PHIL 18 Eastern Religions

Spring 2018

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The purpose of this syllabus is to establish policy and offer advice to help you successfully complete this course. Please refer to it throughout the semester to remind yourself of what is expected of you and how to learn the subject well. The best general strategy is to read the materials thoroughly, attend class, take good notes and complete assignments on time. To have satisfactory performance in this class, you need to spend around 9 hours (3 hours in class, 6 hours outside of class) per week on this course.

The Course

PHIL 18 is an introductory course on Eastern Religions. It aims to help students gain a good understanding of major Eastern religions and broaden their worldviews. We will study Hinduism, Buddhism, Yin Yang, Confucianism and Daoism. We will learn how the theological, mythological, ritual, ethical, social and experiential dimensions of religion intertwine with each other to form different worldviews and ways of life. Students will also learn how to compare and evaluate various religious teachings and see how they may affect one’s life.

Textbook

Hagen, S. (1999). Buddhism Plain & Simple. New York, NY: Broadway Books.

Other course materials are provided on Canvas.

Main Topics

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism)

Sacrifice and Spirituality

Brahman, Atman and Maya

Karma, Samsara and Moksha

Jnana, Dharma and Bhakti

Buddha Dharma (Buddhism)

The Life of Siddhartha

The Four Noble Truths

Anicca, Anatta and Interbeing

To Cross the River

Yin Yang and Dao

Yinyang and Change

Dao and Harmony

Confucianism

Becoming a Junzi

Ren, Zhong and Shu

The Cultivation of Virtue through Li

Daoism

Laozi

Wuwei

Zhuangzi’s Fables

Class Schedule

You should check the Calendar and the To-do List every time you log in Canvas to stay up to date with course events and works. Calendar entries and to-do items are subject to change.

Attendance and Add/Drop Classes

• If you miss the first class without informing me of your absence in advance, you will be dropped from the class.
• During the first two weeks, you will be dropped if I think you are no longer attending class, or if you miss one class without a legitimate excuse. If you miss a class, inform me promptly via Canvas Messages or Butte College e-mail to avoid being dropped.
• The last day to drop without a “W” appearing on transcript:
  

  in person 2/1/2018

  online 2/4/2018

• The last day to drop for a “W” without instructor’s signature:
  

  in person 3/15/2018

  online 3/18/2018

  To drop after this date students need an instructor’s signature certifying serious and compelling reason for dropping.
• In the first eight weeks, you will be dropped if one of the following applies:
  
  • have two unexcused absences in a row;
  • have four or more absences (regardless of being excused or not);
  • miss 20% or more class works.
  Send me a Canvas message or Butte College e-mail promptly if you miss two classes in a row. A doctor’s note is required if you have two consecutive absences due to illness or injuries. You also need to submit a written memo from your coach for each absence for campus sports team events.
• The last day to drop for a “W” with an instructor’s signature certifying serious and compelling reasons for dropping classes:
  

  4/19/2018

  After this date students must see a Counselor to petition for late withdrawal from classes.
  See Academic Calendar for other important dates and deadlines.
• Attendance will be taken throughout the semester. Make sure you sign the attendance sheet before leaving the classroom. Failure to do so will result in being marked as absent.
• In the spirit of fostering a good learning environment, do your best to avoid interrupting the class—being late, leaving early or exiting and returning to the classroom.

The Use of Technologies, Computer and Internet

Laptops or handheld devices are needed for in-class as well as online activities. You should bring them to class every time. Be sure to follow the proper protocols when using these devices in class.

You need to ask permission in advance to take photos or record lectures. Please follow the proper policies and etiquette.

To read materials posted on Canvas and to complete online assignments, you will need to have online access at least 1–2 hours daily.

Utilize the resources listed in Student Support on Canvas. You can ask Student Technical Support for assistance if you run into difficulties. It is recommended that if needed, you take mini courses to improve your computer skills.

It is your responsibility to make sure your computer or device works properly and has a reliable Internet connection. It is also a good practice to have a backup plan to avoid missing the deadline due to computer or Internet problems. Computer/device glitches or loss of Internet connection will not be accepted as excuses for making up assignments.

Assignments and Assessments

Reading Assignments

Philosophical texts can be hard to read and difficult to understand. It is quite common that one needs to read the text several times to fully grasp its main points. To help yourself gain a better understanding of a topic and become better prepared to participate in discussions and classroom activities, it is paramount that you read the assigned materials before the class on the date they are due.

• Read a chapter or an article as soon as you can after it is assigned or recommended.
• Outline what you read, take notes and jot down questions.
• Do online search to learn more about new terms and philosophical views.
• Reread the chapter or the article at least one more time after the lecture and class discussion to make sure you understand the finer points. Revise and update your notes, and use them for writing assignments.
• Your reading comprehension will be evaluated via essay questions on Canvas. There is no make-up for missed online submissions. No paper copies will be accepted; neither will late submissions or resubmissions. If you miss an assignment, you are encouraged to make up the lost points through extra-credit.

Writing Assignments

The amount of writing will exceed the 1,500-word requirement. The types of writing include essay questions and forum discussions. All the writings are to be submitted on Canvas and are graded on both form and content. There is no make-up. No paper copies will be accepted; neither will late submissions or resubmissions.

Essay Questions

Essay questions are used to assess your comprehension and philosophical thinking.

Canvas Discussions

We will use Canvas Discussions to foster open and in-depth discussions of philosophical and religious issues. It’s a great way to apply critical thinking, share viewpoints and learn from one another.

Tests

There will be three in-class tests: one on Hinduism, one on Buddhism and one on the Chinese Worldview. You should use the lecture slides as study guides to study for the tests. The test format includes True-False and Multiple Choice. Each test is worth 100-150 points. Students who miss a test with legitimate reasons can make it up for full or partial credit.

Extra-credit

Extra-credit Assignments or Activities

Extra-credit assignments or activities will be announced both in class and on Canvas. They are optional, but you can earn extra-credit points if you choose to do the assignment or participate in the activity.

Extra-credit for Class Attendance

Please take notice that attendance is not part of your grade, but you can earn extra-credit points by keeping your absences to a minimum. It is understandable that sometimes students can’t help but miss a class due to illness or other reasons. So don’t force yourself to come to the class when you are sick. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the number of absences. You can earn up to 40 points with good attendance.

Grading

It is important that we study for self-improvement and self-fulfillment, and not just for grades. Your grade is to help you gauge what you have learned in a course. By letting go of the anxiety about the grade, you will find studying a subject matter much more enjoyable. As a result, you are more likely to spend time learning the material and earn a good grade. Only a hard-earned grade that truly reflects what you have learned can forge self-confidence.

Your final grade will be determined by the percentage of the total points you earn:

The scale may be lowered, but will not be raised. You can monitor your progress and grade percentage on Canvas.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Students who cheat or commit plagiarism will receive an F grade for the assignment or for the course, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Furthermore, they will be subject to disciplinary action. See also Butte College Academic Integrity and Accommodations for more details. Remember, your integrity is far more precious than your grade.

Open, Safe and Respectful Learning Environment

This is our class and it is important that we work together to establish an open, safe and respectful learning environment. We pledge to respect all people regardless of sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity and religious backgrounds.

The most important guideline to remember is the Golden Rule—Do not do to the others what you do not want done to yourself. As you are respectful to your teacher and classmates, they will treat you in the same way. Please comply with the following etiquette:

• Always conduct yourself in an appropriate and respectable manner.
• Attend to personal needs before coming to class.
• Come to class on time and avoid leaving early or in the middle of a session.
• Respect other people even if you disagree with their views.
• Wait for your turn to ask questions or express your viewpoints; do not chitchat in the classroom.
• No food, drink or chewing gum.

For student rights and privileges, and grounds for disciplinary action, see Academic Policies and Procedures.

Tips for Success

To be successful in the class and earn the grade you desire, you need to manage your time wisely and put in your effort.

• Try your best not to miss classes.
• Read the reading assignment and give the subject some thought before the discussion in class and online.
• Review lecture notes as soon as possible after class.
• Ask questions if something is unclear to you.
• Reflect upon the issues or questions as often as possible.
• Draft your answers to essay questions and revise them before submitting them.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to complete online assignments.

Getting Help

You can find resources for academic help, personal help and help for unique needs by visiting Help on Campus.

The best way to get help with coursework is to ask questions in class. People shy away from asking questions because they are afraid of appearing stupid. It is very likely that if you do not understand something, there is someone else in the class who is suffering from an identical lack of understanding. You will be doing your classmates a service by asking questions.

If something is unclear to you or you are having difficulty learning the material, please feel free to come to see me during my office hours. If you cannot meet with me during the regular hours, I will be glad to schedule an appointment. Do not wait until it is too late.

The Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides academic support services to Butte College students. You can find more information at butte.edu/cas.

For other accommodations please see Butte College Academic Integrity and Accommodations for more details.

Revision of Syllabus

The syllabus is subject to revision as needed throughout the semester.

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