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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPHR-224Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 1 Bergen Community College Division of Humanities Department of Philosophy and Religion Course Syllabus PHR-224: Religions of the West An individual classroom syllabus for this course must include as much of the following information as is applicable: Basic Information About Course and Instructor: Semester and year: Section Number: Meeting Times: Locations: Instructor: Office Location: Phone: Departmental Secretary: [optional] Office Hours: Email Address: Course Description: PHR-224 Religions of the West explores the intertwined histories, sacred books, core beliefs, and ethical teachings of the religions originating in the Near East, focusing on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Emphasis is placed on respectful engagement and developing a nuanced understanding and appreciation of religious diversity in a globalized world. 3 lectures, 3 credits General Education Course (pending) – Humanities Elective – Diversity Course (pending) – No prerequisites Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and compare the foundational beliefs, practices, and sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, recognizing their historical connections and distinctive features. 2. Analyze the key ethical teachings and moral frameworks within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, exploring how these religious traditions shape the lives and values of their adherents. 3. Describe the historical development and interrelationships of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including key events, figures, and movements that Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 2 have shaped their growth and influence in the Western world. 4. Critically evaluate the role of religion in global cultural, political, and social dynamics, considering how the religions of the West impact contemporary issues such as identity, interfaith dialogue, and global conflicts. 5. Locate, evaluate, and use effectively information from a variety of relevant sources. 6. Engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions about religious beliefs, practices, and their significance, demonstrating an ability to communicate informed perspectives on religious diversity. In pursuit of the foregoing objectives, the course is based on the reading and discussion of both primary and secondary sources; the essential principles of critical thinking are introduced; techniques of scholarly research and writing are reviewed; students are encouraged to participate actively in class discussions; and students are required to do a substantial amount of expository and critical writing in response to the material presented in the course. Relationship between these Student Learning Outcomes and the Gen Ed/Essential Learning Outcomes: SLOs: EL1 EL2 EL3 EL4 EL5 EL6 EL7 EL8 EL9 EL10 EL11 1 X 2 X X 3 X X 4 X X 5 X X 6 X X EL1-Effective Speaking EL2-Effective Writing EL3-Mathematical Reasoning EL4-Scientific Reasoning EL5-Technological Competency EL6-Information Literacy EL7-Social-Behavioral Analysis EL8-Historical Analysis EL9-Humanistic Analysis EL10-Intercultural Awareness EL11-Moral Literacy The Course Signature Assignment: Comparative Analysis of Sacred Texts and Ethical Teachings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam In this assignment, students will select one major ethical theme or moral teaching (e.g., justice, forgiveness, charity, peace) and analyze how this theme is addressed within the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will compare and contrast the religious teachings and ethical principles related to Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 3 this theme, considering historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Additionally, students will reflect on the implications of these teachings in the modern world, particularly in relation to religious diversity and global interconnectedness. This Signature Assignment assesses SLOs 1, 2, 3, and 5, and ELOs 1, 6, 9, 10, and 11. Course Content: As with all BCC religion courses, “Religions of the West” (PHR-224) is designed to be an academic study of its subject matter and not to advocate particular sectarian views. The course should survey current scholarly opinion on key sacred texts, as well as various ways in which diverse traditions construe the authority and meaning of these texts. The instructor need not hesitate to challenge the preconceptions of students in the course. By the same token, however, care should be taken never needlessly to affront the sensitivities of students, since such sensitivities may be keen and deeply held. If all goes well, the course will furnish students with many new tools and much information to enrich any interest they may already have (or may gain) in these religions. Just as important, the course ought to impart a firm sense of the plurality of perspectives and a new understanding and tolerance of perspectives other than one’s own. Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials: General: Esposito, Fasching, and Lewis, Religions of the West Today Oxtoby, Hussain, and Amore, eds., World Religions: Western Traditions Mary Pat Fischer, Living Religions: Western Traditions Karen Armstong, A History of God Hans Küng, Christianity and World Religions Jacob Neusner, Bruce Chilton, and William Graham, The Abrahams: Three Faiths, One God Judaism: Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy Nicholas de Lange, Introduction to Judaism David Biale, Cultures of the Jews Maimonides, Guide for the Perplexed Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures (various) Tanakh | Sefaria (online) Christianity: Justo L. González, The Story of Christianity Bruce Chilton, Christianity: The Basics Augustine, Confessions Eusebius, History of the Church Aquinas, Summa Theologica Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 4 The Bible (New Revised Standard Version) New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) - Version Information - BibleGateway.com Islam: Reza Aslan, No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam John L. Esposito, What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam Nasr, The Heart of Islam Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics), translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem The Noble Quran - Quran.com Writing, Research, and Critical Thinking Requirements PHR-130 requires students to complete a variety of critical thinking and writing assignments. It also requires students to employ techniques of scholarly research in some of their assignments. These assignments may include class discussions and debates requiring the application of critical thinking skills, short in-class essays, out-of-class writing projects (journals, research papers, argument- analysis papers, book reviews, etc.), tests and examinations containing essay components, and so forth. Instructors will respond to and comment on students' writing in detail. Grading Policy: A student’s final grade for the course is based primarily on his or her performance on the required work for the course (writing assignments, examinations, class presentations, etc.) and on his or her overall mastery of the material covered in the course. A student’s class participation may also be evaluated, and the grade thereon may be used as a factor in determining the student’s final grade for the course; but a class participation grade will count for no more than twenty percent (20%) of the final grade. A student's research and writing work will count at least fifty percent (50%) of the final grade. BCC Attendance Policy: All students are expected to attend every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the instructor for each section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes. Philosophy and Religion Departmental Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Attendance will be taken at each class session. It is expected that class will be conducted such that students will benefit in their written work by the lectures and class discussion. If students occasionally arrive late, they should be encouraged to enter quietly, not disturbing the class. If students miss class, they should be encouraged to use the course calendar to stay abreast of material. It is probably a good idea for students Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 5 to find study partners and to exchange telephone numbers. Make-ups for examinations should be allowed by the instructor if, in the instructor’s judgment, the student has presented a good excuse for missing the work. Instructors may penalize work which is late; however, the instructor’s policies for make-ups and late work must be clearly specified on the student guide. Include the following statement on the BCC Philosophy Club: The Philosophy Club has functioned continuously since the late 1980’s. It usually meets on Tuesdays during the Activities Period, 12:30-1:25 PM, but sometimes also on different days and at different times. I encourage you to join the club. For further information, contact the Office of Student Life or the Club Advisor, Prof. __. College Policy Statements: Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty: Academic Matters - Bergen Community College - Acalog ACMS™ Statement on the appropriate use of AI (see the following link for guidance): AI-Guidance-Resource-Page.pdf (bergen.edu) ADA statement: Disability Services (Office of Specialized Services) | Bergen Community College Sexual Harassment statement: HR-003-001.2018-Policy-Prohibiting-Sexual-Harassment.pdf (bergen.edu) Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology: Acceptable-Use-Policy.pdf (bergen.edu) Recommended Syllabus Statements from the Office of Specialized Services: OSS Statements | Bergen Community College Student and Faculty Support Services: Accessibility Statement Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) as soon as possible at 201-612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss. To receive any academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with OSS. The OSS works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability- related information without their permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 6 service offices. Student Support Services Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student support services including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more are available online at https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/. Sidney Silverman Library Online Resources: Guides BY SUBJECT - LibGuides at Bergen Community College General Search and Databases: Library | Bergen Community College Include a Course Outline and Calendar: Sample Course Outline Week Topic/Activity: Primary Readings: 1 Introduction to the Religions of the West: Overview of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as Abrahamic religions. Shared origins and key themes. Connections to other religions in antiquity (e.g., Zoroastrianism) Introduction to sacred texts and religious practices. 2 Ancient Israel and the Birth of Judaism: The patriarchs, the Exodus, and the covenant. The Torah and Jewish law. Development of the Temple and early Jewish worship. Hebrew Bible: Genesis 12–22 (The Abraham narrative) Exodus 19–20 (The giving of the Ten Commandments) Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 7 3 Jewish Practices and Beliefs: Rabbinic Judaism and the Talmud. Key festivals: Passover, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah. The synagogue and modern denominations (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform). Excerpts from the Talmud 4 The Life and Teachings of Jesus: Historical and cultural context of 1st-century Judaism. Jesus' message and its appeal. Differences between the historical Jesus and the Christ of faith. Gospel of Matthew (Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–7) 5 The Formation of Christianity: Paul and the spread of Christianity. Early church councils and the development of the New Testament. Persecution and eventual adoption by Rome. Paul’s letters: Galatians 2–5 6 Christian Theology and Practices: The Trinity, sacraments, and liturgical traditions. Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism. Worship, prayer, and major holidays. Augustine, Confessions (Book 1) Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (selections) 7 Muhammad and the Birth of Islam: Arabian context in the 6th century. The life of Muhammad and the Quranic revelation. Core beliefs and the Five Pillars of Islam. Quran: Surah 1 (Al- Fatiha) and Surah 96 (The Clot) 8 The Quran and Islamic Theology: Themes and structure of the Quran. Tawhid (oneness of God) and Sharia (Islamic law). The role of Hadith and Sunnah. Quran: Surah 112 (Al-Ikhlas) and Surah 24 (Light Verse) Selections from Hadith 9 Islamic Practices and Traditions: Prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and charity. Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions. Key festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. 10 Interactions and Exchanges Among Abrahamic Faiths: Historical interactions: Andalusia, Crusades, and the Ottoman Empire. Theological debates and shared heritage. Comparative views on scripture, prophets, and eschatology. Selections from Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas 11 Modern Challenges in Judaism: Zionism, the Holocaust, and the founding of Israel. Elie Wiesel, Night (selections) Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 8, 2025 8 Contemporary Jewish identity and secularism. Challenges of anti-Semitism. 12 Modern Challenges in Christianity: Secularization and the rise of evangelicalism. Liberation theology and global Christianity. Christianity and contemporary ethical debates. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (selections) 13 Modern Challenges in Islam: Islam and modernity: reform and revival. Women’s rights and interpretations of Sharia. Islamophobia and interfaith initiatives. Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala (selections) 14 Comparative Reflections: Key similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ethical teachings and their relevance in modern society. The future of interfaith dialogue. 15 Final Reflections and Presentations Student presentations on research topics. Class discussion: Key insights and takeaways from the course. Final comparative reflections. Possible Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change, depending upon the progress of the class.