Title: Introduction to Week 1
Course: REL 201 RTZ > Section: Week 1 - Introductions, Introductions to the Course and Introductions to Religion

Week 1

Intro to week 1

Welcome to class!  In week one you will learn about your instructor, peers, the course and have an introduction to religion and Marxist Ideology as a religion.  This unit is broken out into four sections that must be completed prior to opening up the next units.  In week 1 you will move through the unit readings, textbook readings, have one discussion post and 2 peer discussion replies, write a short bio paper, take an extra credit quiz, and a unit quiz.

Some pointers:  Before beginning this section take a moment and read the discussion question for the week.  To find the discussion section the discussion link on the left-hand navigation tab.  Take some time and poke around the course to become familiar with the layout.  Also, check out your classmates and see if you know anybody.  You can always create virtual study groups to work on course material.  Do not hesitate to ask any questions!

At the beginning of each Module you will find a section that has vocabulary flashcards powered by Quizlet for each unit that we will study. I recommend that you take time to learn the vocabulary in these flashcards and in your chapter readings to have an easier understanding of the content in each unit.

Below is the course learning outcomes for REL201- Comparative Religions.  After each outcome in italics is a formulation of how the outcomes will be addressed in this module/unit.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical, cultural, geographical and philosophical framework that comprises each of the traditions studied

Module 1 will allow the student to learn the basic vocabulary of religious studies through course materials

Module 1 will allow the student to learn the definition and criteria of what constitutes a religion through course materials

1. Identify, interpret, and evaluate the major themes of each tradition studied.

Through the understanding of terminology, key concepts and the foundations of religious studies the student will be able to formulate major themes in the upcoming units of various religious traditions

1. Recognize the major religious figures of each tradition studied and develop an understanding of the ideas and the movements associated with them

Through the understanding of terminology, key concepts and the foundations of religious studies the student will be able to establish criteria for understanding how to distinguish major religious figures in the upcoming units of various religious traditions

1. Recognize both globally and on a more parochial level the comparative impact of diverse religious traditions upon each other and their respective cultures

Module 1 will prepare the student to understand the differences amongst different types of religious groups through learning of basic concepts of religions and how those can be applied to religious groups

1. Express both verbally and in writing an awareness of contemporary religious dynamics

Students will display their awareness of contemporary religious dynamics through discussion questions, assignments and testing based on the core foundations of the religious concepts identified and studied in Module 1

1. Cross analyze other religions within their own traditions, across geographic borders and in comparison to other religions

Students will display their awareness of contemporary religious dynamics in a semester long assignment, comparison chart, based on the core foundations of the religious concepts identified and studied in Module 1

1. Discuss each religion’s acceptance, care and protection of the environment

Students will display their awareness of contemporary religious dynamics in a semester long assignment, comparison chart, based on the core foundations of the religious concepts identified and studied in Module 1

1. Identify historic and modern geographic locations each religion studied

Students will display their awareness of contemporary religious dynamics in a semester long assignment, comparison chart, based on the core foundations of the religious concepts identified and studied in Module 1