Course Syllabus

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REL 351
 Course Syllabus

Overview

Course Goal

Become better disciples of Jesus Christ while studying the great faith traditions of the world, so that students can be better prepared to collaborate with those of other faiths.

Course Catalog Description

This course is a study of religions of the world such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism. It is designed to introduce members of the Church to the beliefs of other world faiths and their development with an emphasis on their relationship to the doctrines of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2 credit hours)

Requirements

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Required Resources

No outside resources are required for purchase. The following textbook is used in the course, but the chapters are provided to you in the course. If you want a hard copy, you can purchase one through Amazon or the Church's Online Store.

Course Textbook
Resource Title/Description
(books, software, etc.)		 Author/Provider Ed./Vol. 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable)
Religions of the World: A Latter-day Saint View Spencer J. Palmer, Roger R. Keller, and others. 2nd 978-0842523509

Structure

Course Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the key historical events, beliefs, sacred texts, and practices of selected religions of the world.
  2. Identify shared truths between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those of other world religions.
  3. Recognize the good, true, and beautiful elements of other faith traditions. 
  4. Appropriately apply principles and practices that can enhance student discipleship.

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.

Major Assignments
Major Assignment Description Course Outcome #
Learning Checks These weekly quizzes test your knowledge of the assigned text readings. 1
Student Presentation Create a presentation about an aspect of a religion that is not your own.  1, 2, 3
Application Practicum Engage in a religious practice from another religion for 7 days. 1, 2, 3, 4
Holy Envy Paper Write about a practice, tradition, or belief from another religion for which you feel holy envy. 1, 2, 3

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. 

Weekly Patterns
Due Date* Activity Title Description
Midweek Student Presentations Posts The week you present the post containing your presentation is due on Thursday.
End of Week Learning Check A quiz on the week's study material.
End of Week Student Presentation Quiz You will certify that you watched the other student's presentations.

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

Expectations

Feedback

You can expect to receive grades and feedback within 7 days of the due date for all assignments.

Workload

Since this is a two credit class should expect to work about six to eight hours per week on this class.

Group Work

There is no group work in this class.

Late Work

As a sign of professionalism and respect, you should complete your work on time. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate. 

Retries

You have two attempts on the Learning Checks.

Grading Scale

Grading Scale
Grading Scale
Letter Grade Percent
A 100% - 93%
A- 92% - 90%
B+ 89% - 87%
B 86% - 83%
B- 82% - 80%
C+ 79% - 77%
C 76% - 73%
C- 72% - 70%
D+ 69% - 67%
D 66% - 63%
D- 62% - 60%
F 59% and lower

Technical Support

If you need technical assistance, use the I-Learn Help button located on the left side of your screen to contact the appropriate support center (either BYU-Idaho Help or BYU-Pathway Help).

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, contact the Accessibility Services Office at (208) 496–9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Accessibility Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Accessibility Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496–9219.

Other University Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Student with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due