Course Syllabus

Spring 2024 | PHI-2010-VM01 - Comparative Religion

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Heath Fuller
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jennifer Gundy

General Education Requirements

VSCS Humanistic Perspectives

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

Introduces and compares such major religions as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Students study mythical, ethical, and cultic aspects of these religions through reading and discussion of both sacred writings and literature of religious commentary.

Essential Objectives

1. Trace the history and mythological origins of the world's major religions.
2. Interpret the stories, myths, and scriptures associated with the world’s religions.
3. Compare the beliefs, ethical teachings, and rituals of selected religions.
4. Examine the role religion plays in individual lives and in the global community.
5. Analyze the ways in which the world’s religions connect and conflict through their histories, beliefs, and practices.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Methods

• Readings
• Lectures, supplemented by images and films
• Class Discussions and Small Groups
• Quizzes (open note)
• Essays
• Journal check-ins

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation is based on 100 Points

• Participation in Classroom Discussions and Activities (40 points)
• Essay Average (25 points)
• Quiz Average (25 points)
• Check In Journals (10 points)

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

I will take attendance and keep track of participation. Please come to class prepared and with thoughtful questions and ideas. We will have class and small group discussions. I will take into account your participation in these conversations. CCV values a safe and respectful learning environment. Please listen respectfully and take the time to understand and acknowledge the ideas and opinions of others. Please be aware that missing more than three (3) classes may result in a non-satisfactory grade. A pattern of late arrival or early departure will constitute absence at the instructor's discretion. If you are not in attendance, you will lose attendance and participation points for that day. Should this course be transitioned online, you will be expected to participate in weekly discussion forums.

Missing & Late Work Policy

All assignments are due by 11:59pm of the day that they are listed as due. Anything received after midnight will be considered one day late. Unless you have made a special arrangement with me, assignments that are turned in late will lose two (2) points per day and will not be accepted after they are one (1) week overdue. Assignments that are not submitted within one week of their due date will receive a zero.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity