Logos Public Charter School Quarters 3-4

Instructor: Email: Class Day/Time: Classroom:

Stephen Roby sroby@logoscharter.com Mondays from 2:00-2:50 pm Logos room 11

World Religions (07002)

Course Description
Come learn about the religious faiths of our world! A strong emphasis will be placed on tolerance of differing religious beliefs and the positive aspects of each religion studied. We learn to focus on the positive as we study various forms and values of several world religions, offering students a basic understanding of diverse faiths and practices. Course topics include the belief systems of adherents; the relationships among humans, nature, ancestors, and the spiritual world; and brief coverage of the historical development of each religion. (Disclaimer: your child will not be required to share any personal religious information, but will be required to reflect in a confidential journal on the content presented.) It is possible to learn aboutand learn froma variety a religious traditions without being or becoming an adherent of any single religious tradition. It is possible to be a follower of one religious tradition and still learn from the beliefs and practices of other traditions (Dr. Richard Mahon, Riverside City College).

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. List three of the worlds major religious systems & describe characteristics of those systems. 2. Describe typical beliefs, practices, sacred texts and symbols of those religions. 3. Interpret the religious texts within the context of the traditional beliefs of those religious traditions. 4. Appreciate the varieties of religious belief and experience and the cultures in which they are found; appraise the various religious traditions of the world in terms of your personal philosophical and religious values (attend to positive aspects of each religion covered). 5. Demonstrate the ability to think creatively, independently and critically about the varied issues, problems and concerns of religions around the globe.

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Required Materials Other Readings: Various printed articles and online articles (given by teacher each class). Material requirements: Spiral/composition notebook for journal (due at the second class), and at least 2 hours of access to an internet connection per week. Classroom Protocol This is an academic class with required participation. All students will be expected to participate in class discussions. During class discussions no discriminatory language or attitudes will be tolerated (intolerance is intolerable). Students are not required to share personal religious information, but are required to respect the rights of others to do so. There may be students taking the class with different views and care will be taken to ensure equal treatment of students (sharing ones personal religious beliefs will be limited to relevant class sessions and to a minimal portion of class to prevent partiality). Cell phones are permitted, provided they are TURNED OFF (not just on vibrate- we can still hear it). First offense involving a cell phone will result in losing it for the remainder of class. Second offense results in a parent phone call/text and third offense will require a parent to come pick up the phone at their earliest convenience. If a student has behavior issues in class there is a similar three strike system: 1. Warning, misbehavior recorded. 2. Parent contact. 3. Parent meeting. Dropping Class Students are allowed to attend one class and still drop with a full refund. If the student decides not to continue the parent must inform the ES and Mr. Roby before the next class session. After that date if the student drops there is no refund. Partial refunds are not allowed. Policies Assignments and Grading Policy 7th-8th Grade minimum homework requirement: Complete required readings, interview 3 people concerning their differing religious beliefs. Complete a 1 page reflection write-up for each. Keep a journal of your learning/reflections, totaling at least 4-5 pages hand written in your notebook. For High School credit: 3 Hours a week of reading, interviews, exploration and journal entries. Required reading with corresponding journal entries of varying length. Interviews: interview 3 people concerning their differing religious beliefs, completing 2-3 page reflections for each. Exploration: Participate in one of the three field trips. Notes: one entry per class, no less than half a page of meaningful content, totaling 7-8 pages. Assignments will be accepted up to two weeks late with 20% deducted each week. (5/27 is the last day to turn in work).
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Grading: 25% Participation (includes attendance and interviews), 25% Notebook/journal, 25% Readings, 25% Tests.
Absence Policy A maximum of three absences out of fifteen classes will be permitted. Make-up work will be slightly more than what is required of students who attend class. Three tardies will be considered one absence (it is possible to be late to every class and fail as a result). Academic integrity Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another persons ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade. Refer to the Logos Academic Dishonesty Policy document in Drive. Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or email me.

World Religions (07002), Semester, Course Schedule

Schedule is subject to change by email or text no less than 48 hours before class session. Reading assignments will be given each class for the next or can be found on the website.
Course Schedule

Week 1 2 3

Date 1/28 2/4 2/11

Topics, Readings, Assignments: refer to robymac.weebly.com Introduction to Religious studies: Busting myths and meeting people! Reading: http://www.religionfacts.com/religion/quotes.htm Buddhism: Background/historical information. Reading: Buddhism: beliefs, practices, sacred texts and symbols, characteristics of adherents Reading: Holiday. Buddhism: Interpreting and appreciating texts. Reading: Buddhism: Discussion, appreciation, reflection. Reading: Buddhism Test due, Buddhist interview due.

2/18 No class!

4 5 6

2/25 3/4 3/11

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Week 6 cont.

Date 3/11 cont.

Topics, Readings, Assignments: refer to robymac.weebly.com

Christianity: Background/historical information. Reading: 7 3/18 Christianity: beliefs, practices, sacred texts and symbols, characteristics of adherents Reading: >>>>> 3/25 no class! Spring Break FTRIP 3/31 Easter at Heritage Christian Fellowship (855 Chevy Way Medford, OR 97504 (541) 772-8200) 8 4/1 Christianity: Interpreting and appreciating texts. Reading: 9 4/8 Christianity: Discussion, appreciation, reflection. Reading: 10 4/15 Christianity Test due, Christian interview due. Islam: Background/historical information. Reading: 11 4/22 Islam: beliefs, practices, sacred texts and symbols, characteristics of adherents Reading: 12 4/29 Islam: Interpreting and appreciating texts. Reading: FIELD 5/3, 5/5 Jumma at Masjid Al Tawheed TRIPs (730 North Main Street, Phoenix, OR 97535 or 400 block of Pacific Highway or possibly 1257 Siskiyou Blvd #224 Ashland, OR 97520 Phone: (503) 770-6789) Meditation at Community of Mindful Living, Southern Oregon (POB 907, Jacksonville, Oregon, 97530 (541) 482-8467 Or possibly Minjur Ling, Laurel Hansen, Ashland, OR (541) 488-0682) 13 5/6 Islam: Discussion, appreciation, reflection. Reading: 14 Islam Test due, Muslim interview due. 5/13 Field Trip Reflection Day 15 5/20 Reflections: positive responses to interactions between religions. Notebooks/Journals are due. 5/27 no class Last day to turn in work.

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Week

Date

Topics, Readings, Assignments: refer to robymac.weebly.com

Suggested Viewing: Buddhism Little Buddha Kundun Christianity The Passion of the Christ The Gospel According to Matthew (The Visual Bible) Islam Malcolm X The Message

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