Northeastern State University

College of Liberal Arts

Syllabus for REL 2553: Comparative Religions

Spring Semester 2009

Instructor: Gary Cheatham, M.Div., M.S.L.S.

Office: L307

Phone: 918.444.3265

cheatham@nsuok.edu

http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~cheatham/

Class Days and Times
Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:45 a.m., in FA 302.

Course Description
This course is a study of principal world religions, with general comparisons.

Course Objectives

To analyze the concept of religion by studying principal world religions.

To be introduced to living Eastern and Western religious traditions.

To gain an appreciation for the similarities among religious traditions.

To gain an appreciation for the diversity across religions.

To gain an appreciation for the differences within some religious traditions.

To be introduced to a number of controversial new religions.

Required Text
Scriptures of the World's Religions (3rd ed.), edited by James Fieser and John Powers. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008.

Course Requirements

Students will be asked to sign an attendance sheet at each class period in order to receive credit for attendance.

Students will be asked to write one research paper. Details concerning the paper will be announced.

There will be two exams (one mid-term and one final). Both exams will be based on class lectures and discussions, guest speaker presentations, video presentations, and assigned readings.

Grading

Class attendance is worth 15 points (approximately ½ point per class).

Research paper is worth 25 points.

Mid-term exam is worth 20 points.

Final exam is worth 40 points.

Total: 100 points

Grading system:
A = 90-100 points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69 points
F = 0-59 points

In addition to the above, each student will have the option of turning in one extra credit assignment valued at no more than 20 points. The topic and format of any extra credit assignment will need prior approval from the instructor. Anyone wishing to complete an extra credit assignment is encouraged to speak with the instructor.

If you have any questions or problems, please let the instructor know as soon as possible.

Office Hours
Monday, 1-2 p.m. office; 2-4 p.m. Library reference desk
Tuesday, 2-4 p.m. office
Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. office
Thursday, 3-4 p.m. office
Friday, 9-11 a.m. office; 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and 1-3 p.m. Library reference desk
The instructor is available other times by appointment. Students may also contact the instructor via e-mail.

ADA Compliance

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations, that class member should advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.

Inclement Weather and Disaster Policy

The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State University:

1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is questionable.

3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the faculty member is unable to get to campus.

During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. The automated attendant message at (918) 456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.