HIST/HUM//RELS 115
Introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism
Class Schedule: Professor: Dr. Ruby Ramji
September 14 – December 4, 2009 Office: CC 241
MON 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Office Hours: MON/WED 12:45–2:00 pm
WED 11:30 am – 12:45 pm and MON/WED 3:45–5:00 pm or by appt
Room CC 263 Office Phone: 563-1264
e-mail:ruby_ramji@cbu.ca
http://faculty.cbu.ca/rramji
Course Description
The history, practice, and meaning of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions will be examined along with Jainism and Sikhism. Their contribution to our understanding of religion as a whole and present day role of these traditions in world events will be discussed.
We will begin by examining the concept of religion and the development of various disciplines for the modern study of religion. We will examine the history, worldviews, doctrines, rituals and practices of the major Eastern religions.
The course seeks to stimulate critical thinking and discussion amongst students, as well as the ability to conduct research, read critically and present scholarly work in a clear and coherent style. Other topics of interest to the class may be discussed as well.
Participation is important as discussion will play a large role in this class, and attendance is imperative for in-class assignments.
Course Evaluation:
Midterm Exam 30% Monday October 19, 2009
Research Essay 20% November 30, 2009
Final Exam 35% To be scheduled
In-class assignments 15%
Required Text:
The following work is available in the CBU bookstore, and is required for this course:
Oxtoby & Segal (eds). A Concise Introduction to World Religions (Oxford University Press, 2007). A copy of the course textbook is also available at the CBU library on reserve.
Assignment/Essay Guidelines:
In this course you will be given three in-class assignments (5% each). No exceptions shall be made if you miss an assignment, except for documented medical reasons.
One research essay, worth 20%, will be due on the assigned date of November 30, 2009. The essay must be handed in during class or earlier to the professor. Do not put it under the instructor’s office door. Due dates are not negotiable and extensions are not given except for documented medical or compassionate grounds. If you think that you will require an extension for these reasons, talk to the instructor as soon as the need becomes apparent: do not wait until the assignment is due. Please be aware that having several assignments fall due in the same week does not constitute grounds for an extension.
Each student has the choice of ONE topic:
1) interviewing a practicing Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain, focusing on exploring the role of religion, philosophy, art, architecture, music, and literature in the life of the interviewee. In your report, include something on the background of your informant and the context of your interview. The reason for doing essay option one and two is to see how many different interpretations there are of religious belief, in comparison to the general descriptions found in your course textbook (the textbook must be used in the essay);
2) visiting a Hindu, Buddhist, Jain or Sikh place of worship. You are to describe the rituals, customs and architecture of the religious institution and compare them to the appropriate areas discussed in the course textbook (the textbook must be used in the essay);
3) writing a comparative research essay that examines two of the discussed religions to compare and contrast their worldviews (foundations, doctrines, teachings, etc). Illustrate how they are similar and how they are different from each other. At least three books or journal articles must be used to write this essay.
Essays must be between 5 – 7 pages in length. All essays must be carefully documented with precise references for all quotations (direct and indirect), paraphrases, and derived ideas, information and interpretations. You are reminded that it is essential that you give credit to all authors for all ideas and phrasing not originating with you. Failure to document and/or to place quotation marks around all direct quotations is plagiarism and will be dealt with in accordance with university disciplinary regulations. Do not hesitate to consult with the instructor if doubts should arise.
Essay Checklist
Your essay will be distinguished by the following:
§ Printed (i.e. computer generated) with Numbered pages (not including title page)
§ The essay itself must be five to seven pages in length
§ Double spaced, but do not put extra spaces between paragraphs
§ Reference all materials in your essay, either using MLA or APA style. Precise references are required for all quotations, paraphrases, information and ideas. You must give credit to all authors for all ideas that are not your own. See the following website for more information on footnotes, endnotes, parenthetical references and how to write a bibliography - http://www.aresearchguide.com
§ Bibliography of at least 3 items (books or journal articles), placed on the final page of the essay for Essay Option 3 or the course textbook for Option 1 and 2 with the option to include more sources; only those works in your essay are to be included.
o Do not use any internet sources.
o Do not use any encyclopedia or dictionary sources.
o Do not use course notes as a reference source.
§ Title page including your name, identification number, course number and the instructor's name
§ Students must keep a copy of the paper they submit until final grades have been submitted for the course.