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Term: Fall 2010-2011

Course Number: RLST 130A

Instructor:   Fr. Jerome Stack, C.PP.S.

E-mail:<= span style=3D'mso-tab-count:1'>   jstack@ccsj.edu

Cell Phone: 219-314-8137

Office Hours: by appointment

Instructor Background:

B.A. Philosophy, Saint Joseph’s College (Indiana= ), 1968

                = M.A., Theology, De Paul University 1973

M.A., Pastoral Counseling, Claremont School of Theology, 1986

                = Academic experience includes teaching at Calumet College of St. Joseph (1970-1971); teaching and administration, Cardinal Newman H.S., Santa Rosa, CA (1971-72; 1976-1980). Other experience in ministry includes campus ministry at the Claremont Colleges, parish ministry, psychiatric hospital chaplaincy, and a term as general councilor and secretary general of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

                =

Course Time: Monday and Wednesday, 1:45--3:15 PM<= b>

Course Description:

This course introduces students to religion through critical and constructive reflection. This course focuses on three themes: religious beli= efs, major world religions with an emphasis on Christianity, and Christian theol= ogy (CCSJ catalog description).

In the course, we will examine the nature of fai= th and religious experience as found in the major religious traditions of the world. Included in our survey will be a discussion of the nature of religion and religious faith and some approaches to studying religion. The second pa= rt of the course examines the origins of the Bible, its history, and its role = and interpretation among Jews and Christians. The final section of the course l= ooks at the history of Christianity and core Christian beliefs and practices, se= en especially through the lens of the Roman Catholic tradition.

Prerequisites: ENGL 103. Students are also expected to be able to use Blackboard for class activities.

Learning Outcomes/ Competencies:

Students in this course will:=

· = Be introduced to some basic resources for the study of religion and theology;

· = Develop skills in critical reading a= nd thinking;

· = Develop skills in written and oral communication;

· = Be challenged to reflect critically = on religious issues in the contemporary world;

· = Become acquainted with some of the g= reat world religious traditions;

· = Become acquainted with approaches to interpreting and understanding the Bible;

· = Examine the significance of Jesus and his life and teaching;

· = Gain a basic understanding of the origins and history of Christianity;

· = Become acquainted with major tenets = of Christianity as expressed in the great Creeds.

Textbooks:

Bowker, John. World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored and Explained. New Y= ork: DK Publishing, 2006.

Binz, Stephen J. Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture. Collegeville, Minnesota: = The Liturgical Press, 2007

In addition to the textbooks, students should ha= ve access to (but need not purchase) a copy of the Bible. Recommended translations are the New American Bible, New Revised Standard, New Jerusalem Bible, and Revised Standard Version.

Learning Strategies:

Students are expected to complete the reading assignment for each class and be prepared to discuss the material in class.= For most classes a written assignment will be required. Quizzes on the material assigned for each class may be given at any time. These may take the form of writing on a theme or themes that will be the basis for class discussion. Classroom discussion is an important part of learning and student participa= tion will be evaluated. There will also be three tests to evaluate the student's understanding of the material covered.

Assessment:

Participation                                                 =         15 %

Assignments/quizzes                                          = 40 %

Worship experience report                          =                       15 %

Tests (3)                                        =                                         30%

Class Policy for Assessment (quizzes, tests) and Assignments:

Late assignments will lose 10 points (out of 100= ). A quiz or test that is missed without an excuse cannot be made up a= nd the student will receive 0 points. Assignments must be turned in within= one week of the due date to obtain credit. After a week no credit will be gi= ven.

Student assignments, whether homework or in-class assignments, will be evaluated as follows:

√+        =    You have completed the assignment very carefully and completely, showing a supe= rior    understanding of                 the material and/or answer= ing the questions thoughtfully, supporting your opinions and conclusions effectively. Your responses are well written. (=3D"A")

√             You have completed the assign= ment satisfactorily, but there may be some omissions or flaws in     content or in your arguments, showing a less than superior grasp of the material. <= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> There may be    some minor problems with your written work. (=3D"B")=

                √-            You have completed the assignm= ent, but show only a minimal grasp of the material.                                                         There are more serious inadequacies in the way you have framed= and supported your conclusions                 =             or there may be some major omissions in your answers . Your written work has m= ore than a few                                           problems. (=3D"C&q= uot;)

                √- -          You do not demonstrate an adequate understanding of the material and/or failed to comp= lete a                                      significant part of the assignment. Your written work is seriously flawed. (=3D"D")<= /o:p>

                0              You did not complete the assignment or you turned i= n an assignment that was                        =                                             unacceptable because it wa= s so incomplete or poorly written.

The above criteria will also be used in evaluating essay questions on tests or quizzes.

Assignments should be submitted electronically on Blackboard as well on paper. All assignments should be typed and have the student's name, course number,= and date the assignment is due at the top left-hand side of the page. Please no= te that there may be special instructions for assignments posted on Blackboard= .



Grading Scale:

Grade

Points

A

100-92<= /p>

A-

91-90

B+

89-88

B

87-82

B-

81-80

C+

79-78

C

77-72

C-

71-70

D+

69-68

D

67-62

D-

61-60

F

59 and below

Class Policy on Attendance and Participation:

You are expected to show up on time for all clas= ses and to remain in class for the entire period. Missing two consecutive we= eks of classes will result in an administrative withdrawal from the course.= If you foresee that you will have consistent scheduling conflicts with this cl= ass, you should consider withdrawal from the course.

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Two unexcused absences<= /b> will be allowed for this term and the student will not be penalized for missing that cla= ss. This does not apply to those classes in which an exam is scheduled. Stud= ents who will miss class due to a College-sponsored activity will be given credit but prior written notification = must be given to the instructor.

Each = unexcused absence will result in a grade of " 0 " for that day. A student with more than two unexcused absences w= ill not receive an " A " for the course, regardless of the course average.

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Absences beyond the one unexcused absence will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and some form of documentation may be required.

A studen= t who misses a class for any reason is always responsible for any material covere= d in the class and for any assignments due.

You will be graded on your participation in clas= s. Criteria that the instructor will use are:

·      =    Consistency in attending class and punctuality;

·      =    Familiarity with the material assign= ed and presented in class;

·      =    Respect for others and their opinion= s;

·      =    Engagement in the class activities a= nd responsibility for your own learning;

·      =    Clarity of presentation of your idea= s, substantiating your opinions;

·      =    Interest in the class discussion, ability to respond to what is said and invite others to participate.

Class Policy on Electronic Devices:

All cell phones and other electronic devices are= to be turned off during class. Please inform the instructor if you believe that there is a legitimate reason to leave your cell phone on or to use other electronic devices.

Course Outline:

Written assignments will be posted on Blackboard. It is the student's responsibility to check Blackboard and his/her e-mail regularly for information about t= he class, especially assignments.          =

                                                 =

Dates:

Topics

Reading Assignments

8 Sept

Course Introduction:

What is religion and why study it? =

13 Sept

Approaches to the study of religion; the meani= ng of faith. Hinduism

Bowker, pp. 21-31

15 Sept

Hinduism

Bowker, 32-41

20 Sept

Buddhism

Bowker, 60-71

22 Sept

Buddhism

Bowker, 72-81

27 Sept

Judaism

Bowker, 124-131; "Judaism" in F&= W, selection

29 Sept

Judaism

Bowker, 132-143, 146-147

4Oct

Islam

Bowker, 176-183; "Islam" in F&W, selection

6 Oct

Islam

Bowker, 184-195

11 Oct

TEST (one half class period)

The Bible: history of the Bible

Binz, chs. 1 and 5

13 Oct

The Bible: history of the Bible and the canon<= o:p>

Binz, ch. 10

18 Oct

The Bible: revelation and inspiration; version= s; practical issues

Binz, chs. 3 and 4

20 Oct

Interpreting the Bible: the Bible as human literature; senses of the Bible

Binz, ch. 6 and 7

25 Oct

Interpreting the Bible; Overview of the Old Testament

Binz, chs.8 and 11

26 Oct

Overview of the Old Testament

Bible readings TBA

1 Nov

Overview of the New Testament

Bible readings TBA

3 Nov

Overview of the New Testament; fundamentalism = and biblical scholarship

Binz, chs. 9 & 11; Bible readings TBA=

8 Nov

TEST (one half class period)

Who is Jesus Christ? introduction

Bowker, 151-153

10 Nov

Who is Jesus Christ? teachings; life, death and resurrection

Bowker, 154-161; Bible readings TBA=

15 Nov

Christianity: the early centuries <= /span>

Bowker, 162-167; Bible readings TBA=

17 Nov

The Reformation and Counter Reformation; Chris= tian denominations

Bowker, 168-171; F&W articles: "Reformation" and "Counter Reformation" <= o:p>

22 Nov

The Creeds; Christology

The Apostles Creed; F&W article: "Christology"

24 Nov

The Trinity

F&W article: "Trinity"; Catechism of the Catholic Church, pars 232-267

29 Nov

The church; prayer and worship

"Models of the Church" reading; Catechism, 748-780

1 Dec

Worship Experience Reports

No reading assignment

6 Dec

Worship Experience Reports

No reading assignment

8 Dec

The church; prayer and worship

Catech= ism, 1113-1134

Finals week

TEST - per finals schedule

The above schedule is subject to change. Students will be notified of changes in class and on Blackboard.

The tests cover only the material studied since the last test.

Some of the readings are taken from Funk and Wagnall's online encyclopedia, available to students through the CCSJ libra= ry web site. Other readings will be posted on Blackboard. Readings from The Catechism of the Catholic Church are available online at the Vatican website (www.vatican.va) and the website of= the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org).

Tutoring Center:

The Tuto= ring Center is dedicated to supporting Calumet College of St. Joseph students. Students work with tutors to develop co= urse competencies and study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note taking. In addition, students= are provided with tutoring support to help pass courses, to improve grade point= average, and to promote continuing education and career advancement. Tutors have a specific charge: to help students learn how to master specific subject matter and to develop effecti= ve learning skills. Tutoring is open = to all students at Calumet College of St. Joseph at no charge and is available to support most introductory courses. Tutoring in support of some other courses is available as well. The Tutoring Center is located in Room 413. The telephone number is 219.473.4287 or 800.700.9100 ext. 287.

Statement of Plagiarism:

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter= up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonest= y is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed u= nder the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances. =

Please note: Calumet College of St. Joseph subscribes to Turnitin.com and all papers can= and may be submitted for checks on plagiarism from the Internet/Electronic sources/Databases.

Citation Guidelines:

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as prescribed by the p= articular discipline (i.e., MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian.). All of these guidelines are available i= n the Calumet College of St. Joseph library or bookstore. These texts outline how to cite referen= ces from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

Withdrawal from Classes Policy:

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students = may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reaso= n(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. The Registrar must rec= eive written request for withdrawal by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be maile= d to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are= to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request= is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accep= t or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indic= ate why the withdrawal is disallowed.

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incu= rs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).

Student Support Services:

Among its other services, the Student Support Services Office guides, counsels and assists students with disabilities. If a student believes that he or she needs a “reasonable accommodatio= n” of some kind because of a physical, psychological, or mental condition (e.g= ., additional time needed for tests, note taking assistance, special testing a= rrangements, etc.), he or she should contact the Student Support Services Office at 473-4388. Staff there will secure documentation pertinent to the disability and work with faculty and staff, if necessary, to address the matter.

CCSJ Alert:

Calumet College of St. Joseph utilizes an emergency communications system that transmits messages via text, email, and voice platforms. In the event of an emergency, of weather related closings, or of other incidents, those students who are registered = for the system shall receive incident specific message(s) notifying them of the situation. Please sign-up for this important service at any time on the College’s website. Alternatively, you can register at the = time you register for classes. This ser= vice requires each user to register once per academic year. Therefore, at the beginning of each academic year, please remember to re-register for the system. This can be done at: http://www.ccsj.edu/alerts/index.h= tml.

School Closing Information:

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                Internet:                                                        http://w= ww.ccsj.edu



http://w= ww.EmergencyClosings.com

Facility: Calumet College of St. Joseph

Phone: 219.473.4770

                Radio:

WAKE – 1= 500 AM

WGN - 720 AM

WIJE – 1= 05.5 FM

WLS – 89= 0 AM

WZVN – 1= 07.1 FM

WBBM NEWS RADIO 78

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                TV Channels:

2, 5, 7,= 9, 32

Grade	Points
A	100-92<= /p>
A-	91-90
B+	89-88
B	87-82
B-	81-80
C+	79-78
C	77-72
C-	71-70
D+	69-68
D	67-62
D-	61-60
F	59 and below

Dates:	Topics	Reading Assignments
8 Sept	Course Introduction: What is religion and why study it? =
13 Sept	Approaches to the study of religion; the meani= ng of faith. Hinduism	Bowker, pp. 21-31
15 Sept	Hinduism	Bowker, 32-41
20 Sept	Buddhism	Bowker, 60-71
22 Sept	Buddhism	Bowker, 72-81
27 Sept	Judaism	Bowker, 124-131; "Judaism" in F&= W, selection
29 Sept	Judaism	Bowker, 132-143, 146-147
4Oct	Islam	Bowker, 176-183; "Islam" in F&W, selection
6 Oct	Islam	Bowker, 184-195
11 Oct	TEST (one half class period) The Bible: history of the Bible	Binz, chs. 1 and 5
13 Oct	The Bible: history of the Bible and the canon<= o:p>	Binz, ch. 10
18 Oct	The Bible: revelation and inspiration; version= s; practical issues	Binz, chs. 3 and 4
20 Oct	Interpreting the Bible: the Bible as human literature; senses of the Bible	Binz, ch. 6 and 7
25 Oct	Interpreting the Bible; Overview of the Old Testament	Binz, chs.8 and 11
26 Oct	Overview of the Old Testament	Bible readings TBA
1 Nov	Overview of the New Testament	Bible readings TBA
3 Nov	Overview of the New Testament; fundamentalism = and biblical scholarship	Binz, chs. 9 & 11; Bible readings TBA=
8 Nov	TEST (one half class period) Who is Jesus Christ? introduction	Bowker, 151-153
10 Nov	Who is Jesus Christ? teachings; life, death and resurrection	Bowker, 154-161; Bible readings TBA=
15 Nov	Christianity: the early centuries <= /span>	Bowker, 162-167; Bible readings TBA=
17 Nov	The Reformation and Counter Reformation; Chris= tian denominations	Bowker, 168-171; F&W articles: "Reformation" and "Counter Reformation" <= o:p>
22 Nov	The Creeds; Christology	The Apostles Creed; F&W article: "Christology"
24 Nov	The Trinity	F&W article: "Trinity"; Catechism of the Catholic Church, pars 232-267
29 Nov	The church; prayer and worship	"Models of the Church" reading; Catechism, 748-780
1 Dec	Worship Experience Reports	No reading assignment
6 Dec	Worship Experience Reports	No reading assignment
8 Dec	The church; prayer and worship	Catech= ism, 1113-1134
Finals week	TEST - per finals schedule