Course Requirements-Religions of the World

Course Requirements

1) Attendance and active class participation. This includes being prepared for class by having completed the reading for each session. Attendance will be taken each class. If you have a valid reason for an absence please be sure to notify the instructor at the next class session. Also, if you come in late, please be sure to remind the instructor after that class so you will not be counted absent.

2) Participation in the Online Discussion Forum. Students will be expected to read the discussions and post at least one message per week (total of at least 14 messages). If you need help with your account, accessing the online discussion, etc. help is available in the computer labs. The instructor will also be glad to assist you. Just ask.

3) A term paper of 5-7 pages on a topic which involves research on at least two but no more than three of the religions covered in the course. After choosing the topic, discuss it with the instructor and have it approved before October 14. Failing to discuss the topic with the instructor and turn it in by October 14 will result in an automatic reduction of the term paper grade by one full letter. Please note that after turning in your topic you are not allowed to change to a different topic without first receiving permission from the instructor. A term paper guide and a statement on plagiarism are attached to the printed version of this syllabus. The statement must be read, signed and submitted along with the printed version of the paper.

The due dates for the paper are as follows:

Before October 14	Choose a topic and discuss it with the instructor
October 14	Turn in topic and a brief descriptive paragraph
December 2	Term Paper Due-No Late Papers!

4) A mid-term exam on Sept. 21 over Native American and African Religions

5) A mid-term exam on Oct. 19 over Religions of South and Southeast Asia, Religions of East Asia

6) A final exam on Dec. 17, 2:00-5:00 PM over Religions of the Middle East (i.e. the final is not comprehensive for the entire course).

Grades will be determined as follows:

	Class Participation		10%
	Online Discussion		10%
	Paper		20%
	Mid-Term #1		20%
	Mid-Term #2		20%
	Final		20%
	Total		100%

Note:

A failing grade for both the Mid-Terms and Final will mean an automatic grade of "F" for the course, regardless of other grades received in the class. Also, no student will pass the course without turning in a paper.

Optional Extra Credit: During the semester there may be opportunities for field trips in which students will observe different religious communities. These trips are optional and your grade will not be effected by absence. However those students who do attend will receive five points extra credit on the next exam for each trip. Further information will be provided in class.