World Religions – Live Online

REL 2300 – 683 Wednesday 11 AM – 12:15 Spring 2021 (0585) 1/11 – 5/7

View How to be a Successful Student (Syllabus Addendum) which provides details about success factors and links to the most current version of fluid information, such as

the academic calendar.

WELCOMEHumanities and liberal arts classes help us understand the human condition through the lens of religion, philosophy, art and music. Religion courses introduce us to the many dimensions of human experiences while exposing us to different cultures. At SPC, we will gain insight as we study religious traditions and examine the different perspectives of world religions. 

Roger G. Watts Watts.Roger@mycourses.spcollege.edu 727- 791-2596

Instructor's Homepage Arts, Humanities, and Design

Zoom - Monday 6:30 - 8:30 PM; Tuesday 9 – 11 AM; Wednesday 10:30 AM – 12:30 Ask for Private Appointments on Phone or In Zoom as needed

Please use the MyCourses email as our primary communication point

DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP(contact only if communication with your instructor fails)

Dean: Dr. Barbara Hubbard Arts, Humanities, and Design

Office Location: Clearwater Campus - CR 154C Phone: (727) 394-6011

Email: Hubbard.barbara@spcollege.edu

Academic Dept. Chair: Mr. Jonathan Barnes Arts, Humanities, and Design

Office Location: Clearwater Campus – CL CR 154 Phone: 727-791-5997

Email: Barnes.Jonathan@spcollege.edu

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Simply select the dropdown icon   and then select “Alternative Formats.” 

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• Community Health Centers of Pinellas, INC. - 727-824-8181 or www.CHCPinellas.org –

Affordable medical and behavioral health care for Pinellas County residents.

• Central Florida Behavioral Health Network – www.cfbhn.org

Resources for mental health and substance abuse.

• Directions for Living – 727-524-4464 or https://directionsforliving.org

Adult and child psychiatry, therapy, peer recovery, support and homeless services.

• NAMI of Pinellas County – 727-791-3434 or nami-pinellas.org

Mental health helpline for people, family members, caregivers, and the public.

• BayCare – 877-850-9613 – Addictions and mental health treatments.

• Operation PAR 888-727-6398 – www.operationpar.org

Addiction and mental health services.

• Peace4Tarpon – www.Peace4Tarpon.org

Resources for trauma-informed and mental health care.

• Suncoast Center – 727-388-1220 – www.suncoastcenter.org

Comprehensive emotional wellness and trauma services for adults, children, and families.

• SAMHSA Mental Health Service Locator – https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Online resource to find local assistance with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

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Watts

CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT COVID INFORMATION FOR THIS TERM

COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Description 

This course examines the general characteristics of the major religions of the world. Topics include the nature of religion, Indigenous Religions, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, Christianity, Islam and New Religious Movements. Each is examined in its cultural context, how basic human concerns are addressed, the way purpose for life is defined, and the uniqueness of religious practice. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements outlined in the General Education and Enhanced World View Requirements. 

Course Goals & Objectives

1. The student will describe the major religions of the world by:    a. identifying the cultural tradition associated with each religion.    b. naming the important leaders associated with each religion.    c. associating each religious tradition with its geographical setting.    d. listing the dominant beliefs and practices of each religion.

2. The student will explain the relationship between cultural mores and religious practice by:     a. summarizing the influence of a religion tradition on a culture.     b. comparing the practices of various religions with cultural traditions.     c. identifying the shared features of world religions.     d. distinguishing the ethical impact of religion on culture.

3. The student will identify the way religion contributes to social unity and integrity by:     a. assessing how various religions view the way humans relate to nature.     b. analyzing the impact of religion on the structure of society.     c. evaluating the role religions play in providing order and cultural stability.     d. citing the influence religion has on ordering life-cycle events.

4. The student will analyze basic religious concepts by:     a. identifying the ways the "sacred" is delineated.     b. comparing how religions define the nature of humans and the human dilemma.     c. distinguishing and contrasting the various goals of each religion.     d. summarizing the worldview presented by each religion.

5. The student will compare and contrast various types of religious experience in both Eastern and Western cultures by:

    a. describing various rituals and evaluating the impact of the experience.     b. listing the major festivals of each religion and how they represent differing beliefs and world views.     c. identifying the varieties of religious experience and how they differ between cultures.     d. examining the effectiveness of ritual as an expression of belief.

Prerequisites: Dev Level 2 Writing Met or satisfactory score on the SPC placement test.

Approved Course Outline

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & OTHER RESOURCE INFORMATIONRequired Textbook: Van Voorst, Robert. RELG: World. 4th Edition, Cengage Learning, 2020. Print. (ISBN 978-1-337-40504-1)

If you prefer an all online textbook, it is available as a part of MindTap (ISBN 978-0-357-04476-6). One you have a code, you will access it using these instructions: How to access your MindTap course (don't be concerned if the instructor name is different online, we create one version for all of the online sections to share). As an added convenience and enhancement, NEW textbooks come with a Cengage MindTap access code. MindTap   is optional , so feel free to purchase a used textbook if you prefer. You are encouraged to activate this feature if you have an access code. Cengage has the entire 4th edition electronically, allowing easy access on any computer and most smart phones (internet access required). MindTap also contains short videos and other learning tools to go along with the materials. However, any practice quiz scores or other assessment scores accumulated in Cengage MindTap DO NOT count in the course grade.

The course assessments are aligned with the material in the 4th edition of the textbook. Since there are significant differences between this edition and the older ones, you are strongly encouraged to obtain access to the 4th edition (either in print or as a part of MindTap). 

Note: You have free access to MindTap, including the textbook electronically for the first 2 weeks of the course. Therefore, not having a textbook yet is not a valid reason for missing an assignment. Follow these directions for your access during the first 2 weeks of the semester: How to access your MindTap course.

View the Textbooks site.

View the Libraries site.

LEARNER SUPPORTView the Accessibility Services site.

View the Academic Support site.

View the Student Services site.

IMPORTANT DATESCourse Dates, Drop Date, and Withdrawal Date: https://www.spcollege.edu/calendar/

Financial Aid Dates: View the Financial Aid Dates site.

STUDYING RELIGIONReligion can be a very passionate and controversial subject. In this course, it is important that there be an exchange of ideas about a theme or religious tradition while accepting difference of opinion from others. Please avoid being smug, sarcastic, or judgmental about another person's religion or non-religion. No one should be here to criticize, convert, or demean others; nor should you expect anyone to defend his/her religion or lack of religion in your discussion conversations. It is also important to understand that each religion has examples of pious and good people who are wonderful examples of the faith; however, each religion also has its share of "bad apples" who are not immune from the baser side of humanity's character spectrum. Like our actions, character itself is a choice.  

In this course, we will approach each religion in an academic scholarly way. This involves understanding the terms and concepts associated with an academic study or religion. Each student should acquire a knowledge base of diverse religious traditions that includes founders, major divisions, scriptures, myths, rituals, ethics, and concepts of sacred reality and experience. With this understanding you should be able to describe how religious traditions contribute to an understanding of people, cultures, nations, and art.

This class will require a significant amount of reading, writing, and studying. It is a good idea to plan a routine that works with the course calendar to stay on top of the work. If you do not set aside time for your academic pursuits, who will?

ATTENDANCEView the college-wide attendance policy included in How to be a Successful Student.

For this class, please note the difference between attendance and active participation. Getting online and active in the course during the first week is very important. You should set aside time to read the syllabus and familiarize yourself with the course platform. Attendance will be taken for the first two weeks of class. During this time, attending class in the virtual environment means completing the Orientation Quiz and the first Discussion Board Activity (see the Calendar for due dates). Active participation in this class is also required at the 60% mark of the semester. The week following the last day to withdraw with a “W” is the time period in which Administration will give a grade of “WF” for all students in this course who have not completed the Mid-Term Exam. Please keep these important milestones in mind.

You are welcome to attend all the Live Online sessions. See the Live Online Module for days and times. You may come and go as is helpful to you. The first half hour will be for housekeeping and administrative issues. The next hour will attend to the material in the week’s module. The final half hour will return to housekeeping and administrative matters. Ask until you are clear.

GRADINGGrading Scale

A = 90 – 100% B = 80 – 89% C = 70 – 79% D = 60 – 69% F = 0 – 59%

Requirements & Grading

The final semester grade will be an average of 540 points as distributed below. Please note that you must complete the 2 Writing Assignments (with passing scores) to get a "C" in the course. In other words, even if you have the necessary points to earn a "C" in the course, if you did not complete both Writing Assignments with passing grades, you would receive a "D" or "F" grade in the course. Here are the values associated with the various assignments: 

Orientation Quiz: 1 @ 10 points = 10 pointsModule Quizzes: 13 @ 10 points each = 130 pointsDiscussions: 6 out of 7 @ 30 points each = 180 pointsWriting Assignments: 2 @ 60 points each = 120 pointsExams: 2 @ 50 points each = 100 points

ASSIGNMENTSRefer to the time schedule for all assignment due dates: Time Schedule.

Orientation Quiz (1 @ 10 points = 10 points total)

There will be one orientation quiz consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions relating to information from the course syllabus, assignment instructions (quizzes, discussions, writing assignments, and exams), and the navigation of the course platform. You can complete this quiz as many times as you like. This is the only quiz that can be attempted unlimited times. 

Module Quizzes (13 @ 10 points each = 130 points total)

There will be a total of 13 online quizzes given over the course of the semester. The quiz questions are based on the assigned materials in each module and are not cumulative. These untimed open-book quizzes are only able to be attempted three times. The highest score will be used for grading purposes. 

Special Note on Quizzes

I recommend the following method for taking the quizzes:

Preview – before you read the chapter take the quiz the first time. See what you already know and let the preview guide your study.

View – after studying the chapter take the quiz the second time very seriously. Go for the full score.

Review – finally, if you have not attained the score you want, you may take the quiz a final time for mastery of the material.

Ask until you are clear on this method.

Also, please notice that the quizzes have a due date that corresponds to the study schedule. However, the quizzes are open for your full attention and three attempts till the end of the semester. Be wise – do them weekly.

Discussions (6 out of 7 @ 30 points each = 180 points total)

Over the course of the semester, there will be seven interactive discussions of which each student is required to participate in six. In other words, the top six discussion scores during the semester will be used for grading purposes and the lowest single discussion score will be dropped. Each discussion will take into account the student’s research and individual response to the discussion prompt, the student’s interaction with

her/his classmates’ posts, and the student’s review of other posts. You should review the following documents before attempting a discussion: Discussion Grading Rubric.pdf, A Sample Discussion Post.pdf, and Frequently Asked Questions.pdf.

Special note on Discussion Posts.

The purpose of a discussion post is to create a dialogue and to dig more deeply into a topic by sharing it with others, receiving their feedback and then responding to their replies. To provide time for your classmates to read and reply to your work, you must start the thread with your original post no later than Thursday. Posts received later than that deadline will not receive full score. It is important, however, to do quality work, even if the fist post is late, because I will score the original post again as I award another set of points for your overall writing in the forum. Be early, be excellent.

Furthermore, the assignment calls for multiple meaningful posts. Two short poorly written and low content posts might not score at all. Multiple meaningful posts means just that. Multiple and meaningful.

Ask until you are clear, please.

Writing Assignments (2 @ 60 points each = 120 points total)

For these research-based projects, students will be required to compose and submit two original writings that respond to specific topics assigned by the instructor. For more information, view: Writing Assignment 1 and Writing Assignment 2. Please note that you must complete the 2 Writing Assignments (with passing scores) in order to get a "C" in the course. In other words, even if you have the necessary points to earn a "C" in the course, if you did not complete both of the Writing Assignments with passing grades, you would receive a "D" or "F" grade in the course.

Special note on Writing Assignments

Turnitin is an essential part of the MyCourses Learning Platform. I hope that you will see it as a coach rather than a cop. Yes, it discovers are reports potentially troublesome use of resources, including over usage of quotes and failure to cite. The wise scholar uses Turnitin as a helper, discovers problems with their writing and corrects them before submitting a final paper. Yes, I have set Turnitin not only to show similarity scores but also grammar issues. Please use your word processors, Turnitin, Tutors, and then submit excellent writing. Many of your classmates procrastinate and end up tempted to cheat or to submit poorly constructed work. The best writing is rewriting. I have set Turnitin to keep only the most recently submitted paper. So, if you turn in a paper early then I can score it and you can rewrite it until the due date. Yes, I not only allow, but encourage your using Turnitin and me as a coach. Be aware, as the due date gets closer my ability to turn a paper back to you quickly decreases. I will do my best. You do your best too. OK?

Ask until you are clear about this.

Exams (2 @ 50 points each = 100 points total)

At specific times as noted on the "Time Schedule," each student is responsible for completing a Mid-Term Exam and a Final Exam. These non-proctored exams are open-book on-line objective assessments (multiple choice, T/F, and/or matching) that can be found in the appropriate module. For more specific information, each module has a study guide: Mid-Term Exam Study Guide and Final Exam Study Guide

Special note about Exams

No, I cannot allow three attempts on the exams. However, since you have studied and quizzed on the material in the exams already, you do not need the preview. So, you get two tries. View and preview. The greatest of your two scores counts.

Ask until you are clear about this.

STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONSGRADING

Grades will be posted within one week of the assignment due date. If more time is needed, a communication will be posted advising students of the new time frame.

MAKE-UP/LATE WORK

I do not allow late work outside of the provisions provided for each assignment (see the Time Schedule for this information), nor do I allow any kind of make-up work or extra credit. The course schedule has clear deadlines, so it is up to the student to meet them. In extreme circumstances that prevent a student from accessing the class for an extended period of time (i.e. extended illnesses, unexpected surgery, etc.), there is a possibility to receive a grade of “I” (Incomplete). An “I” grade may be assigned to complete required course work only if the student was prevented from completing the course work due to non-academic reasons. In accordance with college policy, the “I” grade will only be considered when the student has completed at least 80% of the graded course assignments and is passing the course at the time of request. All work must be completed by the end of the subsequent term. If the work is not completed within the prescribed time frame, the “I” will automatically change to an “F” grade.

PARTICIPATION, CONDUCT, & NETIQUETTE

SPC has outlined expectations for student behavior and interaction for online discussions, email, and other forms of communication. View the Student Expectations in How to be a Successful Student.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

View the Academic Honesty Policy.

ORIGINAL WRITING

In addition to the criteria listed in the assignment instructions, all written work must represent the students’ original writing. “Original Writing” means the unique and creative written composition of the student using his/her own words and produced using his/her own writing skills. The use modified source material is not considered original writing and will result in a reduced score for the assignment or a rejection of the work submitted. In other words, it is not acceptable to use the general structure of course materials where synonyms are utilized in the place of some (or all) of the content. You also need to make sure you are using quotes and documentation to identify the words of your source materials. However, this should be very limited as original writing comes from you, not your research sources. In a college course where individual thinking is a goal, you really need to have the skill of transforming what you read into original writing. Think of it as a conversation about a topic that you are having with someone at a gathering. Do you string together sentences and phrases that you read, or do you explain it in your own words? Likewise, your writing needs to demonstrate that you understand the material to the point of explaining it to someone without the book in front of you. When you provide a response that strings together the sentences of your sources, you are only demonstrating that you can find the answer, not that you understand it. Reading source material should initiate original thoughts in your mind that are tied to your understanding of the world around you. The resulting answers should have your specific take on the main ideas. Additionally, it is not acceptable to submit work from another course or section of this course (in whole or in part). For example, if you are repeating this course, you may not submit work you produced during a previous attempt.

COPYRIGHT

Copyrighted material within this course, or posted on this course website, is used in compliance with United States Copyright Law. Under that law you may use the material for educational purposes related to the learning outcomes of this course. You may not further download, copy, alter, or distribute the material unless in accordance with copyright law or with permission of the copyright holder. For more information on copyright visit: www.copyright.gov.

TURNITINThe instructor of this course may require use of Turnitin.com as a tool to promote learning. The tool flags similarity and mechanical issues in written work that merit review. Use of the service enables students and faculty to identify areas that can be strengthened through improved paraphrasing, integration of sources, or proper citation. Submitted papers remain as source documents in the Turnitin database solely for the purpose of detecting originality. Students retain full copyright to their works. Review the Turnitin Usage Agreement. Students who do not wish to submit work through Turnitin must notify their instructor via course email within the first seven days of the course. In lieu of Turnitin use, faculty may require a student to submit copies of sources, preliminary drafts, a research journal, or an annotated bibliography.

STUDENT SURVEY OF INSTRUCTIONThe Student Survey of Instruction is administered in courses each semester. It is designed to improve the quality of instruction at St. Petersburg College. All student responses are confidential and anonymous and will be used solely for the purpose of performance improvement.

TECHNOLOGY

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

View the MyCourses Minimum Technology Requirements.

Students should know how to navigate the course and use the course tools. Dropbox-style assignments may require attachments in either Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or Rich Text Format (.rtf), so that they can be properly evaluated. If an attachment cannot be opened by the instructor, students will be required to re-format and re-submit an assignment so that it can be evaluated and returned with feedback. 

Minimum Technical Skills: Specify the minimum technical skills expected of the learner: general and course-specific learners must have to succeed in the course.

MyCourses tutorials are available to students new to this LMS and are located at the beginning of the course. Most features on MyCourses are accessible on mobile devices, although it is recommended that you use a computer for quizzes, tests, and essay assignments.

ACCESSIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY

MyCourses (Brightspace by Desire2Learn) Accessibility Turnitin Accessibility Google (YouTube) Accessibility

PRIVACY

MyCourses (Brightspace by Desire2Learn) Privacy Turnitin Privacy YouTube Privacy

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Technical support is available via the Technical Support Desk.

End Syllabus