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Course Syllabus

 PHIL 5255: World Religious Perspectives
 
3 Credit Hour



Instructor

Shared Course

Office

Fort Myers, FL

Phone

N/A

Email

faculty@ameschristian.org


Course Learning Resources:

The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions (revised) by Huston Smith

                 The World's Religions
                Author: Huston Smith

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog (Paperback) by James W. Sire

The Universe Next Door
Author: James W. Sire

 MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th Edition by Joseph Gibaldi  

(Can be purchased at Amazon.com. Required for all courses in the M.Min. program.)     

Course Description

A historical and comparative survey of the principal beliefs and practices of the world's major religions. Major religions are considered: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shinto and Taoism. 

A. Course Goals and Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will:

1. Understand the importance of religious belief, expression, and worship to human beings.
2. Be exposed to the major tenets and practices of the world’s major religions.
3. Be exposed to the major truth claims of each major world religion.
4. Understand the geographic impact on religious practice in the worlds various regions.
5. Compare and contrast ancient vs. modern religious practices.
6. Evaluate the absolute and relative claims of the world's major religions.
7. Evaluate the nature and character of God in light of each major world religion.

• Quote the following Scripture passages 

Ψ      Colossians 2:6-8

Ψ      1 Corinthians 1:18-21

Ψ      Galatians 5:1

Ψ      Ephesians 1:17-18

B.  How to Take This Course

Assignments are listed on your syllabus under the Course Schedule. Before you start working on assignments, please email me and introduce yourself. I would like to know more about you, your motivation for taking this course, perhaps your potential educational goals and what you hope to gain by the course. Once I receive your response, I will send one back to you.

To begin the course, read your Syllabus thoroughly, which includes course policies and the expectations for your work.  Please see your Course Schedule for a detailed course agenda.

Please feel free to contact us at any time during the course.

I pray that the Lord will enlighten your heart so that you may truly know Him and His purpose for your life.

NOTE:  ALL WRITING DONE FOR THIS COURSE MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO MLA WRITING STANDARDS. 

C. Course Requirements and Policies:



Attendance
This is a 16-week course. However, if more time is needed, this can be worked out on an individual basis. 

I will be available for you to answer any questions, engage in discussion and provide assistance as needed.

Your written assignments should be submitted as file attachments in either Microsoft Word or HTML format. Each assignment will be evaluated, graded, and returned with feedback.

Time Management
Please be sure to manage your time for your assignments so that you have adequate time to complete your work over the 16-week period.

Communication
Discussion is an important aspect to an effective online course because it will allow us to interact in virtual environment. We will primarily communicate via e-mail.  Please feel free to use my email address for questions, comments, concerns, etc. and I will do the same.

Standards for Grading Assignments

As indicated below, “C” or 2.0 level work is considered average. Leaders are not average people.  You are therefore expected (required) to put forth the

effort necessary to demonstrate at least “B” (3.0) level work or higher on all assignments which you submit. Any which do not will be returned to you with input

from your instructor on how you can raise your grade to the expected level. A course grade will not be given until your assignments demonstrate that

you have understood the material presented in the course and allowed your life to be transformed by the Spirit and the Word studied — the requirements for attaining a “B”. 

Your individual assignments (tests, written assignments, etc.) will be graded according to the following standards. These grades will be averaged together to determine your course grade. ACU is training you as a leader and leaders are above-average people. Therefore, your work will reflect that. 

“A” • Grasped the material with thoroughness, industry and correctness of detail.

      • Made the material his own by thinking about it and integrating it, using

        originality, natural ability, and insight.  

“B” • Intelligently has fulfilled the requirements of this course.

      • Understands the subject matter presented and has applied it to his life in a

        limited manner but has not really made the truths his own. 

“C” • Average work; either steady work of an acceptable quality, or work of a high

        quality which is uneven, irregular or fragmentary.

      • May be mechanically or outwardly correct but shows little reflection upon or

        personal assimilation of the material. 

“D” • Indicates barely passing work that is inferior to the average both in quantity

        and in quality.

      • Manifests a lack of initiative or sense of responsibility or both.


C.  Further Resources for Learning and Exploration  

History of World's Religions. 8th ed. (Formerly: Man's Religions.) by John B. Noss 

Many Peoples, Many Faiths: An Introduction to the Religious Life of Humankind by

Robert S. Elwood

Understanding the Times (Abridged ed.) by David A. Noebel

D.  Course Schedule

Important: Ask the Holy Spirit to speak the truth of God to you each time you do an assignment.  ***Remember what you learned through the Communion with God Course.***

 

The Assignments, Lectures, and Resources pages contain the content of this course.



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