Mr. Beesley

Course Description

This course is a brief survey of the world's great living religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism). The origins of religions are examined as are the current practices and dogmas. This course will provide you with an understanding of people's beliefs, cultures and practices as well as how modern religion has evolved. This course will also discuss cults, indigenous beliefs and the philosophy of being human.

Text and Other Student Materials

World Religions; A Voyage of Discovery

Notebook (You must take notes from the overhead and what we read as that material will be on the tests)

Grading Criteria A quarter and semester grade will be given by averaging scores on:

A 90-100                    

B 80-89         Chapter tests, quizzes, presentation, and final - 40%

C 70-79          Homework - 40%

D 60-69         Class Participation - 20%

F  0-59

All homework must be done in pen. . A test will be given at the end of each chapter on the readings, notes, supplemental videos and guest speakers that are used. The lowest chapter test will be dropped from the semester. There are no make-up tests. If you are absent on the day of a test that will be considered your lowest score and that test will be dropped.

Requirements

"Homework- Homework is worth 20 points per assignment. Class work that is collected is worth 10 points. One missed assignment can make the difference between an entire percentage point in calculating the final grade.

"Presentations- during the last week of the quarter students will give a 5-minute presentation on an assigned aspect of World Religions with a 2-page write-up.

"Participation-Notice that this is twenty percent of the evaluation. Your ability to contribute positively in this class with insight, respect and integrity is essential.

There will be a comprehensive final at the end of the semester.

*Anything that disrupts the instruction or the learning of others will not be tolerated and will be dealt with between the teacher and the student. If the problem persists the parents will be notified.

In the story of Sir Galahad, the knights are called to go on a quest, each "entered into the forest, at one point or another, there where they saw it to be thickest, all in those places where they found no way or path." Each knight enters the forest at the most mysterious point and follows his own intuitions.   What each brings forth is what never before was on land or sea: the fulfillment of unique potentialities, which are different from anybody else's.   All you get on your life way are little clues.