HIST/HUMA//RELS 117:0
Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Class Schedule: Professor: Dr. Ruby Ramji
Jan 5 – April 3, 2009 Office: CC 241 Phone: 563-1264
MON 3:00 – 4:15 pm Office Hours:
WED 3:00 – 4:15 am MON/WED 1:15 – 2:45 pm
Room CC 263 THURS 1:00 – 3:00 pm or by appt
e-mail: ruby_ramji@cbu.ca
http://www.faculty.cbu.ca/rramji
The history, practice, and meaning of Judaism, Christianity and Islam – three great world religions that have influenced present day Western society - will be examined. Their contribution to our understanding of religion as a whole and the present day role of these traditions in current world events and politics will be discussed.
We will begin by examining the concept of religion and the development of various disciplines for the modern study of religion. We will examine the origins, history, worldviews, doctrines, rituals and practices of these major Western religions.
The course seeks to stimulate critical thinking and discussion amongst students, as well as the ability to conduct research, read critically and present scholarly work in a clear and coherent style. Other topics of interest to the class may be discussed as well.
Participation is important as discussion will play a large role in this class, and attendance is imperative for in-class assignments.
Course Evaluation:
Midterm Exam 35% Wednesday February 12, 2009
Research Essay 15% Wednesday March 25, 2009
Final Exam 35% To be scheduled
In-class assignments 15%
Required Text:
The following work is available in the CBU bookstore, and is required for this course:
Oxtoby & Segal (eds). A Concise Introduction to World Religions (Oxford University Press, 2007). A copy of the course textbook is also available at the CBU library on reserve.
Assignment/Essay Guidelines
In this course you will be given in-class assignments. No exceptions shall be made if you miss an assignment, except for documented medical reasons.
One research essay will be due on the assigned date of March 25, 2009. The essay must be handed in during class or earlier to the professor. Do not put it under the instructor’s office door. Due dates are not negotiable and extensions are not given except for documented medical or compassionate grounds. If you think that you will require an extension for these reasons, talk to the instructor as soon as the need becomes apparent: do not wait until the assignment is due. Please be aware that having several assignments fall due in the same week does not constitute grounds for an extension.
Each student has the choice of either: 1) visiting a Christian church, a Jewish temple or a Muslim mosque. You are to describe the rituals, customs and architecture of the religious institution and compare them to the appropriate areas discussed in the course textbook; 2) interviewing a practicing Jew, Christian or Muslim, focusing on exploring the role of religion, philosophy, art, architecture, music, and literature in the life of the interviewee. In your report, include something on the background of your informant and the context of your interview. It is worth 15%. The reason for doing this assignment is to see how many different interpretations there are of religious belief, in comparison to the general descriptions found in your course readings.
Your written essay must be between 4-5 pages in length. It is mandatory to use the course textbook as the reference source. You are free to use other books or journal articles as well. All papers must be carefully documented with precise references for all quotations (direct and indirect), paraphrases, and derived ideas, information and interpretations. You are reminded that it is essential that you give credit to all authors for all ideas and phrasing not originating with you. Failure to document and/or to place quotation marks around all direct quotations is plagiarism and will be dealt with in accordance with university disciplinary regulations. Do not hesitate to consult with the instructor if doubts should arise.
Essay Checklist
Your essay will be distinguished by the following:
§ Printed (i.e. computer generated)
§ The essay itself must be four to five pages in length (feel free to go over the limit)
§ Double spaced, but do not put extra spaces between paragraphs
§ Numbered pages (not including title page)
§ Reference all materials in your essay, either using MLA or APA style. Precise references are required for all quotations, paraphrases, information and ideas. You must give credit to all authors for all ideas that are not your own. See the following website for more information on footnotes, endnotes, parenthetical references and how to write a bibliography - http://www.aresearchguide.com
§ Bibliography must include the course textbook. You are welcome to use other sources if you wish but they must be books or journal articles. Place a bibliography on the final page of the essay; only those works in your essay are to be included.
o Do not use any internet sources.
o Do not use any encyclopedia or dictionary sources.
o Do not use course notes as a reference source.
o Remember the restrictions on which sources are acceptable.
§ Title page including your name, identification number, course number and the instructor's name
§ Students must keep a copy of the paper they submit until final grades have been submitted for the course.