UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA––Interdisciplinary Program in Religious Studies

Introduction to the Religions of the World

Religious Studies 101A: C2 - Course Outline - Fall 2007, MWF 2:00-2:50 p.m., TB 87
(University of Alberta Policy about course outlines can be found in section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.)

James Apple, Ph.D. E-mail: japple@ualberta.ca

Office: 1-43 Humanities Centre Office phone: 492-2479
Office hours: M, W 3:00-4:00 p.m. InterD Office/Phone: 492-9557
Or by appointment. *Interdisciplinary Studies Office:
Web: http://www.ualberta.ca/~japple 1-53 Humanities Centre, 1st floor
E-mail: ois@ualberta.ca
Course Description: Religious Studies 101 is a general introduction to the academic study of the
religious traditions of the world. The course familiarizes students with the major religious and
philosophical traditions of select geographical areas. While refining the skills of empathetic description and
non-evaluative comparison, the course also examines religion as an area of academic study, examining the
function of religion in relation to human beliefs, social practices, and culture in general. A primary goal of
the course is for all students to learn to define, accurately describe, and compare in a non-evaluative
manner various religious traditions of the world so as to discover significant similarities and differences in
various forms of human behavior.
NOTE: RELIG 101 (C2) is a two-part course (fall and winter terms) worth 6
credits–this course outline applies to the FALL term
Course Structure: The course begins with an introduction to academic approaches to the study of
religion. During the fall term of the course, our main focus will be religious traditions found in India,
China, and Japan: Hinduism, Buddhism, Other Religions of India, Shinto, Confucianism, and Daoism, and
Shinto. The Winter term from January to April will focus on Western traditions including Judaism,
Christianity, Islam. The course will be conducted through lectures as well as in-class and on-line.
Attendance and active preparation for class are essential! If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to
find out what you missed and to ask a fellow student to lend lecture notes to you.

Required Textbooks:
Willard Oxtoby, Editor. (2002) World Religions: Eastern Traditions. New York: Oxford
University Press.

Roger Eastman, Editor. (1999) The Ways of Religion: An Introduction to the Major
Traditions. Oxford University Press: 3rd edition.
Course web site on WebCT: Find our course at www.ualberta.ca/webct. Click Course
Listings<Faculty of Arts<Religion 101 C2. Our course web site will list important
announcements, electronic readings, and downloadable documents.
Course Requirements and Weighting:
1. Regular attendance, preparation of reading assignments, and regular, wakeful
participation in discussion.
2. Examination #1, 20 points (20%)= Hinduism, Study of Religion
3. Examination #2, 30 points (30%)= Religions of India
4. Writing Assignment, 20 points (20%)= instructions and guidelines will be handed out
in class and posted on the course website.
5. Final examination, 30 points (30%)= Comprehensive exam with emphasis on East
Asian traditions.
Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 2

Schedule of Exams and Essays Evaluation

1. Exam #1 on Friday, September 28.
2. Exam #2 on Friday, October 26. Exam #1 (20%)
3. Writing Assignment due Friday, Exam #2 (30%)
November 30. Writing Assignment (20%)
4. Comprehensive Final beginning 2:00 Final Exam (30%)
p.m. on Monday, December 10.

Missed Exams: If you cannot write a test on the scheduled date due to a sudden illness
or emergency, you must contact me or the InterD office as soon as possible. To be
allowed a rewrite of a test, you must provide proof of illness/emergency. Transfer of
weight from a missed test or unwritten essay to another course requirement will not be
allowed in this course. Deferred final examinations are subject to faculty approval and
will not be granted if a student has not attended regularly and/or has failed to complete at
least of half of the course requirements.

To ensure academic honesty. No student is allowed to leave the examination room until
they have handed in their exam. No additional materials or technical aids are permitted at
your desk during an exam.

Course Requirements explained:

1. Attendance and participation: Regular attendance, preparation of reading

assignments, and class participation are expected in a college-level class. These are not
graded requirements, but obviously they will impact your performance in the course. If
you must miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to ask a
fellow student to lend you their notes. Active participation, whether listening or speaking,
is in your best interests.

2. Examination #1 (20 points=20%) and Examination #2 (30 points = 30%): These

exams will consist of true/false, multiple choice, and short essay questions. Some time in
the preceding class will be devoted to review.

3. Writing assignment (20 points= 20%): This will consist of a two-page descriptive
and cross-cultural comparison assignment, parameters of which will be distributed in
class and posted on the course website.

4. Final examination (30 points = 30%): The format will be the same as for the
midterm exam.
Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 3

Grading and Calculation of Final Course Grade:

The University Calendar (section 23.4 [4]) states, “Grades reflect judgements of student
achievement made by instructors. These judgements are based on a combination of
absolute achievement and relative performance in class.” As such, mathematical
distribution of grades should be viewed as a guideline for course evaluation. The final
course term grade is not assessed based on the mathematical computation of
numerical marks alone. The fall term grade is assessed based on performance
according to the following grading system:
A is excellent work, an A student has mastered the course material.
B is good work, the student displays a good all around grasp of the class.
C students have done solid satisfactory work. Cs should not be viewed as bad grades.
Ds occur when the student performs well below the expected standards of the class.
F is insufficient or incomplete work.
As a guideline for course evaluation, a numerical mark will be given for each course
requirement. After the final exam, the numerical marks will be added together and the
resulting total percentage for the course will be converted to letter grades according to the
following chart. Judgements of student achievement made by the instructor may
include +/- 5% for nonmathematical factors such as improvement over the term:

100 - 97 = A+ 96.99 - 92 = A 91.99 - 90 = A-

89.99 - 87 = B+ 86.99 - 82 = B 81.99 - 79 = B-
78.99 - 76 = C + 75.99 - 72 = C 71.99 - 69 = C-
68.99 - 65 = D+ 64.99 - 50 = D 49.99 and lower = F

Grading and Calculation of Final Course Grade:

RELIG 101 (C2) is a two-part course worth 6 credits–this course outline applies to the
FALL term. Each term will be graded and assessed according to its specific course
outline. The FALL TERM score and the WINTER TERM score, each calculated in
accord with the above percentage scale, will be added together with the average sum
marked as the final course (6 credit) grade. Example, Fall Term score= 77 (C+), Winter
Term score=85 (B), Final Course score= 81 (B-)

The Rules:
The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic
integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding
academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students
are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of
Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm and in the
Calendar (pages 644-667)) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in
suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an
offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or
expulsion from the University.
Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 4

A Note on Lectures and Class Discussions

Classroom sessions will consist of lectures on the scheduled subject matter related
to the overall theoretical objective of the course. Students must prepare the material
before each meeting and be ready to comprehend the topics to be covered. As much as
possible the lectures attempt to complement the required readings or address related
issues not treated extensively in the assigned books. During such sessions, students must
have knowledge of the required readings. Participation in class thus plays a significant
role in conducting lectures.
Given the nature of the lectures, and the fact that the examination will test
knowledge of material discussed in lectures as well as the readings, it cannot be
overemphasized that attendance is necessary and to your advantage. Your attendance in
class allows you to participate in and contribute to the class by raising questions and
offering insights. More important, your attendance allows you to hear what specific
points are being emphasized. Students are reminded that, according to the University's
Calendar (section 23.3, p. 69): “Since presence at lectures, participation in classroom
discussion and projects, and the completion of assignments are important
components of most courses, students will serve their interests best by regular
attendance. Those who choose not to attend must assume whatever risks are
involved.”
Note, too, that while your questions and comments will be encouraged,
PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS TAKING PLACE WHILE CLASS IS IN PROGRESS
WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Such activity will be regarded formally as a
“disruption,” which is defined as behaviour that “interferes with the normal process of the
session or the learning of other students” (“Code of Student Behaviour,” section 30.3.4
[1]a). The instructor will seek to have sanctions imposed on those who disrupt.

Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule:

This outline is subject to change. It may be modified if it appears to the instructor that the
material is not being adequately covered in the allotted time. The amount of time devoted
to particular topics is contingent on the instructor’s sense of what deserves greater
emphasis as the course progresses. Remember, to be aware of changes occurring in
the schedule and to receive any crucial information regarding the course, regular
attendance in class is necessary. The instructor is not responsible for accommodating
those with inexcusable absences. In addition, important materials are regularly handed
out during class. The instructor is not responsible for providing handouts at a later date
for those with an inexcusable absence from class. Keep in mind that all lectures in class
constitute material that may appear on the final examination. Remember, too, that it is not
possible for the instructor to explain all the material contained in the readings—it is up to
students to be familiar with the readings regardless of the extent to which the assigned
texts are discussed in class.
 Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 5

Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule:

Sept. 5- 14 Course description
Introduction to academic study of
world religions. Overview of
Geography, History and Religions of
Asia.
Sept. 17-21 Introduction to Hinduism.
The Beginnings of Hinduism:
The Indus Valley Civilization and the
Vedas.
Classical Hinduism
Nye: Religion: Some Basics, pp.1-19
[WebCT]
McCutcheon-Definition of Religion, pp. 1-13
[WebCT]
Oxtoby: 1-11 (Introduction).
Oxtoby: 13-26; Religions of India in Practice:
“A Brief History of Religion in India”, 3-
31[WebCT]; Eastman 13-26
The Upanisads (Oxtoby:27-32; Eastman 27-
39)

Sept. 24-28 Major Sects and Philosophies of The Epics and Deities of Hinduism (Oxtoby:
Hinduism 32-50)
Hindu Rituals. Hindu Philosophical Schools. Oxtoby: 50-71
Women in Hinduism. Hindu Rituals and Worship. Oxtoby: 71-94;
Modern Hinduism Women’s Rituals. Oxtoby: 94-104The Hindu
Experience Today. Oxtoby: 104-117
[Exam #1]
Oct. 1-Oct.5 The Sikh Tradition Oxtoby: 127-139;: Religions of Indian in
Practice, “The Life of Guru Nanak,” Chapter
Sikh Origins
30. [WebCT]
Notions of Guruship, Rituals, and
Identity Oxtoby: 139-147.
Sikhs in the Modern World. Oxtoby:147-159.
Oct.8-Oct.12 The Jain Tradition Oxtoby:161-178.
Jain Origins and Teachings Oxtoby:178-184
Jain Practices
Oxtoby:184-193. On reserve: Religions of
Reverence of Images and Jains Today
India in Practice, “The Rite of Veneration of
Jina Images,” Chapter 19 [WebCT]

Oct.15-Oct. Introduction to Buddhism The Buddha and his teachings. Oxtoby:199-

19 212
Life of Prince Siddhartha Gautama,
the Buddha The Nobles’ Four Truths. Oxtoby:213-218
Councils and Communities. Oxtoby:218-227

Oct. 22- Theravada Buddhism Theravada Buddhism. Oxtoby:227-24;

Oct.26 Mahayana Buddhism Eastman: 99-104, 105-109
[Exam #2] Eastman: 110-115
 Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 6

Oct.29-Nov.2 Vajrayana Buddhism and Mahayana Mahayana Buddhism in India. Oxtoby: 243-
in East Asia 255; Eastman 122-129

Vajrayana Buddhism. Oxtoby: 255-258

Nov. 5-Nov.9 Shamanism and Ancient Religions in
East Asia
Religion in East Asia. Oxtoby:317-32;:
Religions of China in Practice: Deities and
Ancestors in Early Oracle Inscriptions 41-
51.[WebCT]
Shamanism in East Asia. Oxtoby:327-336
Ancestory worship and Filial Piety. Oxtoby:
337-341.

Nov.12-13 Shinto in Japan The Way of the Kami. Oxtoby:341-345;

Eastman 257-259, 264-270
Fall Break
Shinto myth and ritual. Oxtoby:345-349;
Nov.14-16 Eastman 276-279

Contemporary Shinto. Oxtoby:349-352

Nov.19- Confucianism in China and in East Confucian Beginnings. Oxtoby:352-362
Nov.23 Asia The Analects and Heaven’s Mandate.
Oxtoby:362-370

Contributors and Customs. Oxtoby:370-382

Nov.26-30 Introduction to Classical Daoism. Introduction to Daoism. Oxtoby:382-385
[Writing Assignment due November The Daoist Religion. Oxtoby: 393-398
30]]
Dec.3-Dec.5 Summary and Review
 Religions of the World 101A C2
NOTICE TO INSTRUCTORS REGARDING PLAGIARISM, CHEATING,
MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS
AND PARTICIPATION IN AN OFFENCE
The U of A considers plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation of facts and
participation in an offence to be serious academic offences. Plagiarism,
cheating, misrepresentation of facts and participation in an offence can be
avoided if students are told what these offences are and if possible sanctions
are made clear at the outset. Instructors should understand that the
principles embodied in the Code are essential to our academic purpose. For
this reason, instructors will be fully supported by Departments, Faculties
and the University in their endeavours to rightfully discover and pursue
cases of academic dishonesty in accordance with the Code.
At the beginning of each term, we ask you to review with your students the
definitions of plagiarism and cheating. We are now also asking you to
review with your students the definition of Misrepresentation of Facts and
Participation in an Offence. Your co-operation and assistance in this matter
are much appreciated.
30.3.2(1) Plagiarism
No Student shall submit the words, ideas, images or data of another
person as the Student’s own in any academic writing, essay, thesis, project,
assignment, presentation or poster in a course or program of study.
30.3.2(2) Cheating
30.3.2(2)a No Student shall in the course of an examination or other similar
activity, obtain or attempt to obtain information from another Student or other
unauthorized source, give or attempt to give information to another Student,
or use, attempt to use or possess for the purposes of use any unauthorized
material.
30.3.2(2)b No Student shall represent or attempt to represent him or herself as
another or have or attempt to have himself or herself represented by another in
the taking of an examination, preparation of a paper or other similar activity.
See also misrepresentation in 30.3.6(4).
For procedures for dealing with academic offences, see section 30.3.2, "Exerpts from the Code of
Student Behaviour" from the GFC policy manual at www.ualberta.ca/~unisecr/appeals.htm.
Page 7
Cheating (Continued)
30.3.2(2)c No Student shall represent another’s substantial editorial or
compositional assistance on an assignment as the Student’s own work.
30.3.2(2)d No Student shall submit in any course or program of study, without
the written approval of the course Instructor, all or a substantial portion of any
academic writing, essay, thesis, research report, project, assignment,
presentation or poster for which credit has previously been obtained by the
Student or which has been or is being submitted by the Student in another
course or program of study in the University or elsewhere.
30.3.2(2)e No Student shall submit in any course or program of study any
academic writing, essay, thesis, report, project, assignment, presentation or
poster containing a statement of fact known by the Student to be false or a
reference to a source the Student knows to contain fabricated claims (unless
acknowledged by the Student), or a fabricated reference to a source.
30.3.6(4) Misrepresentation of Facts
No Student shall misrepresent pertinent facts to any member of the University
community for the purpose of obtaining academic or other advantage. See also
30.3.2(2) b, c, d and e.
1.1.1 30.3.6(5) Participation in an Offence
1.1.2
1.1.3 No Student shall counsel or encourage or knowingly
aid or assist, directly or indirectly, another person in the commission of any
offence under this Code.
The Truth In Education (T*I*E) project is a campus wide educational campaign
on Academic Honesty. This program was created to let people know the limits
and consequences of inappropriate academic behavior. There are helpful tips for
Instructors and Students. Please take the time to visit the website at:
http://www.ualberta.ca/tie
 Religions of the World 101A C2 Page 8

EXCERPTS FROM THE CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR (UPDATED WITH CHANGES

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 27, 2003)
For Review with Each Class at the Beginning of Every Term

Possible Sanctions
Procedures for Instructors Regarding
The following sanctions given in 30.4.3 (2) and (3) of the Code are
Plagiarism, Cheating, commonly
used for plagiarism, cheating and participating in an offence.
Misrepresentation of Facts and Participation in an Offence 30.4.3(2) a.i 30.4.3(2) a.i A mark of 0 on an assignment for
reason of Inappropriate Academic
Behaviour
1.1.4 The following procedures are drawn from the 30.4.3(2) a.ii 30.4.3(2) a.ii Reduction of a grade in a course
30.4.3(2) a.iii 30.4.3(2) a.iii A grade of F for a course.
Code of Student Behaviour as approved by GFC and the Board of 30.4.3(2) a.iv 30.4.3(2) a.iv A remark on a transcript of 8,
Governors. The guidelines summarize what instructors must do when they indicating Inappropriate Academic
have reason to believe that a student has plagiarized, cheated, Behaviour in addition to 30.4.3(2)a.i, 30.4.3(2)a.ii,
misrepresented facts or participated in an offence. If you have questions 30.4.3(2)a.iii
about these guidelines, or about the policies, please talk with the senior 30.4.3(3) b 30.4.3(3) b Expulsion
administrator in your Faculty responsible for dealing with student 30.4.3(3) c 30.4.3(3) c Suspension
discipline—usually an Associate Dean – or the Appeals Coordinator,
University Secretariat (2-2655). The following sanctions may be used in rare cases.

30.4.3(3) e 30.4.3(3) e Suspension of a Degree already

awarded
30.5.4 Procedures for Instructors in Cases Respecting Inappropriate 30.4.3(3) f 30.4.3(3) f Rescission of a Degree already
Academic Behaviour awarded

30.5.4(1) When an Instructor believes that a Student may have committed
an Inappropriate Academic Behaviour Offence [30.3.2] or that there has
been Misrepresentation of Facts [30.3.6(4)] or Participation in an Offence
[30.3.6(5)] in cases respecting Inappropriate Academic Behaviour in the
course that he or she instructs, the Instructor will meet with the Student.
Before such a meeting, the Instructor shall inform the Student of the
purpose of the meeting. In the event that the Student refuses or fails to meet
with the Instructor within a reasonable period of time specified by the
Instructor, the Instructor shall, taking into account the available
information, decide whether a report to the Dean is warranted. (CLRC 30
MAY 2002) (EXEC 7 APR 2003) (CLRC 27 NOV 2003)
30.5.4(2) If the Instructor believes there has been a violation of the Code,
the Instructor shall, as soon as possible after the event occurred, report that
violation to the Dean and provide a written statement of the details of the
case. The instructor may also include a recommendation for sanction.
(CLRC 27 NOV 2003).
30.6.1 Initiation of an Appeal
30.6.1(1) When a Student has been found to have committed an offence
under this Code, whether or not that Student has been given a sanction, the
Student may appeal that decision. In cases where a severe sanction has been
recommended to the Discipline Officer, once the student receives the final
decision of the Discipline Officer, the student can appeal the decisions of
both Dean and the Discipline Officer at the same time. The written appeal
must be presented to the Appeals Co-ordinator in the University Secretariat
within 15 Working Days of the deemed receipt of the decision by the
Student. The finding that an offence has been committed, the sanction
imposed or both may form the basis of appeal. The written appeal must also
state the full grounds of appeal and be signed by the Appellant. The appeal
shall be heard by the UAB. (CLRC 30 MAY 2002)

________________________________________ ________________________________________
Dr Lynn K. Penrod DR CARL G. AMRHEIN
CHAIR, GFC CAMPUS LAW REVIEW PROVOST AND VICE-PRESIDENT
COMMITTEE* (ACADEMIC)

* The Campus Law Review Committee is a standing committee of General Faculties Council (GFC) responsible for
the review of the Code of Student Behaviour and of student disciplinary procedures.