CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for PHI115 - World Religions - West

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Explain the difference between different definitions of “religion”.
  2. Differentiate between arguments of where religion came from.
  3. Demonstrate the difference between Religious Studies, Philosophy of Religion, and Theology.
  4. Develop the ability to use religious studies as a “lens” for looking at a culture.
  5. Critique different methodological approaches used in the study of religions .
  6. Discuss how religion can be defined a cultural system.
  7. Develop the ability to speak and write critically about religion in such a way as to present a nuanced argument that contextualizes religious traditions and religious people in a way appropriate to a complex historical understanding.
  8. Develop an understanding of the history, major figures, significant texts and modern context of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahá’í.
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of the modern religious context, including New Religious Movements, globalization, denominationalism, revitalization movements, and sectarianism.
  10. Develop critical thinking through an analysis of religious phenomena.
  11. Recognize and interpret religious symbolism 12. Demonstrate improved ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using modules, websites, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1 Learning Outcomes

 Mapped to Course Competencies (above)
Distinguish between the practices of philosophy and religion. 1, 2, 6
Discuss varieties of practices in indigenous religions and how religion can be defined as a cultural system. 2, 4
Explain the variety of analytical tools and orientations used to investigate, critique, and evaluate practices within different religious traditions. 3, 4, 5

Module 2 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Describe the Cosmology of Good and Evil, the mythology, and the modern manifestations of Zoroastrianism. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Analyze the rise of ancient Jewish religion as part of the history of Canaan, and in comparison with Babylonian and Egyptian folklore and traditions. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Describe the historical highlights of ancient Jewish religion, with special reference to Abraham, Moses, the First Temple, and the Babylonian Exile. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Explain the historical and religious significance of the Jewish Messianic Vision, the Second Temple, the political parties (Pharisees; Sadducees; Essences; Zealots), the destruction of the temple, the development of the Talmud, and the Diaspora. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Analyze the distinctive branches of modern Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstruction. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Module 3 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Discuss the importance of the historical Jesus, the “Good News,” and Pre-Constantinian Christian persecution. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Assess the importance of the conversion of Constantine, for understanding the Christ of Faith, the early Church Councils, and the rise of Roman Catholicism and the First Schism (1053) with the Orthodox tradition. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Analyze the historical and theological importance and difference between the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, and the Inquisition. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Discuss the different forms of modern expressions of Christianity, the variety of Protestant sects, and the modern challenges to Christian faith. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Module 4 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Discuss the pre-Islamic, Arabian tribal religions and social mores. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Describe the historical significance of Mohammad, his radical message, the flight to Yathrib, the Night of Power, Mohammad in Medina, and the first hajj. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Distinguish the historical and theological differences between Shi’a and Sunni Islam. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Analyze and explain the contributions of Medieval Islam within the Golden Age of the Caliphs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Distinguish between the cultural varieties of Islam, including the Arabs and Persians, Umaayads and Quaresh. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Explain the importance of Sufism and the challenges faced by modern Islam.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Module 5 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

Analyze reasons for the emergence of new religious movements, and the roles they play. 1, 2
Explain the difference between a sect and a cult, and major examples of each. 1, 2
Research the processes of religious change, accommodation, and fundamentalism. 1, 2
Discuss the contributions of nature, religious thought, and eclectic spirituality to New Religions Movements.  

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Assignment Points
Discussions (5 @ 20 points each) 100
Journals (5 @ 15 points each) 75
Essays (5 @ 20 points each) 100
Quizzes (5 @ 15 points each) 75
Final Exam 100
TOTAL 450
optional Extra Credit 50
TOTAL WITH EXTRA CREDIT 500

 

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