Department of Philosophy and Religion

World Religions, REL 205 LN, Spring 2020

Course Information
Building and room: n/a
Meeting days and times: Online on Blackboard
Number of credit hours in course: 4

Instructor Information
Instructor: Christopher Martinez, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor of Religion
Email: cmartinez@ut.edu

Course Description
A survey of the religions of the world including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Shinto, Taoism and Neo-paganism

Required Texts
 Religion Basics, 1st ed., Christopher D. Martinez, Cognella Academic Publishing,
2019, ISBN Number: 978-1-5165-1201-0. Available at bookstore or
https://store.cognella.com/81867-1B-NI-003

 Survival Guide for the End of the World, Christopher D. Martinez, Amazon.com,
2011. Available at bookstore or https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Guide-End-
World-blanket/dp/1456498142/ref

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the major religions of the world.

2. The student will understand the relationship between culture and religious
expressions of basic human aspirations.
 3. The student will evaluate the function of religion in contributing to social unity and
integrity.

4. The student will analyze the basic concepts of religious theory.

5. The student will understand the difference between religious experience and
religious dogma.

6. The student will demonstrate increased ability in writing.

Research paper: Students will write a research paper. This paper will consist of an
eight to 15 page, paper on the ethical stand of a particular religion on an issue (abortion,
euthanasia, ecology, etc.
The paper should be double-spaced with a 12-point sized type and should have a
footnotes/reference page and a bibliography page. If the paper is written in APA style, a
works-cited page is all that is necessary for citing references. Sources should also be
cited in the text!
The student should notify the professor by March 3 of the subject of the report.
Students who feel the need to interview people for the paper and need assistance in
finding research material may contact the professor.
The deadline for submitting the research paper is April 23, though it may be submitted
earlier.
All papers will be electronically to a research paper dropbox. St. Petersburg College is
using the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention software. Turnitin.com is a web-based
system designed to deter plagiarism, hold students accountable, determine the
congruence of text to sources, and enhance teaching and student learning. Students
may also receive an oral or written quiz on their paper.

Alternative research paper: Acquire a copy of Come the Dawn from the Tarpon
Springs campus SPC bookstore, pick an ethical issue from the book and select any
religion’s stand on it. Sources must cited from the book and at least four other sources.
The paper should be at least five pages, double-spaced with a 12-point sized type and
should have a footnotes/works cited page. If the paper is written in APA style, a works-
cited page is all that is necessary for citing references. Sources should also be cited
in the text!

The student should notify the professor by March 3 of choosing the option to write the
alternative research paper.
Students who feel the need to interview people for the paper and need assistance in
finding research material may contact the professor.
The deadline for submitting the research paper is April 23, though it may be submitted
earlier.
All papers will be electronically to a research paper dropbox. St. Petersburg College is
using the Turnitin.com plagiarism prevention software. Turnitin.com is a web-based
system designed to deter plagiarism, hold students accountable, determine the
congruence of text to sources, and enhance teaching and student learning. Students
may also receive an oral or written quiz on their paper.

Graded Course Activities

The table below describes the graded activity categories and the percentage toward
your final grade for each. The first column includes a description of the category and the
second included the percentage toward your final grade for each.

Activities Percentage
Exams 65 %
Term Paper 20 %
Final Exam 10 %
Attendance 5%
Grade Distribution
This table contains the breakdown of how letter grades will be assigned for the course.
The first column describes the letter grade. The second column describes the
percentage associated with that letter grade.

Letter Grade Grading Percentage UT Standard

A above 92.5 % Outstanding
AB above 87.5 % to 92.5 % Excellent
B above 82.5% to 87.5% Very Good
BC above 77.5 % to 82.5 % Good
C above 72.5 % to 77.5 % Average
CD above 67.5 & to 72.5 % Below Average
D above 62.50 % to Passing
67.5%
F 62.50 % or below Failing
Late Work Policy
Research papers submitted late will have a grade reduction of 10 points for each day
the paper is late.
Viewing Grades
Grades will be viewable by students at all times on Blackboard.
Grade Appeals
Students may challenge a grade or grades if they believe the instructor was incorrect in
his evaluation.
Course Policies
Participation/Attendance
Students should participate in class and access each module during the prescribed time
and participate in the assigned discussion or be counted absent. This attendance is 5
percent of your grade.
Recording Policy
Recording video or audio is permitted. Sale of such recordings are not.
Computer and Electronic Media Policy
Students are encouraged to bring their computers and other wireless devices.
Student with Disabilities
If there is a student who requires accommodations because of any disability, please go
to the Academic Success Center in North Walker Hall for information regarding
registering as a student with a disability. You may also call (813) 257- 5757 or email
disability.services@ut.edu. Please feel free to discuss this issue with me, in private, if
you need more information
Academic Integrity
Cheating, plagiarism, copying and any other behavior that is contrary to University
standards of behavior will not be tolerated.

Students caught violating any aspect of the University of Tampa’s Academic Integrity
Policy will be penalized in all cases. Penalty ranges from “0” on an assignment to “F” for
the course without regard to a student’s accumulated points. Students may also face
expulsion. It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the policies of the
university regarding academic integrity and to avoid violating such policies. Policy
information is found at:

Academic Integrity Policy1

Classroom Behavior and Disruption Policies
Every student has the right to a comfortable learning environment where the open and
honest exchange of ideas may freely occur. Each student is expected to do his or her
part to ensure that the classroom (and anywhere else the class may meet) remains
conducive to learning. This includes respectful and courteous treatment of all in the
classroom. According to the terms of the University of Tampa Disruption Policy, the
professor will take immediate action when inappropriate behavior occurs.
Course Interruption Due to Adverse Conditions
In case of any adverse condition or situation which could interrupt the schedule of
classes, each student is asked to access ut.edu for information about the status of the
1
http://ut.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/Academic-Policies-and-Procedures/Academic-Integrity-Policy
campus and class meetings. In addition, please refer to ut.blackboard.com for
announcements and other important information. You are responsible for accessing this
information.

Important Additional Information

Reporting Sexual Violence / Title IX Matters
Sexual violence includes nonconsensual sexual contact and nonconsensual sexual
intercourse (which is any type of sexual contact without your explicit consent, including
rape), dating violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and
stalking. You may reach out for confidential help (see contact info below) or report an
incident for investigation.

If you choose to write or speak about an incident of sexual violence and disclose that
this violence occurred while you were a UT student, the instructor is obligated to report
the incident to the Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Students. The purpose of this report
is to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students. The Deputy
Coordinator or his or her designee will contact you to let you know about the
resources, accommodations, and support services at UT and possibilities for holding
the perpetrator accountable. If you do not want the Title IX Coordinator notified,
instead of disclosing this information to your instructor, you can speak confidentially
with the individuals listed below. They can connect you with support services and
discuss options for holding the perpetrator accountable.

There is an exception to this required reporting for preventative education programs

and public awareness events or forums. While the instructor is not required to report
disclosures during these instances, unless you make or initiate a complaint, during
these programs or events, the instructor or another University official will ensure that
the students are aware of the available resources at UT, such as counseling, health,
and mental health services, and it will provide information about Title IX, how to file a
Title IX complaint, how to make a confidential report, and the procedure for reporting
sexual violence.

For more information, see The University of Tampa’s Title IX PDF2 and the
Student Services Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Procedures3 page.

To make a confidential report of sexual violence, please contact:

 The Victim’s Advocacy Hotline: (813) 257-3900.

 Dickey Health & Wellness Center (wellness@ut.edu) (813) 257-1877.
 Health and Counseling Center (healthcenter@ut.edu) 813.253.6250

Philosophy Major/Minor
2
http://www.ut.edu/uploadedFiles/Academics/Provost/Title%20IX.pdf
3
https://www.ut.edu/studentconduct/titleix/
UT has a Philosophy major, a Philosophy minor, and an Asian Studies minor. After
taking this course, you will need just 8 more PHL courses (32 additional credits) to
complete the Philosophy major. The Philosophy major can be either a stand-alone
major or a second major that complements work done in another field, thereby enriching
your education, transforming your worldview, and, in some cases, making you
significantly more marketable for jobs and grad school. Not sure how to add Philosophy
as a major? Ask your instructor.
Tentative Course Schedule
Jan. 21
Introduction to class, presentation of syllabus, history of religious studies, types of
religion. Handout on Founders of Religious Studies. Class project: develop a definition
of religion
Readings for next class: Religion Basics, Chapter 2; Survival Guide, pp. 48-50

Jan. 23
Ancient religions and their development and their marks on modern religion
Class project: analysis of archeological record and artifacts

Jan. 28
Indigenous religions, presentation on Santeria, class project on iconographical evolution
through syncretism
Readings for next class: Readings for next: Religion Basics, Chapter 3

Jan. 30
Test on definition of religion, ancient and indigenous religions
Ancient Middle East, review of archeological record, theology of the time,
introduction to Islam, development, Qur’an, Muhammad, the spread of Islam.
Class project: inspect old and modern Islamic artifacts, scripture and writings

Feb. 4
The branches and movements of Islam, theological development through the Middle
Ages, modern Islam and issues
Readings for next class: Rise of Islam available on Blackboard; Survival Guide: pp.18-
25, 44-47

Feb. 6
Theology of Islam, Black Muslims, terrorist groups, Baha’i
Readings for next class: Religion Basics: Chapter 4

Feb. 11
Test on Islam
Early Hebrew history and kingdoms
Readings for next class: Survival Guide: pp. 26-33

Feb. 13
Jewish origins, scripture, history through the Middle Ages. Class project: Zoroastrian
influence on Judaism; Branches of Judaism, Holocaust, rise of the Nation of Israel and
world politics, world outlook.
Readings for next class: Readings for next class: Religion Basics: Chapter 5

Feb. 18
Test on Judaism
Christianity, development of the Bible and different versions, Logos and the nature of
Jesus, early writings, persecution and institutionalization, review of the archeological
record

Feb. 20
Development of hierarchy, papacy and patriarchs, Reformation, evolution of Christian
movements
Readings for next class: Readings for next class: Survival Guide: pp. 7-17

Feb. 25
Christian theology, nature of God, modern Christianity
Readings for next class: Religion Basics: Chapter 6

Feb. 27
Test on Christianity
South and Southeast Asia and history, theological terms, the Vedas
Readings for next class: Document on Reflective and Devotional Modes available on
Blackboard.

March 3
Deadline for research paper topic approval.
The Laws of Manu, the Epics, devotional and philosophical ways of Hinduism
Readings for next class: Survival Guide: pp. 35-40

March 5
Hindu reformers, theology, modern Hinduism, Indian Hinduism, Hare Krishnas
Readings for next class: Religion Basics: Chapter 7.

March 10 and 12
Spring Break, No classes

March 16-26
Buddhism module

March 20
Test on Hinduism due.
Readings for next module: Religion Basics: Chapter Eight

March 26-April 2
Jainism module
Readings for next module: Religion Basics: Chapters 9 and 10

April 2-14
Daoism and Confucianism module
Readings for next module: Religion Basics: Chapter 11 and 12
April 14-19
Shinto and Korean religions module
Readings for next module: Religion Basics: Chapter 12

April 19-23
Sikhism module
Readings for next module: Religion Basics: Chapter 13

April 21
Semester research paper due in Blackboard dropbox

April 23-28
New religions module

May 5
Final exam, online all day
Course Assignments

Due Date Assignment Short Description Weight

March 3 Research paper Upload your research 0%
topic paper topic or let the
professor know what it will
be.
April 23 Research paper Upload your research 20%
due paper to the appropriate
dropbox in Blackboard.