RELG 101 - 001

Description

The course provides an examination of the varying concepts of religion and the methods used in studying religious behavior and belief. It provides an introduction to the religious dimension of human existence*, and it examines various concepts of religion and the methods used in studying religious behavior and belief*. Through a series of selected readings, the class will reflect on and discuss key elements of the academic study of religion. Discussion and various group activities will highlight experiences that point toward the sacred in the world we live in.

From lectures and a synthesis of reading reflections, activities and discussions, the class will highlight some of the major questions in the scholarly study of religion.

• What is religion?
• How does or should religion relate to morality?
• What is the relation between religion and culture?

The readings will illustrate that there are a wide variety of ways to approach the study of religion. Through discussion and guided exercises we will reflect critically on our own religious tradition in comparison to other traditions. We will identify some of the ways in which different religious traditions impact the world we live in. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the three "religions of the Book", Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The successful student of RELG 101 will:

Recognize

main ideas that characterize all religious thought and practice

Identify theoretical issues

surrounding the study of religion

Identify different methodologies

for the study of religion

Recognize fundamental topics of religion

ritual, sacred communication, morality, and theodicy and the nature of evil

RELG 101 helps students make progress toward the following University Level Competencies whereby Winthrop graduates :

think critically and solve problems

By applying various methods for understanding the phenomenon of religion, the students will gain skills in critical problem solving.

are personally and socially responsible

As students wrestle with the way in which religion is related to ethics, morality and social justice through class lectures, discussions and journals, the students will reflect on their own approach to personal and social responsibility.

understand the interconnected nature of the world

As the students learn to relate the function and meaning of religion to their own contemporary lives, they will understand better how we are connected one to another and to the world we live in.

communicate effectively

Week by week in individual presentations and periodically through writing and exam assignments, the students will expand their ability to communicate effectively.

Class participation

Each student is expected to complete the week's readings ahead of class and to participate actively in activities and discussions.

Homework assignments and quizzes

will be given at unscheduled times without advanced notice. They may not be made up.

Journals

On a regular basis the student will reflect on the readings by submitting responses to a Google Form®. A part of the assignment for the reflection is to be present for the discussion on the topic. The rubric for the journals is as follows:

• An A reflection will demonstrate an awareness of the complexities of the assigned reading, making connections with the students' own experience and prior education. It will generally be between 250 & 350 words in length. A response is given to all of the prompts. The student is present for the following class and contributes to the discussion about the reading.
• A B reflection will demonstrate that the student read the material with accuracy and with some insight, but not making deeper connections. Perhaps not all the questions were answered. The student may not have contributed to the discussion in class.
• A C reflection gives a cursory, if accurate, response to the readings. The student responded to the journal but was absent from class for the discussion.

Examinations (2 and a final)

The exams will cover the readings, and the topics covered in class. The final will be cumulative.

Papers

There will be three (3) reflection papers. They will be relatively short papers responding to a prompt given by the instructor. A paper turned in within 24 hours of the due date will lose one letter grade. If a paper is turned in more than 24 hours after the due date, it will not be graded.

• Writing assignments will be submitted through the class BlackBoard site. No papers will be accepted through email except by special permission granted prior to the submission date & time.
• Late assignments will not be accepted except by special permission granted prior to the submission date & time.
• No late submissions of the regular reading reflections submitted through Google Forms ® will be accepted. The purpose of the assignment is to prepare for class discussions following the readings.

Attendance

University policy states that you will not receive credit for the course if you miss more than 25% of the class. This class has a stricter requirement. For this class, any classes missed beyond five (5) will reduce your grade. Please note that there are no automatically excused absences. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor in case of sickness, emergencies, sports travel and other engagements that require an absence. Note also that it is the student's responsibility to make up for any missed work due to absences. Of course missed conversations and presentations are nearly impossible to make up so it is important to keep absences to a minimum. If you have a difficulty that might lead to excessive absence, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible.

Exams

“During the course of normal exams no one will be allowed to leave the room. Anyone who does choose to leave will turn in their exam and will not be allowed to resume.”

Excused absences

Please note that there are no automatically excused absences. The student is responsible for contacting the instructor in case of sickness, emergencies, sports travel and other engagements that require an absence. Note also that it is the student's responsibility to make up for any missed work due to absences. Of course missed conversations and presentations are nearly impossible to make up so it is important to keep absences to a minimum. If you have a difficulty that might lead to excessive absence, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible.

Makeups

There will be no makeup for the occasional quizzes and assignments.

Regardless of absence or lateness

You are responsible for all course material and requirements.

Tardiness

Three tardies count as one absence.

Expectation of respect

Regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age and ability, you will be treated and respected as a human being. Your continued presence in this course signals your commitment to act likewise toward your peers and your instructors.

Expectation of integrity

Students are expected to cultivate personal and academic integrity. Review the student code of conduct for university polices on academic misconduct. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade on the assignment and/or in the course. The full handbook is available online at: http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf.

Academic misconduct

As noted in the Student Conduct Code: "Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals." The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the "Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy" in the online Student Handbook which can be accessed at

http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf.
Dishonesty is a serious offense in all its forms, whether lying about reasons for an absence or missed assignment or cheating on a test or misrepresenting borrowed material as your own. It can result in a failing grade on a test, assignment, or the course, or even dismissal from the university.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")–whether you use that material in a quotation, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not. It is also a violation of the Student Conduct Code (http://www.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/Judicial/judcode.htm). Plagiarism will result in failure on that assignment. Especially serious cases or second offences can result in failure in the course.

Cell phones

Cell phones normally have no use in this class and when they are being used in class they reflect disrespect for students and instructors – a violation of the point above about our expectation of respect. Phones should be on silent and kept in your book bag or purse throughout class time unless otherwise instructed. Except with permission, texting or responding to email will result in a "0" for participation for the day. If a cell phone is in evidence during class hours, the owner of the phone will be marked absent for the day. There may or may not be a warning. If it is a quiz day, their quiz will be marked 0 (zero). If a student responds to text messages or email during class they will receive a "0" for the day's participation.

(Note if you have some educational, health, or physical reason for an electronic device you must work with your instructor to inform him of the accommodation.)

Computers and other devices

There are clear uses for computers in the classroom, including; taking notes, reading digital textbooks, looking for reference information, etc. Equally clearly, computers provide easy distraction from the responsibilities we all bring to the classroom, including; checking email, browsing on Facebook®, etc., etc. These devices are allowed in my classroom, but any evidence of using them for anything other than clear classroom work will result in an assignment of "0" for the day's participation grade.

University Policy re. Handheld Tech Devices

Except as noted above my policy follows that of the division of Arts and Sciences found at
http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/artscience/PolicyForHandHeldTech-April2014.pdf.

Resolution of Issues

Any questions concerning grading of assignments or other matters must be resolved within one week after the assignment is returned and graded.

Textbook in class

N.B. that you are expected to have your textbook in class every day. If you do not have the textbook obviously available in class, your participation grade for the day will reflect a "0".

Appeals

I know that I do make mistakes and overlook things that I shouldn't. It's probably true of some of you as well. If you don't understand a grade or comment, please ask me. If you think that a grade is in error and you would like it corrected, you must put your request and justification in writing. Under no circumstances will a grade be lowered because clarification was requested. No grades will be changed, however, without documentation.

The Writing Center

provides support for all students in all Winthrop classes free of charge. It is located in 242 Bancroft (ext. 2138). Check its web page for current hours (http://www.winthrop.edu/wcenter).

Students With Disabilities

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education. If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 323-3290. Once you have your official notice of accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities, please inform me as early as possible in the semester.

Winthrop’s Academic Success Center

is a free resource for all undergraduate students seeking to perform their best academically. The ASC offers a variety of personalized and structured resources – including for RELG 101 – that help students achieve academic excellence. These resources includes things such as tutoring, academic skill development (test taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), and group/individual study spaces. The ASC is located on the first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Tutoring for RELG 101 is offered through the office. If you wish to request a tutor, you must attend ONE Tutee Seminar during the academic year, offered every Friday until midterms. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or success@winthrop.edu if you have any questions. For more information on ASC services, please visit www.winthrop.edu/success.

Participation and engagement are essential elements in the RELG 101 classroom. You should seek to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity through demonstrated knowledge of the reading assignments, thoughtful reflection of the topics, contribution of insightful ideas and consideration of your classmates’ perspectives. Consider the following:

• Do you arrive at class on time, each class period, with a positive, open attitude?
• Did you critically read the material? Are there markings, highlights, and questions written in your book? Have you completed your reading journals?
• Have you thoughtfully considered the readings prior to arriving in class?
• Can you answer questions about the current readings and connect these ideas with previous readings in the class?
• Do you ask good questions? Do you listen to your peers?
• Are your questions and comments deep and related to the reading, or shallow and random?

• Are you willing to challenge your thoughts and opinions and those of others in a respectful, open manner? Are you willing to consider “what if I am wrong?”

  Disagreement is a basic element of a democratic society. Diverse perspectives are appreciated and encouraged. You are expected to show respect to your instructor and your peers. Students should work to create a classroom community where all perspectives are heard and appreciated. This classroom is a safe environment in which regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, natural origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability, you will be treated with respect.