Instructor: Thomas Herrington

Instructor Information:

I love to learn; I love life and enjoy exploring the wonder all around.

I got my bachelor's degree at Ole Miss in history (which meant I was either unemployed or headed to grad school), a Master's from the University of Southern Mississppi in TESOL, a Specialist's degree from Arkansas State University, a Certificate of Chinese Studies from Peking University, and a Sailing Certificate to Captain a 35' sailboat. I still regret not living on a houseboat, but that is my only regret.

I have a wife (Marni), two kids (Bryson and Carter), and a VW van (Milo).

I am older and fatter than the stock photo implies.

Contact Information:

If you have questions concerning the content of the course, you may contact the instructor directly using the email link in the "Communications & Tools" tab. NOTE: Whenever sending an email, please be sure to indicate your Course title and number in the subject line (ie, AP Art History).

Course Description:

This course is a critical survey of the worldís major religions, including, but not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Both the philosophical and socio-cultural manifestations of these religions will be studied. Particular attention will be given to the basic tenets, history, values, and impact of each religion on the development of the major world civilizations. This course will ask fundamental questions about the role religion plays in the human experience. It also asks the same fundamental questions about each religion covered, centering on the way religions respond to basic human needs and abstractions concerning purpose, morality, justice, and fulfillment.

Optional Textbook: This textbook is not required, but if you would like supplemental reading for the course it is helpful.

Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, challenge, and change. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2010. Print ISBN 0-07-340750- or 978-0-07-340-750-0.

Course Objectives include (but are not limited to):

• Understand the philosophical ideas posed by the religion in reference to the human condition.
• Understand the proliferation of the religion in the United States.
• Understand the different types of religions.
• Understand the role that religion plays in the ordering of the society in which the religion was founded.
• Understand how religions spread across time and space.
• Understand the role that the religion has played in the various movements for civil/human rights throughout time and space.
• Understand the cultural contributions of the religion to the development of the overall society.

Course Outline:

This course will be delivered through presentations, articles, and videos in order to tap into student independent discovery and study. Students are encouraged to approach this subject with an interest to discover new things about different ideas, cultures, people, and places.

Since this course deals with systems of belief that are held in high regard and these beliefs are different from each other, it is highly probable that each student will find information that they agree with and disagree with. As a result, the course is designed that all students will be able to respectfully discuss the different religions in an academic manner. That does not mean students cannot disagree - of course they can - but if and when a student disagrees, it is necessary that the student present ideas in an academic manner and not in a manner that belittles or attacks.

Throughout the course, students will read articles, books, watch course related videos/video clips, and participate in class discussions. Each student is required to complete each assignment or the assignment will not be accepted and will receive a zero on it.

Start Here

Defining Religion

Similarities in Religion

Indigenous Religions

Hinduism

Buddhism

Jainism

Sikhism

Daoism

Confucianism

Shintoism

Midterm

Judaism

Christianity

Islam

Literature & Art in Religion

Religion and Governments

Non-Religious Religions

Religion and Science: Friend or Foe?

Final Project

Post-Test/Exit Survey

Final Project and Exam

Grading Scale:

93 - 100% = A
85 - 92% = B
75 - 84% = C
70 - 74% = D
Below 69% = F

The grading format is as follows:

• Lesson Assignments: 50%
• Proctored Course Exams: 30%
• Final Project: 20%