Week 1

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Week 1 Content

Be sure to review the course Syllabus, identify course assignments, and plan ahead for five (5) very full weeks!   
 
Week 1 Objectives:
 Through assigned readings, writing, and discussion, the student will be able to:
  • Articulate a definition of religion 
  • Define the basic terms needed to understand each religion
  • Identify the 8 elements of a religion according to the text

Readings

Textbook(s): 

Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (Molloy)
  • Preface
  • Chapter 1 - "Experiencing the World's Religions"
    • Consider the following as you read Chapter 1:
      • What 8 elements are manifested in varying degrees in all religions (pg 4)
      • What is the definition of religion according to world religion scholars?
      • What different disciplines are employed in the study of religion?
      • What is the value of studying other religious traditions? 
  • Look over the "time lines" inside the covers.
  • Note the Key Terms and Definitions listed at the end of each chapter.    
Key Terms for Chapter 1:

Animism, Atheism, Immanent, Transcendent, Polytheism

Handouts

Week 1
I attempted to do a voice over to expand on the power point for the first chapter, but struggled to get it recorded then ended up not saving it properly... thus you have received the power point that will help you see what I identified as the primary elements in the first chapter.
 
Hope it is helpful,
 
Mr Johnston 
(.ppt, 296K)
Download Chapter 1 Power Point

What's the Purpose of a Discussion Board

The objective of the discussion board is to mirror the practice of having a small or large conversation in a traditional classroom. Your comments should have originality for the theme or issue being discussed and build upon or engage other students, and/or ask outstanding questions. You are required to align your conduct and behavior with the Code of Conduct Policy as outlined in the College catalog, which requires you to be civil and professional. Your participation and quality of your responses is graded. The grading rubric is posted in each week's Assignment Handouts/Resources and also can be found in the Course Syllabus.
 
In this course, you are expected each week, to post your initial response to your assigned team, no later than 11:55 p.m., CST on Wednesday, and your 2 peer responses by 11:55 pm, CST, Saturday, and read all the 'initial postings' of persons on your team as you decide which two or more you choose to offer a response. 
 
Please note: Due to participation requirements Discussion 1.0 is only open Monday and Tuesday of the term.

Week 1 Discussion - Click to Post/Participate

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Week 1 Assignments

Assignment 1.0: Introductions Forum
  • Take a few minutes to introduce yourself by posting in the Introduction forum.
  • Due to participation requirements, this forum is available only Monday and Tuesday of this week. Post your introduction by Tuesday, 11:55 pm, CST.
 Assignment 1.1: Spiritual Journey (Post to the Week 1 Discussion)
  • Identify and reflect on significant religious or spiritual experiences in your life. These experiences are generally life shaping/spiritual  experiences which demonstrate the meaning of life or a connection with the Sacred.  The process of writing these memories down, is meant to increase your awareness of ways your life has been shaped by your own religious/spiritual experiences.
  • Reflect back on your life, write about specific events, people, and places that you remember and identify as ‘life shaping’ and/or nurtured your ‘inner life’.
  • Record and illustrate them using one of the following methods:
        Use a narrative style as in telling a story, OR
        Use a power point and include photo and captions and comments, OR
        Create a time line that indentify's significant people and places at specific times in your life.
  • Elaborate on the people/events and note how they shaped who you are today.  Have fun, talk with family members, discuss with friends or classmates, and allow your creative nature to emerge! Look at this as an opportunity to recall and express a deeper part of yourself, the part that seeks to make meaning from life experiences and/or demonstrates a connection to the sacred. Note the interweaving of religious and spiritual experiences as they shape and inform each other.
  • Post your Spiritual Journey on Wednesday or soon afterward, so others may read and respond as they wish, This will be graded by the thoroughness of reflection, not the extent or quality of your religious upbringing or experiences.
Assignment 1.2: Week 1 Discussion: Chapter 1  
  • Post/Participate in the Week 1 Discussion. Be sure to post your initial response in your assigned team by 11:55 pm, CST Wednesday, and your 2 peer responses by 11:55 pm, CST, Saturday.

Upcoming...

During this course, you are required to write a reflection on two (2) religious services you visit (other than your own). These reflections on your visitation experiences can be submitted at any time during the course, but must be submitted by the end of Week 5.   
 
In this course, you are also required to submit a Final Project. Instructions for the Final Project are located in the Assignment Handouts. Although this project is not due until Week 5, you may want to begin  considering the options for your Final Project.