University of International Business and Economics International Summer Sessions

REL 110：Meeting People from the World’s

Term: July 4- August 4 2016 Instructor: Christian van Gorder Home Institution: Baylor University Email: [email protected] Class Hours: Monday through Thursday, 120 minutes each day Office Hours: TBD

Teaching Assistant: TBD Email: TBD Discussion session: TBD

Total Contact Hours: 64 contact hours (45 minutes each, 48 hours in total) Credit: 4 units

Course Description: This introduction to the World’s Religions course is intended to provide a survey of the major faith traditions lived and practiced by people throughout the world. The major Religions of India, China, Japan, Europe, Africa, and North America including , , , , , , and will be introduced with historical context and reflection about religious beliefs and practices. New religious movements will also be introduced as well as the worldviews of people of non-faith or non-religious traditions. The relationships between and society will also be discussed. Students will be introduced to the major writings of the nine larges religious traditions. Adherents of various faith traditions will also visit the classes to share with students what they most cherish about their faiths. Our goal is to encourage students to become good listeners and to gain – as far as it is possible – a participants appreciation of a given faith.

Required Text 1. Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World Religions.

2. Novak, Philip, The World’s Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World’s Religions, San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1995.

3. The Alchemist, by Paulo Cohelo.

Class Etiquette: Please turn cell phones to vibrate in class and please DO NOT text in class. If you need to check your phone/email or send a text during class leave the room.

Grade Evaluations for Written Assignments – You’ll be graded on these criteria:

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Induction: Are the conclusions in your writing based on concrete evidence? Accuracy: Are inferences drawn having a valid relation to the texts consulted? Originality: Is your writing fresh and do you properly cite other sources? Depth: Are issues probed w/thoroughness and focus? Do not simply “re-tell.” Organization: Does your writing show a logical procession?

Relative thoroughness: Is writing as complete as possible given limitations? Clarity: Have you expressed ideas with force/directness? No page-limit “filler.” Format: Have you double-spaced, typed, and proofread all work? Did you avoid sexist language? Is your name/page # on each page? Did you include a cover-sheet with your name/student I.D./Time of class? Late Work is not accepted. Discussion/attendance is part of your grade. One cannot miss more than 3 classes and expect to pass the course. Any plagiarism, cheating, or any violation of this type will not be tolerated.

Grading Assignments and examinations will be graded according to the following grade scale: A 90-100 A– 85-89 B+ 82-84 B 78-81 B– 75-77 C+ 72-74 C 68-71 C– 64-67 D 60-63 F below 60

Attendance

Summer school is very intense and to be successful, students need to attend every class. Occasionally, due to illness or other unavoidable circumstance, a student may need to miss a class. UIBE policy requires a medical certificate to be excused. Any unexcused absence may affect the student's grade. Moreover, UIBE policy is that a student who has more than 1/3 (6 times) of the class in unexcused absences will fail the course.

A. 2-5 (double-spaced) Response to Cohelo book (100 points)

Write in the form of a letter to author and tell how your own views of the world relate to/differ from the themes of the book. Ask questions. Include cover page/name each page.

C. Midterm Test (worth 100 points)

D. Final Examination (100 points)

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A Note about Inclusive Language: Inclusive language recognizes that language can exclude or marginalize women. Ways to write with more inclusive language include using the plural form, omitting pronouns, using formal style or using compound words (he/she). One can also use articles in place of pronouns, repeat nouns, use the passive voice or use specific examples.

Tentative Schedule Monday July 4 – Introduction

Discussion of the Syllabus

Tuesday, July 5 – Religions of India, I

Reading: Molloy Chapter on Hinduism

Wednesday, July 6 – Religions of India, II

Reading: Novak Chapter on Hinduism – Bring book to class

Thursday, July 7 – Religions of India, III

Reading: Molloy Reading on Jainism and

Monday, July 11 – Religions of Japan/Korea

Reading/Discussion of the Molloy Chapter on Japanese Religion

Tuesday, July 12: Buddhism, I

Reading: Molloy Chapter on Buddhism

Wednesday July 13: Buddhism, II

Reading: Novak Chapter on Buddhism – Bring book to class

Thursday, July 14: Religions of China, I

Reading: Molloy Chapter on Religions of China

Assign. #1- Write 2-5 p. response to Cohelo Book–Write a Letter to Author

Monday, July 18: Test One

Tuesday, July 19: Religions of China, II - Taoism

Reading/Discussion of the Readings: Novak Chapter –Taoism – Bring book to class

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Wednesday, July 20: Religion of China, III - Confucianism

Reading/Discussion of the Readings: Novak Chapter on Confucianism - Bring book to class

Thursday, July 21: Judaism, I

Readings: Molloy Chapter on Judaism

Mon., July 25: Religions of Native North America, Australasia, Oceania “Oral Religions”

Reading/Discussion of the Molloy and Novak Chapter on Oral Traditions

Special Guest Presenter: Carlitos Emmons

Tuesday, July 26: Judaism, II

Readings: Novak Chapter on Judaism – Bring Book to Class

Wednesday, July 27: Christianity, I

Reading: Molloy Chapter on Christianity

Thursday, July 28: Christianity, II

Reading: Novak Chapter on Christianity – Bring Book to Class

Monday, August 1: Christianity and Islam - Religion and Violence

Armenia/Northern Ireland/The Middle East

Possible Guest Speakers – TBA or video excerpt TBA

Tuesday, August 2: Islam, I

Reading: Molloy Chapter on Islam

Wednesday, August 3: Islam, II

Reading: Novak Chapter on Islam – Please Bring Book to Class

Thursday, August 4: Final Examination/ Assignment - TBA

Readings: Molloy Chapter on New Religious Movements

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World Religions Student Survey/Contract -- 10 points (feel free to use the back) Your first/middle/last name______Nickname______Contact address/phone/email: ______Date of Birth______Place of Birth______Languages you speak______Countries you’ve visited______Do you have a Passport? Yes______No______Your age______Explain your interest in World Religions:

Describe something about your worldview/beliefs/thoughts/philosophy of life:

My dreams/hopes for the future are to:

Something unusual about me is: ______Something I hate is: ______Person who has had the most influence on me______Favorite classes so far at College (and professors). Why? ______Favorite animal(s) ______If I were an animal I’d be….Why? ______Favorite food(s) ______Favorite color(s) ______Favorite places in the world to visit/vacation to: ______Favorite place(s) in Beijing ______Favorite person(s) in history to spend time with. Why? ______Favorite board game(s)/hobbies______Favorite song(s)/musician(s)/artist(s) ______

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Favorite sport(s) or sports team(s) ______Favorite books: ______Last book you read______Favorite TV show(s): ______Favorite movie(s): ______Last movie you saw? Recommend it? ______

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