World Religions Syllabus

Trinity Episcopal School Mr. Brian A. Griffen

Fall/Spring 2019-2020 Email: bgriffen@trinityes.org

Website: http://trinityesreligion.weebly.com

Course Description:
This course is designed as a comparative study of the world religions and begins
by attempting to answer "Why Religion?" Students will examine numerous
civilizations and how they are influenced by religion. Ample time will be spent on
history, beliefs, and how the religions of the world impact humanity today. Key
skills include: critical thinking skills, scope and sequence skills, periodization
skills.

Objectives:
 To analyze and synthesize the history, beliefs, practices as well as sacred
writings of the religions covered.
 To trace the development of movements in each religion in the context of
human history.
 To write clearly and concisely about religions of the world.
 To learn how to compare and contrast religions covered.
Text: “World Religions Online” (Provided by Trinity) (Instructions: Go to
trinityesreligion.weebly.com  Instructor Page  Online Textbook Username
is trinityes and the Password is titans)

Grading:
1. Participation – 200 points per semester
2. Warm-Ups – 200 points per semester
3. Periodical Papers – 100 points per semester
4. Tests – 100 points per semester

Grading Expanded:
1. Participation
Creative Assessments – 60 points per quarter (Examples: Gods/Goddess
Memes, Story Boards, Games)

Class Discussion & Participation – 40 points per quarter (Examples of positive

participation: Answering as well as asking questions about the lessons and
staying engaged in class discussions and activities. Reciting one Morning Prayer
or Reading, *Additional Periodical Paper Option*) (Examples of negative
participation: Doing homework or chatting with friends) Students begin the
quarter with 40 participation points. Points are subtracted when the above
expectations are not fulfilled.
2. Warm-Ups
Each lesson begins with a warm-up exercise designed around some aspect of
the lesson - 100 points per quarter (Examples: Free Response Questions,
Mystery Picture, Read & React)

3. Periodical Papers
Periodical papers will focus on how world religions are making headlines in areas
of student interest - 50 points per quarter (A handout outlining this assignment is
attached to the syllabus)

4. Tests
A review game is played before each test where the instructor gives the answers
to the test verbatim. Students record the answers on note-cards, study the note-
cards, and take the test during the following class - 50 points per quarter. (Make-
Up Tests must be taken with the instructor.)

Assignments & Make-Up Work:

If you are absent then it is your responsibility to complete missed warm-ups,
creative assessments, exegetical papers, tests, and obtain class notes.
Notification of class assignments are given at the beginning of each rotation,
posted on the green-board, and updated on the instructor’s webpage. Claiming
no knowledge of an assignment based on an absence is an invalid excuse.
Make-up work is to be completed during tutorial or discovery. You have one
rotation from the lesson that you missed to complete make-up work. If make-up
work remains missing in PowerSchool then the zero points remain for the
assignment. I do not accept any papers via email, written assignments must
be handed to me.

Electronic Devices:
Phones are prohibited in the classroom. Laptops will be only be utilized when
granted permission by the instructor. Unless I receive an email from a parent that
a laptop is essential for taking notes/organization, all note taking will be done by
hand. [Improper use of an approved laptop will result in an email to a parent.]

Honor Code Reminder:

All written assignments are to be completed on an individual basis. As a
reminder, offenses under the Honor Code are lying, cheating, stealing, and
plagiarism.

Class Creed:
No Phones, No Food, No Homework
 World Religions Curriculum Map

Alternative Approaches to Religion

 Religious Experience
 Atheism
 Agnosticism
The Origins of Religion
 The Evolution of Religion
 Floods and Myths
 Zoroastrianism

Hinduism
 The Harrapan Civilization
 Hindu gods/goddesses
 Hindu sacred texts
 Hindu terms
 Holidays and Observances
 Jainism
Buddhism
 Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha
 Buddhist concepts
 Diversity in Buddhism
 The Appeal of Buddhism in the West
 Readings from Buddhist Literature

Islam
 Muhammad
 A brief history of Islam
 The Koran
 Islamic Worship
 Islam Today

Judaism
 The story of Judaism
 Branches of Judaism
 Holidays and Beliefs

Christianity
 Christian History
 The Diversity of Christianity
 Beliefs
 World Religions Periodical Paper

Process:
Choose one of the articles linked on the website:

Paper #1  Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism

------------------------------
Paper #2  Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Content:
Step #1
Write a summary of the article.
*Include who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Step #2
Express your opinions.
*Is the author biased? Show examples. Explain.
*Do you agree or disagree with the author? Explain.
*How does the author depict the religion in a negative or positive light?
How so? Support your claim through an example.
*How has this article changed the way you see the religion?
*Did you enjoy the article? Explain.

Format:
1. Name, Due Date, and Periodical Paper # are to appear at the top left of
the paper.
2. The name of the article should be centered at the top of page one.
3. The paper is to be 1 ¾ - 2 pages, typed – double spaced, and pledged
at the bottom/back of the second page. (You will be penalized for being
too brief!)

Spelling and Grammar:

1. You will lose points for misspelled words.
2. You will lose points for poor grammar.

Grade:
1. Content – 40 points
2. Spelling/Grammar – 5 points
3. Format – 5 points
Total = 50 points