Course Requirements

1)

Attendance and active class participation. This includes being prepared for class by having completed the reading for each session. Attendance will be taken regularly. If you have a valid reason for an absence please be sure to notify the instructor at the next class session. Also, if you come in late, please be sure to remind the instructor after class so you will not be counted absent. Participation includes taking part in the class email discussions. If you are shy about speaking up in class this is a good opportunity to interact.

2)

Several short pop quizzes given at different times during the course. The questions will always be over the reading you are to have done for that day. They will be easy to answer if you have been keeping up with your reading and thus an excellent opportunity to raise your grade! Of course if you haven't done the reading for that day......well, that's different!

3)

A term paper of 6-8 pages on a topic in which you utilize one or more of the methods presented in the course to analyze an issue in religious studies or some aspect of a religious tradition. After choosing the topic, discuss it with the instructor and have it approved before February 23. Failing to discuss the topic with the instructor and turn in your topic by Feb. 23 will result in an automatic reduction of the term paper grade by one full letter. A preliminary outline of the paper must be turned in on March 23. The instructor will make suggestions on the outline and return it to the student. This outline, with instructor’s suggestions must be attached to the term paper when it is submitted on the due date (April 27). PAPERS WHICH DO NOT HAVE THIS ORIGINAL OUTLINE ATTACHED TO THEM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

The due dates for the paper are as follows:

Before February 23Choose a topic and discuss it with the instructor
Fri., February 23Turn in topic and a brief descriptive paragraph
Fri., March 29 Turn in an outline of your paper
Tues., April 30Term Paper Due

4)

A mid-term exam on Tues., March 5

5)

A final during finals week (May 8-12) on material covered since the mid-term (i.e. NOT comprehensive)

Grades will be determined as follows:

Class Participation 10%
Quizzes 15%
Paper 25%
Mid-Term 25%
Final 25%
Total 100%

Note:

A failing grade for both the Mid-Term and Final will mean an automatic grade of "F" for the course, regardless of other grades received in the class. Also, no student will pass the course without turning in a paper.

Optional Extra Credit:

During the semester there will be opportunities for field trips in which students will observe different religious communities. These trips are optional and your grade will not be effected by absence. However those students who do attend will receive two points extra credit on the final exam for each trip. Further information will be provided in class.
Last Modified Jan. 24, 1996
Kenneth J. Banner
banner@jupiter.rowan.edu