COURSE SYLLABUS. Course #: RLST 130 SA Instructor Information:

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1 COURSE SYLLABUS Term: Fall 2014 (2014-1) Course #: RLST 130 SA Instructor Information: Instructor Name Young Bok Kim Office Number: Room 531 Phone Number: (Cell) Other Contact : (Home) Hours Available: Tuesday 4-6 pm Instructor Background: (Education history, position held, photo, interests etc.) B.A., Theology, Reformed Theological College, Geelong, Australia M.Div., Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS M.A., Hebraic and Cognate Studies, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, OH M.A., Northwest Semitic Philology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Ph.D. (currently pursuing), Northwest Semitic Philology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Course Information: Course Time: Classroom: Prerequisites: Tuesday 6:00 pm 10:00 pm Room 271 ENGL 103 Bowker, John. World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained. New York: Textbooks: DK Publishing, Additional handouts on occasion Bible Learning Outcomes/ Competencies: Upon finishing this course, students will be able: 1. To speak, read and write clearly and critically about religion, faith, belief and theology. 2. To explain what religion is and why it is important in today s society. 3. To describe the history, beliefs, ethics, and the ways of worship of major world religions. 4. To search for your own religious roots in a more mature, reasoned manner. 5. To interpret the Bible and to become familiar with it. 6. To explain why Christians believe that Jesus Christ is unique. 7. To discuss major themes of theology, particularly Revelation, Christ, the Trinity, and the history of theology. Course Description: This course introduces students to religion through critical and constructive reflection. This course focuses on three themes: religious beliefs, major world religions with an emphasis on Christianity, and Christian theology NEW YORK AVE. WHITING, IN TEL FAX

2 Learning Strategies: Research, presentations (short or long), discussion, quizzes, journal writing, activities (group or individual), blackboard assignments, and field trip. Assignments: Your final grade will be the cumulative total of points for assignments in these areas, explained in detail below. 1. Presentations and Class Discussions: 20 points each 2. Review Writing Assignments: 10 points each 3. Quizzes: 10 points each 4. Midterm and Final Exams: 100 points each 5. Field Trip Report: 50 points 6. Final Paper: 100 points 7. Oral Exam: 50 points. You must pass the oral final exam in order to pass the course, achieving a score of 40 (80%) or higher. If you fail the exam, you fail the course. Grading Scale: Grade Points A A B B B C C C D D D F 59 and below 2

3 Course Schedule October 21 st 1) Introduction, Syllabus, Assignments 2) What is religion? Why study religion? What constitutes religion? What are the major religions? 3) Why study religion? 4) How do we study religion? A variety of methods, but October 28 th Read Bowker Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Quiz 1 and Presentations 2) Ancient Religions - Egypt, Persia, Ugarit, Mesopotamia, etc. 3) Discussions: What are the distinctive beliefs and practices in each religion? Are their worldviews different than ours? Compare and contrast these religions with Christianity. What are the similarities and differences? Do they enhance our understanding of Christianity? November 4 th Read Bowker Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Quiz 2 and Presentations 2) Hinduism: Religions in India. Origins, Development, Gods and Goddesses, Sacred Writings, Worship practices, etc. 3) Discussions: How does it view life problems? What are the solutions it presents? Compare and contrast Hinduism with Christianity. What are the similarities and differences? November 11 th Read Bowker pp Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Quiz 3 and Presentations 2) Buddhism: Another religion from India. Origin, The Life of the Buddha, Cosmology, Temples, Sacred Writings, Beliefs and Practices, etc. 3) Discussions: How does it view life problems? What are the solutions it presents? Compare and contrast Buddhism with Christianity. What are the similarities and differences? November 18 th Read Bowker pp Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Midterm Exam and Presentations 2) Judaism: Religion in ancient Israel. Origins, The Torah ( Instruction ), Messianic expectation, Worship practices, Kabalah, Branches of Judaism, etc. 3) Discussions: What is the place of the Torah in Judaism? Is Judaism uniform? What are the braches of Judaism present in America today? What are the differences among them? Compare and contrast Judaism with Christianity. What are the similarities and differences? How did Judaism prepare for the rise of Christianity? 3

4 November 25 th Read Bowker pp Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Quiz 4 and Presentations 2) Christianity: Religion in ancient Israel. The life of Christ the Incarnation, the Ministry, the Suffering and Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Ascension. The Church History. The Reformation. The Eschatology. 3) Discussions: What makes Christianity different from other religions (teachings, practices, worldviews)? How are Christian views of God different from those in other religions? How is Jesus different from other religious figures? December 2 nd Read Bowker pp Bring your Bible. Submit Review/Personal Reflection Writing Assignment. 1) Presentations 2) Islam: Religion in Arabia. The life of Mohammed. The monotheistic view of God. The Qur ān. The Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salat, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj). The Mosque. 3) Discussions: What is the place of Mohammed in Islam? What is the place of the Qur ān? Do you think understanding Islam is the key to understanding the present situation in Syria/Palestine? Compare and contrast Islam with Christianity. What are the similarities and differences? How are biblical figures portrayed in the Qur ān? 4) Oral Exam Final Exam It will be during the exam week Dec The exact date, format, and method will be announced later. 4

5 Assignments: Detailed Guidelines 1 If you have any medical 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. Presentation Guidelines Every class will begin with student presentation. Study carefully the following step-by-step guidelines that will help you to prepare for your presentation. Guidelines Points possible BEFORE CLASS: 1. Read the textbook chapter. 2. Each student will be assigned a topic within the chapter such as an aspect of the religion s history, beliefs, morals, or ways of worship. 3. In a single PowerPoint slide, outline what the book says about this topic. SLIDE CONTENT: 1) Give a brief title that communicates the main idea 2) Give four to five bullet points on slide that communicate accurate details related to main idea. Draw information from the book (and from independent research). Ø Brief but informative. Ø Use correct English. Ø End points with periods. 10 (Posting 5 & Slide Content 5) 4. 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. Make a second slide summarizing the results of your research. 5. Post these slides to the appropriate Blackboard discussion forum by 10 pm, Monday. Put your main idea in the subject line of the post. 6. Revise both slides carefully to meet the guidelines below. 7. Practice giving your report. Plan to speak for about 5-10 minutes and then take questions. You will be the expert on your topic. 1 Thanks to Dr. Joan Crist for these rubrics, the oral exam guidelines, and honor code. 5

6 DURING CLASS: 1. Presentation Expand on the points in the slides by speaking extemporaneously. You may refer to notes but not read. Speak clearly and slowly enough to be heard. Establish & maintain eye contact with all participants in the room. Speak in complete sentences and avoid fillers, such as ah, you know, etc. While listening, other students should take notes on the presentation. Prepare at least one question of a speaker. 10 (Presentation 5 & Answer 5) 2. Question and Answer Student should ask at least one question on the topic presented. The presenter should respond knowledgeably or reflectively. If a student misses class, he/she will earn points for his/her slide, but not for the presentation. AFTER CLASS Study your notes in preparation for the final exam. TOTAL POINTS 20 6

7 2. REVIEW WRITING ASSIGNMENTS After class, you will write a two-paragraph review paper based on the presentations, discussion, or activities held that day. The purpose of the assignment 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 exam and final paper. Your paper should cover the topics that you did not present that day, summarizing the main points. You will hand it in at the beginning of each class. 3. QUIZZES and MIDTERM/FINAL EXAM. At the beginning of each class (except the days you will have midterm and oral exam), you will take a short quiz. The quiz will be from the textbook and lesson from the previous week. You will take a midterm and final exam (date and method will be announced later). The questions will be drawn from quizzes and from your review papers. 4. FIELD TRIP Visit a faith community that you have never been to before and be present for their worship or a special event. 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 one-page report on your trip. If your religious beliefs present a serious obstacle to visiting other faith communities, see me to discuss an alternative. 5. FINAL PAPER Write a five-paragraph essay in which you reflect on the truth and meaning you have discovered through your journey through various religions this semester. Where are you at with religion now? What do you think religion is? Which religion, if any, comes closest to the truth, and why? 6. ORAL FINAL EXAM: a 15-minute interview with me on the last day of class. You must pass the oral exam in order to pass the course. If you fail the exam, you fail the course. No make-ups will be given unless there is some extremely extenuating circumstance that you can document. You must be dressed formally and modestly as if for a job interview. If you miss your scheduled exam time, it is your responsibility to contact me to request a make-up appointment. 7

8 ORAL EXAM GUIDELINES Guideline Points possible 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 Follow-up questions on comprehension of other aspects of a chosen religion, such as sacred writings, etc. You may also be asked about your personal 12 reflection on it (see below). 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 50 Points earned, Notes 8

9 Explanation of Oral Exam 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? 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: 1) 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! 2) 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. 3) 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. 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 presentations as well as to exam) 1) Speak 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. 2) Establish and maintain eye contact In your exam, make steady eye contact with the interviewer at least 50% of the time. 3) Sound 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. 4) 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. 9

10 5) Speak 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. 6) Avoid fillers Avoid ah, um, so, you know, well, okay, like, I mean, basically, etc. It is better to pause silently than to use a filler. 7) Maintain 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. 8) 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. 10

11 Class Policy on Attendance: Class Policy on Electronic Devices Class Participation: Statement of Plagiarism: Policies and Procedures {SAMPLE} Intellectual growth and success in college is reinforced through interaction in the classroom. Students reach personal goals and course outcomes through regular and prompt attendance. [Ex: The Organization Management s accelerated classes are intense and rigorous and demand student presence and participation.] Therefore, if a student is absent three (3) times (insert whatever your department s meeting times policy may be), the student will be subjected to a grade of F or FW per policy stated under the Withdrawal from Classes section on this syllabus. (optional) (Cell phones, Beeper, Pagers etc.) (per instructor) If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances. PLEASE NOTE: All papers can and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism from the Internet/Electronic sources/databases. Citation Guidelines: Withdrawal from Classes Policy: Calumet College of St. Joseph uses citation guidelines, generally MLA or APA format, to document sources quoted or paraphrased in student papers. Check the syllabus for each course to see what each instructor requires. The Library has reference copies of each manual; the Follett has copies for sale when required by the instructor. In addition, there are brief MLA and APA checklists in your spiral Student Handbook and Planner and on the Library website and literature rack. These texts show how to cite references from many sources, including electronic media, as well as how to space and indent the Works Cited and References pages respectively. EBSCO and ProQuest articles provide both formats for you to copy and paste. Proper documentation avoids plagiarism. After the last day established for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered and wish to discontinue. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be completed with the Office of Academic Advising and filed with the Registrar. The Office of Academic Advising must receive written request for withdrawal by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests should be submitted in person or, when an in-person visit is not possible, may be mailed to the Office of Academic Advising, ed, or faxed to Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. If the request requires instructor approval per the College calendar, it must be forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. 11

12 If the request is honored by the faculty member, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal from the Registrar after meeting or speaking with a member from Academic Advising, Financial Aid and Athletics (if applicable). These departments will notify the student of academic, financial, and athletic eligibility effects of a possible withdrawal. If the request is denied by the faculty member, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Please note that if the request does not require instructor approval, the student must still meet or speak with a member from Academic Advising, Financial Aid and Athletics (if applicable) before the withdrawal will be processed. An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Discontinuing a course without a written request for withdrawal automatically incurs an "FW" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule). Failure to Withdraw (FW) is indicated when the student does not complete withdrawal paperwork with the Office of Academic Advising nor does the student notify the instructor of their intent to withdraw due to an illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other circumstances beyond the student s control. This grade is submitted by the instructor at the end of term. Student Success Center: Disability Services: Resources The Student Success Center supports Calumet College of St. Joseph students through an interactive learning experience. Students work with faculty tutors to develop course competencies and study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note taking. In addition, students are provided with tutoring support to help pass courses, to improve grade point average, and to promote continuing education and career advancement. Tutors have a specific charge: to help students learn how to master specific subject matter and to develop effective learning skills. The Student Success Center is open to all students at Calumet College of St. Joseph at no charge and is available to support academic courses at the introductory and advanced levels. For assistance, please contact the Student Success Center at or stop by the Library. Disability Services strives to meet the needs of all students by providing academic services in accordance with Americans Disability Act (ADA) guidelines. Students must meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services to complete an intake form in order to request an accommodation and/or an auxiliary aid (e.g., additional time for tests, note taking assistance, special testing arrangements, etc.). It is the student s responsibility to contact the Academic Support Programs Office to request an accommodation at least one month prior to enrollment for each academic term. Students who are requesting an accommodation and/or an auxiliary aid must submit documentation from a professional health care provider to verify eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act of The cost of obtaining the professional verification is the responsibility of the student. If a student believes that he or she needs a reasonable accommodation of some kind because of a physical, psychological, or mental condition, he or she should contact Disabilities Services. The Coordinator will secure documentation pertinent to the disability and work with faculty and staff, if necessary, to address the matter. All questions and inquiries pertaining to disability services should be directed to the Disability Services Coordinator at

13 CCSJ Alert: Calumet College of St. Joseph utilizes an emergency communications system that transmits messages via text, , and voice platforms. In the event of an emergency, of weather related closings, or of other incidents, those students who are registered for the system shall receive incident specific message(s) notifying them of the situation. Please sign-up for this important service at any time on the College s website. Alternatively, you can register at the time you register for classes. This service requires each user to register once per academic year. Therefore, at the beginning of each academic year, please remember to re-register for the system. This can be done at: School Closing Information: Internet: Facility: Calumet College of St. Joseph Phone: Radio: WAKE 1500 AM WGN AM WIJE FM WLS 890 AM WZVN FM WBBM NEWS RADIO 78 TV Channels: 2, 5, 7, 9, 32 13

14 HONOR CODE You are responsible for being on time, present for the whole class, and involved. You need to be on time in order to earn full credit for the day s work. You may take one excused absence 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. You are responsible for tracking your grades. Check the grades on returned assignments against what I post in Blackboard. If you have a question about a grade, ask. The best time is right at the end of class. Be aware of your current average. 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. You are responsible for an attentive presence in class. Use body language that shows attention: sit upright; make eye contact with speakers. 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; 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. Do not sleep in class, or appear to be sleeping. Do not hold side conversations while your colleagues are speaking. Dress modestly and appropriately for a formal academic setting. Come prepared having done the work for the day carefully and thoughtfully. Show respect: religion can be 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. You are responsible for meeting deadlines and requirements. Assignment deadlines are firm. Problems with technology will not be an excuse for late work. If you are having a tech 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. Do your own work. Do not plagiarize or piggyback off of someone else s work; do not compromise your integrity by allowing others to piggyback off of you. I have read the syllabus, understand what the course requires, and agree to this code of conduct: (Student Signature) 14