. I will also ask one or two questions challenging you to think more deeply about your personal stance. You will need to “think on your feet,” and come up with a response that is thoughtful, original, clear, and well supported. Delivery (applies to reports as well as to exam) Speaks clearly and loudly enough to be heard. Listeners should be able to hear you easily. Your voice should sound clearly on recording, as well. This will reveal confidence in your knowledge and ideas. A little nervousness at the beginning is OK! Don’t try to hide or to suppress it. Establishes and maintains eye contact. When giving a research report, do not look at the slide: if needed, have a copy of your slide in front of you. Make eye contact with all participants in the room. Consideration will be made for diverse cultural customs. In your exam, make steady eye contact with the interviewer at least 50% of the time. Sounds practiced but not read or memorized. Your speech should flow conversationally, revealing that you are familiar with your information and confident in your ideas. Avoid using rising inflections at the ends of sentences: it sounds as if you are unsure. Your sentences should be your own: they should not copycat lectures or readings. It is OK to pause while you are thinking about how to formulate a sentence. Long pauses or hesitation, however, reveals a lack of knowledge. Uses some expressiveness. Your unique personality should shine through your speech! Allow some natural variety in pitch, rhythm, and volume: this shows you feel some energy and interest for the topic. Speaks in complete sentences. Avoid fragments – sentences that are missing a subject or main verb. *AVOID RUN-ONS: this is the most common pitfall for speakers! Run-ons are sentences that go on too long, confusing the listener, falling apart grammatically, and precluding conversation: no one else can get a word in if you never end a sentence! Begin each sentence clearly and end it clearly. Do not link sentences with conjunctions, such as “and”, “so”, or “then.” Avoids fillers, such as “ah, um, so, ya know, well, okay, like, I mean, basically,” etc. It is better to pause silently than to use a filler. Maintains posture: sit upright but relaxed; do not lean on the table; do not slouch; do not play with anything, such as papers or a pencil. Gestures may accompany your words, but do not let them become too rapid. Avoid touching your face, hair, or clothes. Avoid folding your arms. No gum. Dress formally and modestly as you would for a job interview. This is serious. You need to be prepared for formal occasions. No T-shirts, sweats, hats, jeans, or shorts. No zippered jackets or tops. Guys, wear a shirt with a collar, and shave, unless you normally wear a beard.