9. Incomplete Grades: The Incomplete grade (I) may be given only to a student who has completed at least 70% of the course work, is passing, and has a valid excuse for being unable to complete the course. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor, who will complete an "I" contract, stipulating the work that must be made up and the time allowed to do so, for both of you to sign.

10. Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations of any nature whatsoever, the instructor will work with you and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this class after the disability has been verified. Please advise the instructor of such disability and the desired accommodations at some point before, during, or after the first scheduled class period.

11. Electronic Device Policy: Cell phones and other electronic devices are disruptive to the class. If a student’s work or family situation requires the student to keep the device turned on during class, the student must turn the phone to a silent or vibrate mode. If a student must receive a call during class, the student will leave the room. A student may not make a call during class. Cell phones and all electronic devices may not be used during an exam unless stipulated by the instructor. Use of a cell phone or electronic device during an exam is considered academic misconduct, and the student will be subject to the appropriate penalties.

12. Unattended Children Policy: For personal safety of children and potential problems in supervision, children should not be at any location on campus without adult supervision. No children are permitted in classrooms, laboratories, teaching areas, or the Library.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Exams: There will be a total of five (5) exams in this course, including the Final Exam, with a total possible of 500 exam points, 100 points for each exam. Each exam will consist of a variety of types of questions, including matching, true or false, and multiple choice.

2. Exam Schedule: All Exams will be taken on the Desire to Learn (D2L) online class site. The Exam Schedule is posted on the main page of the D2L online class site. You will have 50 minutes to take an exam. After the time period has expired, D2L will not allow you to answer any more questions or to change any answers. So please pace yourself accordingly. IF you have a reason that you need more time to take your exams, then you need to get certified by the ADA specialist on campus.

3. Exam Make-Up Policy: All exams must be taken online during the time periods listed on the main page of the D2L online class site. If you fail to take an exam during its time period, you will have to take a Make-Up Exam that is 100% Essay in nature (and one which you will NOT want to take)! The ONLY exceptions to this rule are as follows:

· There is a D2L server problem, which means that it is the fault of OSU-OKC; OR

· The student can provide official documentation of a hospital stay, a funeral attended, special medication that affected his/her ability to take an exam during the time period that an exam was available online, military orders, etc., unless there has been an obvious case of a natural or man-made disaster in the area or of widespread power outages. There is NO Make-Up Exam for the Final Exam. Failure to take the Final Exam on time will result in a “0” for that exam.

4. Attendance Policy:

Absences:

Attendance in this class must be regarded as mandatory in the same way that going to your job is mandatory. As with a job, there will be consequences for excessive unexcused absences. A student will have 10 Points subtracted from his/her Total Score at the end of the semester for each unexcused absence beyond 5, except that no student can receive an “F” for excessive unexcused absences. The ONLY way to get an absence Excused is for the student to provide official documentation of his/her hospitalization, doctor’s visit, court documents, military orders, attendance at funeral, etc., unless there has been an obvious case of a natural or man-made disaster in the area.

On the positive side of encouraging high attendance, a student will receive 10 Bonus Points for every Unexcused Absence fewer than 5. On Exam #1, a student can receive 5 bonus points for logging onto the D2L class site NO LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT, JANUARY 23 @ 11:59 P.M.

Tardies:

If a student enters the classroom after I have collected the Attendance Sheet from the class, that student will be counted Tardy—IF he/she doesn’t see me right after class to let me know he/she attended, then it will become an Unexcused Absence instead! 3 Tardies = 1 Unexcused Absence. The ONLY EXCEPTION is for a student who enters the classroom at least 30 minutes late—that student will be given an Unexcused Absence.

5. Outside Assignment: You will be required to accumulate up to a maximum potential of 100 points beyond the 500 exam points, making a grand total of 600 points for the entire course. These additional 100 points may be accumulated by one of three (3) different ways:

· 5 Journal Abstracts

· 1 Visitation Report

· 1 Mini-Paper

Journal Abstracts: A Journal Abstract is a brief description of the type of material one would find if another reader actually read the entire journal article. It is not a summary of the information or viewpoint of the article. Limit each Journal Abstract to 4-6 sentences, which will require some extra thought in order to avoid simply summarizing the article (which you should not do). The OSU-OKC Library carries several religious journals representing virtually all of the major world religions that are studied in this course. Please use journals from the OSU-OKC Library. Special permission from Dr. Baker will be necessary to submit a Journal Abstract from any religious journal not found in the OSU-OKC Library.

All 5 Journal Abstracts should be typed and double-spaced, with standard 12 pt.-font size, black print, and 1” margins on all four sides. All 5 Journal Abstracts should be typed on the same document, with at least 4 blank spaces between each Abstract. At the Top Center of the first page, please type “JOURNAL ABSTRACTS” (in all caps & bold print), followed 2 spaces under it (& still Centered) by your First & Last Name (also in bold print). Then skip 4 spaces before beginning your first Abstract.

Each of the 5 Journal Abstracts should be headed by the “Title of the Article” you are abstracting (in quotation marks). Then in the body of each Abstract, please include the Name of the Journal (in italics), the Issue Date (or Number), and the Author of the actual Article you are abstracting.

Visitation Report: A Visitation Report is a report of a religious service that you attend during the semester. However, do not submit a Visitation Report from a religious service where you or your family regularly attends, if you do regularly attend a religious service. Moreover, if you have a Protestant Christian background, and you wish to visit a different Christian church, please visit either a Roman Catholic or an Eastern Orthodox Church (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Antiochian Orthodox, etc.). If you are either a Roman Catholic or an Eastern Orthodox Christian, and you wish to visit a different Christian church, then please visit a Protestant church. The idea is to experience a very different kind of religious service than you are normally used to attending, if you have a religious service that you regularly attend.

The Visitation Report is a report of your experience and what its major worship elements meant to the people there. It should consist of about 3 pages, and be typed and double-spaced, with standard 12 pt.-font size, black print, and 1” margins on all four sides. The report should include the specific name, street address, and date of the religious service you attended. It should also include a brief paragraph for each aspect of the service and what it meant to members of that faith. Your final paragraph should summarize your own thoughtful reaction to the visit.

Mini-Paper: The Mini-Paper is a long essay that incorporates some research elements (i.e., cited sources + a bibliography). It should seek to describe or explain something religious in nature. It may be a comparison and/or contrast between a certain related belief between 2 religions, an explanation for one particular belief or practice of a religious faith, or any approved topic of a religious nature. Please get your topic approved by Dr. Baker ASAP!

The Mini-Paper should be 3-5 pages long (excluding the Title & Bibliography pages and any Endnote pages you may have), typed, double-spaced, with 12-pt. print size and black ink, with 1” margins on all four sides. Please place the page number on each page at the Bottom Center except that the Title page and Bibliography page should be unnumbered. Your paper should also include a Title page and a Bibliography page labeled “Bibliography” containing a minimum of 5 sources.

The Outside Assignment is due no later than Monday, March 22! NO LATE OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED!!!

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENT: Type your Outside Assignment as a Microsoft Word document AND submit it to Dr. Baker in the Dropbox on the Desire to Learn (D2L) course site. Use the following simple steps in order to do this correctly:

1. Click on the word “Dropbox” near the top of any regular page on the D2L course site.

2. Click on the assignment link inside the Dropbox.

3. Click on the Browse button…Select the desired saved document from the appropriate computer drive (whatever drive that you saved it on), and Double-Click on the file name.

4. Click on the Upload button…and then the Done button.

Your Outside Assignment will NOT be accepted at all IF you do not send it this way. If you need assistance or do not have Microsoft Word, then please allow yourself sufficient time to find a friend’s computer, OR you may use the Learning Center Computer Lab (on the 2^nd floor of the Learning Resource Center Building).

Your Outside Assignment will NOT be accepted at all IF it contains any more than 4 errors of a spelling, grammar, or punctuation nature, as determined by the Microsoft Word Spelling & Grammar Check. So check it BEFORE you submit it!

EVALUATION:

The grading scale for this course is as follows:

A = 90% - 100%

B = 80% - 89%

C = 70% - 79%

D = 60% - 69%

F = 0% - 59%

INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT:

Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the OSU-OKC Catalog, Student Handbook, and semester information listed in the Class Schedule.

SYLLABUS MODIFICATION STATEMENT:

Faculty has the right to change or modify the course syllabus materials during the academic year. Any changes will be provided in a written, dated addendum to the course syllabus.

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL LEARNING

1. ATTENDANCE

2. ORGANIZATION

Between each time the class meets you should:

· Type your lecture notes on a computer, reorganizing them by

(1) making the headings & sub-headings stand out.

(2) numbering or bulleting listed items.

(3) highlighting key names and terms.

(4) leaving sufficient space between items and sections to avoid confusion in identifying information in your notes.

NOTE: Make a back-up copy of your typed notes on the computer, and print the notes off each time, placing them in a 3-ring notebook.

· Identify all items discussed in class on the appropriate Review Sheet, and follow the recommendations exactly for using the Review Sheet. NOTE: Remember to do any textbook items also—which requires that you keep up with class discussions and be aware of the chapter readings in the course syllabus.

· At least skim read the appropriate textbook chapter for the next lecture—which also requires that you keep up with class discussions and be aware of the chapter readings in the course syllabus.

3. TIME

It is estimated that college students should spend 2-3 hours outside of actual class time for every hour spent in class. NOTE: This requires a careful evaluation of your personal schedule (e.g., family, work, school, etc.) and making any appropriate adjustments in order to have this much time.

COURSE OUTLINE

I. FIRST EXAM—Chapter 8

Lecture Topics:

Introduction to Religion

Introduction to Judaism

Jewish Scriptures and Other Writings

Major Jewish Beliefs

Jewish Worship

Major Jewish Holy Days

II. SECOND EXAM—Chapter 9

Lecture Topics:

Introduction to Christianity

Christian Scriptures

Major Christian Branches

Major Christian Beliefs

Christian Worship

III. THIRD EXAM—Chapter 10

Lecture Topics:

Introduction to Islam

Islamic Scriptures and Other Writings

Five Articles of Faith

Other Major Muslim Beliefs

Five Pillars of Islam

Major Islamic Branches

Islamic Eschatology

Islamic Worship

IV. FOURTH EXAM—Chapter 3

Lecture Topics:

Introduction to Hinduism

Hindu Scriptures

Hindu Conception of Ultimate Reality

Hindu Conception of Time and the Universe

The Many Hindu Gods

Major Hindu Beliefs

The Caste System

Four Goals in Life

Four Stages of Life

Hindu Worship

V. FINAL EXAM—Chapter 4

Lecture Topics:

Introduction to Buddhism

Early Buddhist Scriptures

The Three Jewels

Four Noble Truths

Major Buddhist Beliefs

Buddhist Conception of Ultimate Reality

Monks, Nuns, and Lay Buddhists

Major Buddhist Branches

Buddhist Worship

HOW TO STUDY FOR DR. BAKER'S RELIGION EXAMS

There are five (5) Review Sheets located in this course syllabus. Please notice the two (2) sections on each one.

1. Identifications: Twenty (20) to Thirty (30) items are listed in this section on each Review Sheet. You should be able to summarize the essential facts related to each Identification item.

The use of ruled (or lined) 3” x 5” index cards is recommended for your study preparation. Limit your card to one (1) side only so that you write down only the most important facts.

2. Short Essay: Several short essay questions are listed on each Review Sheet. Even though there will be NO essays to write on an exam, you need to prepare for all of the short essays on each Review Sheet as if you were going to write each of them out in an essay format. All of the short essays will be reflected in the multiple choice or true or false sections on an exam.

The use of ruled (or lined) 3” x 5” index cards is recommended for your study preparation. Label each card with an appropriate title and the number of the Short Essay on the Review Sheet. Then outline the essential points which specifically answer the question on the Review Sheet.

Special Notes:

(1) Each exam will also feature a True or False section. Each question will be taken from items on the Review Sheet for that exam.

(2) Each exam will also feature a Multiple Choice section. Each question will be taken from items on the Review Sheet for that exam.

These guidelines have been proven to work. DON’T IGNORE THEM!!!

REVIEW SHEET #1

Identifications

Rabbi Halakhah Yom Kippur

Reform Judaism Philo Hanukkuh

Conservative Judaism Maimonides Bar Mitzvah

Orthodox Judaism Shema

Torah YHWH

Septuagint Decalogue

Targum Synagogue

Essenes Ark

Pharisees Menorah

Midrash Passover

Short Essays

1. Define religion in its three-point definition.

2. Briefly trace the historical “tree” of rabbinical Judaism in terms of its authority figures.

3. Give the name of the entire Jewish Scriptures, identify its 3 divisions, and briefly outline its development and formal acceptance.

4. Define and briefly outline the rise of rabbinical Judaism. Then define and discuss the Talmud and its constituent parts.

5. Describe the Jewish concept of God’s nature and character, and briefly tell how that concept has influenced Jewish thinking and behavior.

6. Describe the Jewish view of sin and salvation and tell how that relates to the moral nature of man.

7. Briefly describe the following major Jewish beliefs: (1) Covenant and (2) Kosher dietary laws.

8. Define and discuss the person and mission of the Messiah from Judaism’s perspective.

9. Define and discuss the importance of the Sabbath, and identify the two most important aspects of Jewish worship.

REVIEW SHEET #2

Identifications

Constantine Purgatory

Theodosius I Eucharist

Apocrypha Transubstantiation

Petrine Doctrine John Nelson Darby

Martin Luther Thomas Aquinas

Indulgences Lent

Council of Trent Easter (or Pascha)

Nicene Creed

Augustine

Sacrament

Short Essays

1. Identify the 2 parts of the Christian Scriptures, discuss the reason for each part’s acceptance, and tell approximately when the canon of Scripture was fully set. (Ignore the issue of the Old Testament Apocrypha.)

2. Define apostolic succession, and briefly discuss the origin of its rise in early Christianity. Then relate this view to the relationship of the church to the Bible.

3. Identify and briefly discuss the 3 major reasons for the split between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Then give the year for the official split.

4. Identify the 3 major reasons for the Protestant Reformation. Then briefly outline who, when, and how the Reformation began.

5. Select and discuss any 2 of the following Christian topics: (1) Trinity; (2) Original sin; (3) the 2 oldest views on Hell; and (4) the Traditional and Dispensational views of the Second Coming of Christ.

6. Contrast the Roman Catholic-Eastern Orthodox view of how a believer receives salvation with the Protestant view, and briefly describe how this issue affects the different views of the primary role of the church.

7. Identify and discuss the 3 different interpretations of the Sabbath Commandment among Christians. Be certain to define the theology of Thomas Aquinas on this issue, and relate it to the appropriate interpretations of the Sabbath Commandment.

REVIEW SHEET #3

Identifications

Islam Allah Sufi

Muslim Ulama Mosque

Ishmael Sin Minaret

Ka’bah Health Laws Muezzin

Muhammad Polygamy Ramadan

Mecca Shahadah

Medina Zakat

Hegira Jihad

Caliph Imam

Quran Ummah

Short Essays

1. Identify Muhammad and give his approximate birth and death dates. Then summarize the Muslim view of Muhammad.

2. Define and describe the Quran, and how it came to be. Include its relationship to the Jewish and Christian Scriptures in Islamic thought.

3. Define and describe the development of the Hadith, and give its significance.

4. List and briefly explain the 5 major Articles of Faith in Islam.

5. Define and describe Shariah and those who interpret it.

6. List and briefly discuss the 5 Pillars of Islam.

7. Identify and describe the most important aspect of Muslim worship in terms of (1) when it’s to be done; (2) how it’s to be done; and (3) what the brief preparation for it is.

8. Compare and contrast the Shi’ite and Sunni branches of Islam in terms of (1) defining the names; (2) giving each one’s view of spiritual authority in Islam; and (3) giving the approximate percentage of members that each branch represents in Islam.

9. Discuss the major elements of Islamic eschatology, being certain to define all terms.

REVIEW SHEET #4

Identifications

Sanatana Dharma Vishnu Brahmin

Veda Shiva Puja

Sanskrit Krishna Murti

Mahabharata Atman Prasad

Bhagavad Gita Loka

Brahman Guru

Avatar Yoga

Pantheism Yogi

Kali Yuga Ten Commitments

Brahma Ahimsa

Short Essays

1. Identify the 2 major categories of Hindu Scriptures and discuss their respective meanings and importance relative to each other. Then give the number of Scriptures in the most authoritative category, and describe the first and last parts of those Scriptures.

2. Discuss the Hindu conception of Ultimate Reality in both of its modes, and identify where Hinduism is on the question of monotheism or polytheism, and why.

3. What is the Hindu’s highest spiritual goal? Identify the common terms and contrast them with the concept of Nirvana. In general terms only, identify what must be achieved before this goal can be reached.

4. Identify and discuss the concepts of reincarnation, transmigration of the soul, samsara, and karma, explaining how they relate to each other.

5. List the 5 types of activities that a person may do in order to clean up some of his/her bad karma.

6. Describe and give the reasons for the dietary habits of most Hindus.

7. How many official castes are there in Hinduism, and what specific Scriptures identify and discuss them?

8. List and briefly discuss the 4 Goals in a Hindu’s life.

9. List and briefly discuss the 4 Stages in a Hindu’s life.

10. Describe typical Hindu worship activities, and explain why images are used in worship.

REVIEW SHEET #5

Identifications

Middle Way Anatman Dalai Lama

Buddha Dharma Holy Day

Arhat Theravada

Tripitaka (Pali Canon) Mahayana

The Three Jewels Mahayana Sutras

Sangha Lord Maitreya

Karma Suchness

Three Seals of Dharma Trikaya

Nirvana Amitabha Buddha

Parinirvana Vajrayana

Short Essays

1. Name the founder of Buddhism, and give a brief biographical sketch of his life (include the 4 Sights).

2. List and briefly describe the Four Noble Truths and their significance. Include the 3 sections of the 8-fold Path.

3. List the 6 Categories of existence and briefly describe how they fit into the 31 Realms of the 3 Worlds.

4. Discuss the Buddhist concepts of Impermanence, No-Self, and Dependent Arising.

5. Identify the function of the Ten Precepts and outline the first 5 Precepts.

6. Compare & contrast the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist views of a Bodhisattva (include the idea of a celestial Bodhisattva).

7. Compare & contrast the doctrine of No-Self with the Mahayana doctrine of Emptiness, and describe how Emptiness relates to the Mahayana concept of the Dharma Body.

8. Identify & briefly describe each of the 2 major wings within Mahayana Buddhism, and then name the most popular sect within each one.

9. Identify the major elements of Tibetan Buddhism.

10. List 5 objects (or types of objects) of Buddhist worship and 6 acts of worship.