SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RELIGION 243/PHILOSOPHY 243

HISTORY OF WORLD RELIGIONS

• Instructor: Mary Long

• Office Hours: Room 314. Office hours during the semester will be posted on the office door. Other times are available by appointment. You can contact me by calling 268-5831.

• Text: Hopffe, Religions of the World (Optional) Smith, Religions of the World

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The development of various religions from prehistoric to modern times. Political, economic, social, and geographic relationships among world religions. Consideration of both Eastern and Western religions. Prerequisites:None.

EVALUATION

• Tests: Students are required to take a series of tests throughout the semester. All tests will be announced prior to the test date. All make-up tests will be essays.

• Quizzes: Unannounced quizzes may be given during the semester. There are no make-up quizzes.

• Projects: Students will be required to participate in several ways including taking class notes, becoming involved in classroom discussions, and completing classroom assignments as they are given throughout the semester. No late projects will be accepted.

• Attendance: Because much of the material and information will come from classroom activities and lectures, attendance is very important. However, you may have other obligations that interfere with your attendance. You are allowed up to four absences if the class meets two days a week and 6 if it meets 3 times a week. If you have a major interruption during the semester, contact me to see what steps are best to take. Keep in mind when you are absent you are still responsible for material covered. Note that after the number of allowed absences, you may be automatically dropped. However, the responsibility to ensure your withdrawal rest with you.

• Grading: Tests (75%) and Projects, Constructive Participation, Paper (25%

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SPECIAL NEEDS AND PROBLEMS

Please let me know if you require some special accommodation because of a special need. I am reasonably sure that we can work out whatever arrangements are necessary. Let's make whatever arrangements are needed as soon as possible during the semester to assure your maximum comfort and learning.

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION

• Discussion is welcomed and encouraged. Keep in mind the following points.

• Respect the other person's point of view.

• We may question and philosophically analyze positions and offer reasoned arguments for and against them, but we do not attack people.

• Don't expect everyone to agree with you even if you are absolutely correct.

• Although there may be stronger and weaker positions regarding controversies in the area of world religions, our goal is not to reach unanimous agreement but to gain a better understanding of the religions of the world.

• Differentiated between a lack of understanding and a lack of agreement. Remember, it is possible to understand positions with which you do not agree.