Course Description
Online course that examines selected topics in philosophy, religion, and ethics; compares assumptions, modes of thought, and attendant practices, and analyzes their effects on behavior and human society. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Examine the development of beliefs and practices concerning life after death in cultures and traditions from around the world.
- Explore the relationship between a culture’s beliefs and practices concerning life after death and their historical, intellectual, geographical, and cultural context.
- Analyze the influence of cultural ideas and practices on other cultures and traditions.
- Learn analytical and critical skills to engage primary texts in the fields of religious studies, history, philosophy, and mythology.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Reflection Questions and Online Discussion Forums | 40% |
| Short Briefs | 30% |
| Final Project | 30% |
Work that summarizes, rather than analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates the topic will receive a grade of C+ or lower, even if the summary is excellent.
Work that is moderately successful in analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating the topic will receive a grade of B.
Work that successfully analyzes, synthesizes, evaluates the topic, and persuasively interprets the topic will receive a grade of B+ or higher.
10-point Grading Scale (<.5 rounded down; >.5 rounded up):
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93-100% | A |
| 90-92% | A- |
| 88-89% | B+ |
| 83-87% | B |
| 80-82% | B- |
| 78-79% | C+ |
| 73-77% | C |
| 70-72% | C- |
| 68-69% | D+ |
| 63-67% | D |
| 60-62% | D- |
| 0-59% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Students must participate in the course by logging in on a regular basis, participating weekly in Group Discussions, participating in required activities, and submitting required assignments.
Failure to participate in the course constitutes failure to abide by the attendance policy. Students who do not abide by this policy may be withdrawn at the professor’s discretion per instructions from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Moreman, Christopher M. Beyond the Threshold: Afterlife Beliefs and Experiences in World Religions. 2nd ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2018.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.