RELS 50 - Religions of the World

Instructor: Richard Dinwiddie
Email Instructor rdinwiddie@chabotcollege.edu

Instructor phone:  510-723-6600, ext 2557

Course Description

Introduction to the study of religion by (1) surveying the world religions, stating basic principles of each as shown by fundamental scriptures, practices and works of art, highlighting underlying patterns, OR (2) exploring themes and concepts, using the world religions as examples.

Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.

This class begins June 15th and ends August 7th

Optional On-Campus Orientations

There are no required on-campus meetings for this class. You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus Orientation to Online Learning that provides Blackboard log in instructions and help, an overview of the Blackboard course management system, and tips on netiquette, time management, and study skills for the online student. 

Attend either of these sessions:

• Monday, June 15th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1618

• Tuesday, June 16th, noon-1:00 p.m. in Room 1618

Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.

How This Class Operates

This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.

Students are evaluated on the content and quality of of their discussion board posts, whether or not they have completed all assigned work, and a term project which may be done individually or in conjunction with one or more other students. Their posts must show evidence they have completed all reading and web-based assignments and that they understand the material, not merely "know" it. Students are expected to log into the course a minimum of three times per week. They need to spend at least as much time to accomplish this as if this were an on-campus class. Students are responsible to maintain current status with the class and to initiate their own drop procedure if they consider it necessary to discontinue. Students who fail to log in or complete assignments may be dropped at the discretion of the instructor, but this is generally a last recourse since most students prefer to complete the course, instead. If a student wishes to add the course after the initial enrollment period, add numbers can be obtained from the instructor.

Textbook Information

Only one text is required as every effort is made to keep the cost of purchasing texts to a minimum. The required text is "The Illustrated World's Religions" by Huston Smith, published by Harper Collins. A text-only version is also available at a lower price.

How Students are Graded

Discussions are graded on the basis of timely fulfillment of the stated requirements for each discussion. Late work may be accepted if there is sufficient reason. If students have difficulties with understanding assignments, a peer-assistance forum is provided. If that does not resolve a question, the student should contact the instructor who will generally respond within 24 hours.        

Succeeding in an Online Course

Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, or can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.   Or, you might consider enrolling in our Introduction to Online Learning course (GNST-4910), which provides an overview of online learning and equips you to succeed in your first online class.

Don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.

Blackboard

This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the How to Begin an Online Course page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College. In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

Register for this course