Course ID: PHIL R104 Curriculum Committee Approval Date: 11/08/2017 Catalog Start Date: Fall 2018 COURSE OUTLINE

OXNARD COLLEGE

I. Course Identification and Justification: A. Proposed course id: PHIL R104 Banner title: Survey of World Religions:West Full title: Survey of World Religions: West

Previous course id: PHIL R104 Banner title: Survey of World Religions:West Full title: Survey of World Religions: West

B. Reason(s) course is offered: This course offers general education in the history and contemporary use of philosophical concepts found in western religions, e.g. those religions that have developed in the Near East, Europe and in North America since the European conquests. The course fulfills an AA/AS graduation requirement in General Education. Academic skills in reading primary sources, critical thinking, writing and discussion can be developed in this course. The course transfers to four year schools and is articulated on CSU and IGETC lists.

C. Reason(s) for current outline revision: 5 year review.

D. C-ID: 1. C-ID Descriptor: 2. C-ID Status: Not Applicable

E. Co-listed as: Current: None Previous:

II. Catalog Information: A. Units: Current: 3.00 Previous: 3.00

B. Course Hours: 1. In-Class Contact Hours: Lecture: 52.5 Activity: 0 Lab: 0 2. Total In-Class Contact Hours: 52.5 3. Total Outside-of-Class Hours: 105 4. Total Student Learning Hours: 157.5

C. Prerequisites, Corequisites, Advisories, and Limitations on Enrollment: 1. Prerequisites Current: Previous: 2. Corequisites Current: Previous:

3. Advisories: Current: Previous:

4. Limitations on Enrollment: Current: Previous:

D. Catalog description: Current: This course explores the origins, core concepts and philosophical development of the major religions of the Near East, Europe and North and South America. The religions studied include Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha’i and post Columbian Native American religions. Discussion of contemporary applications of the metaphysical, ethical and social ideas found in western religions is encouraged.

Previous, if different: This course explores the origins, core concepts and philosophical development of the major religions of the Near East, Europe and North and South America. The religions studied include Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Baha’i and post Colombian Native American religions. Discussion of contemporary applications of the metaphysical, ethical and social ideas found in western religions is encouraged.

E. Fees: Current: $ None Previous, if different: $

F. Field trips: Current: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [X] Will not be required: [ ]

Previous, if different: Will be required: [ ] May be required: [ ] Will not be required: [ ]

G. Repeatability: Current: A - Not designed as repeatable Previous: A - Not designed as repeatable

H. Credit basis: Current: Letter Graded Only [X] Pass/No Pass [ ] Student Option [ ]

Previous, if different: Letter Graded Only [ ] Pass/No Pass [ ] Student Option [ ]

I. Credit by exam: Current: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [X]

Previous, if different: Petitions may be granted: [ ] Petitions will not be granted: [ ]

III. Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: A. Describe the major philosophical concepts found in Western religions. B. Distinguish between foundational concepts and insights, and the historical development of Western ideas including contemporary expressions and practices. C. Analyze significant ethical teachings articulated in Western religions and explore their potential applications. D. Evaluate key social and political ideas articulated in Western religions, and compare their historical and contemporary relevance. E. Compare the analysis of religious concepts presented in original texts and primary sources with the use of secondary sources and interpretations or elaborations based upon those original texts. F. Compare Western religious ideas, rituals, and social/cultural forms of life with Eastern religious ideas and forms of religious/cultural life.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes: A. Students will identify similarities among the major western religious traditions. B. Students will describe differences among the major western religious traditions. C. Students will be able to analyze sacred western texts for depth of understanding, variety of interpretation, and breadth of meaning.

V. Course Content: Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: A. Introduction to the Study of Western Religions 1. Characteristics of the Philosophical Study of Religious Ideas 2. Concepts of Religion and the Sacred 3. Geographical and Historical Introduction to Western Religions B. Zoroastrianism 1. Sacred Story and Historical Context 2. Zoroastrian Concepts of Creation, Moral Dualism and Human Transformation 3. Rituals, Prayer and Ethical Ideals C. Judaism 1. Sacred Story and Historical Context 2. Jewish perspectives on God, Covenants and the Torah 3. Concepts of Sin, Repentance, Redemption and Human Transformation 4. Rabbinic Judaism, the Talmud and the Gemara 5. Jewish Rituals and Worship 6. Jewish Mysticism and the Kabbalah 7. Jewish Philosophy and Moses Maimonides 8. Contemporary Diversity in Jewish Religious Practice 9. Jewish Perspectives on Community and Social Activism D. Christianity 1. Sacred Story and Historical Context 2. Christian Concepts of God, the Trinity and the Hierarchy of Creation 3. Christian Concepts of Sin, Redemption, Salvation and Resurrection 4. The Role of Orthodox Authority and Institutionalized Religious Practice 5. Christian Mysticism and the Monastic Life 6. The Philosophical Challenge of the Protestant Reformation 7. Christianity as Developed in post-Colombian America, North and South 8. Contemporary Diversity in Christian Beliefs and Responses to Darwinism 9. Christian Perspectives on the Ethical Life 10. Christian Perspectives on Community, Government and Social Activism 11. Contemporary Eschatology and Perspectives on Global Responsibilities E. Islam 1. Sacred Story and Historical Context 2. Muslim Concepts of God, Prophecy and the Koran 3. Muslim Perspectives on Conquest, Conversion, Empire and Leadership 4. Muslim Perspectives on Nature, Science and Education 5. Practice of Islam: The Five Pillars and the way of Shari’ah 6. Muslim Perspectives on Community and Social Roles 7. Distinction of Sunni, Shia and Sufi Beliefs 8. The Challenge of Radical Islam and the Ideological Use of Violence 9. Islam in America 10. Islamic perspectives on Art and Architecture F. Non-traditional Religious Movements in the West 1. Millennialism 2. The Rise of the Mormon Church 3. Perspective of Liberal Theology 4. Baha’i 5. Theosophy 6. Migration of Eastern Religions into America 7. Pentecostal and Evangelical movements 8. Charismatic Catholicism 9. Scientology and the Unification Church 10. Nature Spirituality: Neo-Paganism and Wicca 11. New Age Movement G. Native American Religious Tradition 1. Creation Myths and World Views 2. Spirituality in relation to the Natural World 3. Religious Uses of Tradition and Ritual 4. Contemporary Interpretations of Native American Religion H. Comparisons and Contrasts with Western Religion and Eastern Religions 1. Metaphysics, Epistemology and Ethics 2. Spirituality and Divinity 3. Doctrines and Practices 4. Challenges going forward

VI. Lab Content: None VII. Methods of Instruction: Methods may include, but are not limited to: A. Lecture such as an explication of the various interpretations of the concept of "Jihad" in Islam followed by a class discussion of different practical applications of the concept. B. Small group discussion of an ethical question and how it might be decided with some of the ideas expressed in western religions. Example: Christian teachings might be examined in relation to the ethics of capital punishment. C. Audio-visual program shown illustrating how the design and decoration of a Islamic mosque reflects sacred beliefs in Islam about God, the prophet Mohammed and the right ritual of prayer. D. Guest speaker explaining the Baha’i faith or Native American Religious Practices. E. Class discussion of written homework assignment asking students to describe the difference between the Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Hasidic movements in modern Judaism.

VIII. Methods of Evaluation and Assignments: A. Methods of evaluation for degree-applicable courses: Essays [X] Problem-Solving Assignments (Examples: Math-like problems, diagnosis & repair) [ ] Physical Skills Demonstrations (Examples: Performing arts, equipment operation) [ ]

For any course, if "Essays" above is not checked, explain why.

B. Typical graded assignments (methods of evaluation): 1. Students identify and explain basic terms in vocabulary quizzes. 2. Students demonstrate understanding of major ideas in essay tests. Example: Students asked to compare the central ideas of the Protestant Reformation and contrast the English Puritan beliefs from those of the Society of Friends (Quakers). 3. Students present oral report on a religious ritual or a historical movement that promotes the ideas of a Western religion. Example: Student reports on a ritual used in Native American religious ceremonies. 4. Students research and write a paper describing a major concept and its possible relevance to ethical or social action in contemporary life. Example: student describes a religious concept of community and analyzes its impact on the expected duties and lifestyle of individuals.

C. Typical outside of classroom assignments: 1. Reading a. Students read textbook chapter with corollary primary sources and prepare homework questions. Example: chapter on “Jewish Worlds of Meaning” is assigned along with selections from Jewish scriptures in reader. As homework, students asked to explain how the concept of the “Covenant” is deduced from the Mosaic narratives. 2. Writing a. Students assigned paper requiring philosophical explanation of a major concept such as the Zoroastrian concept of Dualism and suggest its significance for human life. 3. Other a. Students interview a practitioner of a Western religion and write a report on what they learn about the concepts, ethics and rituals of that religion from the interview. IX. Textbooks and Instructional Materials: A. Textbooks/Resources: 1. Brink, Denise; Carmody, T.L. (2014). Ways to the Center: An Introduction to World Religions Cengage. 2. Ludwig, T.M (2014). The Sacred Paths of the West (This is most recent edition) Prentice Hall. 3. Fiesner, J., & Powers, J (2012). Scriptures of the West McGraw Hill. 4. Van Voorst, R (2019). Anthology of World Scriptures Cengage. 5. Video/DVD materials such as Who Wrote the Bible? Or The Long Search B. Other instructional materials:

X. Minimum Qualifications and Additional Certifications: A. Minimum qualifications: 1. Philosophy (Masters Required) 2. Religious Studies (Masters Required) B. Additional certifications: 1. Description of certification requirement: 2. Name of statute, regulation, or licensing/certification organization requiring this certification:

XI. Approval Dates Curriculum Committee Approval Date: 11/08/2017 Board of Trustees Approval Date: 11/08/2017 State Approval Date: Catalog Start Date: Fall 2018

XII. Distance Learning Appendix A. Methods of Instruction Methods may include, but are not limited to: 1. District approved CMS would be used to achieve regularly scheduled contact hours, orientation, testing sessions, and to monitor and moderate discussion sessions. The required attendance of specifically scheduled participation in asynchronous discussion, objective exams and/or completion of online writing assignments would be comparable to the traditional classroom contact. Ongoing current event material is added regular and discussion is required.

B. Information Transfer Methods may include, but are not limited to: 1. Chat/IM 2. Collaborative projects: group blogs, wikis 3. Course announcements 4. Discussion boards 5. E-Mail 6. Instructor-provided online materials 7. Lectures (recorded/streaming) 8. Messaging via the LMS 9. Modules on the LMS 10. Personalized feedback 11. Phone/voicemail 12. Podcasts/webinars/screencasts 13. Textbooks 14. Videoconferencing/CCCConfer/Skype

Course ID: 2311