Course Syllabus

HUM-130
Religions of the World

Course Start Date: 01/17/2011

Course End Date: 03/20/2011

Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Please note that I have attached a copy in
Word format for your printing convenience.

Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is
considered the ruling document.

Copyright

Copyright ©2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of
these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation.

Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices.

Facilitator Information
Isabel Morales
isamorales@email.phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix)
isabel_morales@comcast.net (Personal)
423-525-4363 (EST)

Facilitator Availability

I am very flexible and willing to accommodate my schedule for your convenience. The BEST way to
contact me is via your Individual Forum. I check those daily and usually respond within 24 hours.

For emergencies, when you are not able to gain access to messages on the Online Learning System
(OLS), please send a message to my personal email address.

In the event a third party needs to contact me, please direct them to my contact information listed under
"facilitator information." No third party should use your login credentials to gain access to the classroom.

Where to Go to Class
Main: This is the main forum for the class and is where discussion is conducted. It has read-and-write
access for everyone.

Chat-Room: This is a read-and-write access forum. It is designed as a place to discuss issues not related
to the course content. This is the forum to which we will send our bios.

Course-Materials: This is a read-only forum, which means you can read messages here but cannot send
any. This is where I will post the course syllabus and materials.

Individual Forum: You will see one forum with your name on it. This is a private forum, shared only by
you and me, the facilitator. Your classmates will not have access to this forum. You can ask questions
here. However, if you have general questions about instructions of assignments, please post those in the
Main forum, since other students may benefit by that exchange as well.

Where to Submit Your Assignments

Assignment Section: This is where you will submit all formal assignments. Navigate to the
Assignments link on eCampus. Locate the link to submit your assignment as an attachment.

Policies
For class policies, please see the "Policies" link on the left side of the Materials page for the course on
eCampus. Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all
policies contained within that link. University policies are subject to change so please be sure to read
them at the beginning of each class as it may have changed since your last class. Policies may be slightly
different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities it
is important you read the policies governing your current class modality.

Technical Support
Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 1-877-832-4867, or use the e-mail
support form.
Answers to the most common issues are found in the Knowledge Base by clicking Help, found at the top
of every student Web site.

Feedback
Each week, I will provide grades or scores and comments on your assignments.
Grading Formula

Percentage % Grade

95+ A

90-94 A-

87-89 B+

84-86 B

80-83 B-

77-79 C+

74-76 C

70-73 C-

67-69 D+

64-66 D

60-63 D-

<59 F

Course Description

See eCampus.

Course Topics & Objectives

See eCampus.

Course Materials

See eCampus.

Point Values for Course Assignments ______

ASSIGNMENTS Points

Week 1

CheckPoint: Effects of Religion 30

Assignment: Vocabulary Quiz 45

Week 2

Exercise: Indigenous Culture Web Site Reviews 25

Discussion Questions 20
Participation 40

Week 3

CheckPoint: Hindu Terms Map 30

Assignment: Hinduism Paper 80

Week 4

CheckPoint: Final Project Preparation 30

Discussion Questions 20

Participation 40

Week 5

CheckPoint: Eastern Religion Elements Matrix 30

Assignment: Judaism Presentation 80

Week 6

CheckPoint: Five Pillars of Islam 30

Discussion Questions 20

Participation 40

Week 7

CheckPoint: Monotheistic Religions 30

Assignment: Jesus and Mohammed Paper 80

Week 8

CheckPoint: Rough Draft World Religions Report 30

Discussion Questions 20

Participation 40

Week 9

Capstone CheckPoint 30

Final Project: World Religions Report 210

Total 1000
Week One

The Religious Response

• Recognize ways in which organized religion influences people’s lives.

• Define common terms related to the study of religion.

Course Assignments

1. Course Preparation

• Read the course description and objectives.

• Post your personal biography to the Chat Room forum by Week 1 Day 2.
Your bio should be posted within a message (not an attachment), single spaced, and approximately 300
to 400 words. Consider sharing where you live and work, and information about your family, career
goals, hobbies, and interests.

2. Readings

• Read Appendix A & B.

• Read Ch. 1 of Living Religions.

3. CheckPoint: Effects of Religion

• Post a 200- to 300-word response to the Assignment section of eCampus by Week 1 Day4 to this
prompt: Religion may affect people in many different ways.

• List at least two effects that organized religion has had on society and provide examples from past or
present world events that illustrate your examples.

4. Assignment: Vocabulary Quiz

• Complete Vocabulary Quiz found in Appendix C

• Post your completed Vocabulary Quiz to the Assignment section of eCampus by Day 7

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion questions are not required this week.

Participation

Participation is not required this week.

Summary of Week 1 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Personal Biography Chat Room Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

CheckPoint: Effects of Religion Assignment section of eCampus Day 4 (Thursday)

Assignment: Vocabulary Quiz Day 7 (Sunday)

Assignment section of eCampus
Week Two

Indigenous Sacred Ways

• Describe the importance of relationships to indigenous religions.

• Identify examples of roles and observances held sacred by indigenous peoples.

Course Assignments

1. Readings

• Read Ch. 2 & 3 of Living Religions.

2. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days.

1. Week 2 DQ 1: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 2 DQ 1 thread in the Main forum by Day 2.

2. Week 2 DQ 2: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 2 DQ 2 thread in the Main forum by Day 4.

3. Exercise: Indigenous Culture Web Site Reviews

• Review your classmates’ responses to the first Discussion Question for this week.
• Choose two Web sites that interest you from your classmates’ responses.
• Complete Appendix D using the two Web sites you found for your Discussion Question response and
the two additional Web sites borrowed from your classmates’ responses.
• Post your completed Exercise to the Assignment section of eCampus by Day 5

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated
separately.

Participation

All week: Remember to participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages in 4 out of 7
days during the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation
score.

Summary of Week 2 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Week 2 DQ 1 Main Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

Week 2 DQ 2 Main Forum Day 4 (Thursday)

Exercise:
Assignment section of eCampus Day 5 (Friday)
Indigenous Culture Web Site Reviews
Week Three

Hinduism

• Describe the Hindu philosophical systems and forms of worship.

• Explain the origins of Hinduism.

Course Assignments

1. CheckPoint: Hindu Terms Map

• Post your answers to Appendix E in the Assignment section of eCampus

2. Assignment: Hinduism Paper

• Write a 700- to 1000-word paper answering the following questions:

• Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system, what makes up the Hindu
religion?
• What are the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region
in which it originated?
• Explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence.

• Format your paper according to APA standards.

• Post your final paper to the Assignment section of eCampus

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion questions are not required this week.

Participation

Participation is not required this week.

Summary of Week 3 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

CheckPoint: Hindu Terms Map Assignment section of eCampus Day 4 (Thursday)

Assignment: Hinduism Paper Assignment section of eCampus Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Four

Buddhism

• Explain the origins of Buddhism.

• Describe Buddhism’s theological foundations and spiritual practices.

Course Assignments

1. Readings

• Read Ch. 5, 6, & 8 of Living Religions.

2. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days.

3. Week 4 DQ 1: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 4 DQ 1 thread in the Main forum by Day 2.

4. Week 4 DQ 2: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 4 DQ 2 thread in the Main forum by Day 4.

5. CheckPoint: Final Project Preparation by Day 5.

• Review the material found in Appendices A & F.

• Complete Appendix B.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated
separately.

Participation

All week: Remember to participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages in 4 out of 7
days during the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation
score.

Summary of Week 4 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Week 4 DQ 1 Main Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

Week 4 DQ 2 Main Forum Day 4 (Thursday)

CheckPoint: Final Project Preparation Assignment section of eCampus Day 5 (Friday)

 Week Five

Daoism, Confucianism, and Judaism

• Compare and contrast the theological foundations and spiritual practices of Daoism, Confucianism,
Hinduism, and Buddhism.
• Explain the origins of Judaism
• Describe Judaism’s theological foundations and spiritual practices.

Course Assignments

1. CheckPoint: Eastern Religion Elements Matrix

• Complete Appendix G.

2. Assignment: Judaism Presentation

• Create a PowerPoint® Presentation geared toward teaching a younger person, age 9 to 14 year old,
about Judaism. Your presentation must cover each of the following topics:

• Relationship with God/Torah

• History of Key Sacred Texts
• Ten Commandments
• Jerusalem
• The Nation of Israel
• Different Sects of Judaism
• The Holocaust
• Sacred Practices and Holidays
• Judaism today

• Include a minimum of 10 slides.

• Include speaker’s notes that describe what you would say if you were actually presenting it to an
audience.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion questions are not required this week.

Participation

Participation is not required this week.

Summary of Week 5 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

CheckPoint: Eastern Religion Elements Matrix Assignment section of eCampus Day 4 (Thursday)

Assignment: Judaism Presentation Assignment section of eCampus Day 7 (Sunday)

Week Six

Christianity and Islam

• Explain the origins of Christianity.

• Explain the origins of Islam.

Course Assignments

1. Readings

• Read Ch. 9 & 10 of Living Religions.

2. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days.

1. Week 6 DQ 1: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 6 DQ 1 thread in the Main forum by Day 2.

2. Week 6 DQ 2: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 6 DQ 2 thread in the Main forum by Day 4.

3. CheckPoint: Five Pillars of Islam

• Submit a 350- to 700-word response answering the following questions:

o What are the central beliefs of Islam, and how are they reflected in the "Five Pillars” (McInerney,
2003)?
o Which of the Five Pillars do you feel would be easiest to fulfill, and which would be the most
challenging (McInerney, 2003)?

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated
separately.

Participation

All week: Remember to participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages in 4 out of 7
days during the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation
score.

Summary of Week 6 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Week 6 DQ 1 Main Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

Week 6 DQ 2 Main Forum Day 4 (Thursday)

CheckPoint: Five Pillars of Islam Assignment section of eCampus Day 5 (Friday)

Week Seven

Monotheistic Religions

• Compare and contrast the theological foundations and spiritual practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Course Assignments

1. CheckPoint: Monotheistic Religions Elements Matrix

• Complete Appendix H.

2. Assignment: Jesus & Mohammed Paper

• Submit a 1,250- to 1,500-word paper in which you compare and contrast the lives of Jesus and
Mohammed in relation to each respective religion. Complete the following steps in your paper:

• Trace the lives of Jesus and Mohammed historically.

• Compare what impact the death of each person had on his respective religion.
• Describe the ways each individual was or is worshipped.
• Explain how their messages are being carried out in the world today.

• Format your paper according to APA standards.

• Post your paper as an attachment.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion questions are not required this week.

Participation

Participation is not required this week.

Summary of Week 7 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

CheckPoint: Monotheistic Religions Elements Matrix Assignment section of eCampus Day 4 (Thursday)

Assignment: Jesus & Mohammed Paper Assignment section of eCampus Day 7 (Sunday)
 Week Eight

New Religious Movements & Religion in the 21st Century

• Compare and contrast new religious movements with well established religions.
• Estimate the impact of religious pluralism and the interfaith movement on the future of organized
religion.

Course Assignments

1. Readings

• Read Ch. 12 & 13 of Living Religions.

2. Participate with at least two substantive comments in the Main forum at least 4 of 7 days.

3. Week 8 DQ 1: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 8 DQ 1 thread in the Main forum by Day 2.

4. Week 8 DQ 2: Post a 150- to 300-word response to the Week 8 DQ 2 thread in the Main forum by Day 4.

5. CheckPoint: Rough Draft World Religions Report

• Post Your Rough Draft of your World Religions Report.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions

Discussion question responses will not count towards the class participation requirement and will be evaluated
separately.

Participation

All week: Remember to participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages in 4 out of 7
days during the week. Only posts in the Main classroom forum will count towards your class participation
score.

Summary of Week 8 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Participation Main Forum Ongoing (4 days per week)

Week 8 DQ 1 Main Forum Day 2 (Tuesday)

Week 8 DQ 2 Main Forum Day 4 (Thursday)

CheckPoint: Rough Draft World Religions Report Assignment section of eCampus Day 5 (Friday)
Week Nine

Making Connections

• Communicate with people of different religions about their beliefs and practices.

Course Assignments

1. Capstone CheckPoint

• Post your response to the following questions:

• In what ways has learning about world religions influenced the way you think about
religion?
• Why is it important to learn about other peoples' beliefs and attitudes?
• How will you utilize this information in the future?

2. Final Project: World Religions Report

• Resources: Appendices A, B, & F

• Select a religion that is not your own and then visit a place of worship and interview a person of that
faith.
• Write a 2,000- to 2,500-word informative paper about the religion.
• Compare your selected religion with at least one other religion you are familiar with through this class.
• Include the following elements:

• Introduction of the religion

• Name, location and review of the site.
• Interview summary
• Comparing and contrasting with another religion
• Conclusion
• References

• Format your paper according to APA standards.

• Post your paper as an attachment to the Assignment section of eCampus.

Weekly Reminders

Discussion Questions - Discussion questions are not required this week.

Participation - Participation is not required this week.

Summary of Week 9 Deliverables

Assignment Location Due

Capstone CheckPoint Assignment section of eCampus Day 4 (Thursday)

Final Project: World Religions Report Assignment section of eCampus Day 7 (Sunday)

Congratulations on completing the course!

I hope you had a rewarding experience and wish you only the best in your future endeavors!