Phil B37: World Religions

Phil B37: World Religions

Professor: Michael McNellis

Final Exam Judaism, Christianity & Islam100 points total

(Anticipate writing approximately 4 single-space pages)This exam is due IN MY OFFICE (FACE 15a) according to the listed times below: M/WNoon –1:50 pm: Section: DUEWed.,Dec 8, 1:30-1:50 p.m. (actual final: 12-1:50)R Evening Section: DUE Thurs., Dec 9, 6 p.m.(actual final time: 6-8 pm)

Any exams turned in after the times given(except for the evening class, you will actually have until 8 p.m. to turn in your exam) will be subject to a half grade reduction. Expect a full grade reduction for every day not turned in after the due date. Overall, you may exceed 4 pages in writing, but don’t go over 5. Think hard and do well!

This exam is not evaluating you on remote memorization. Instead, I’d rather like to think that this exam reflects a more comprehensible and consequential approach to assessment. Its attempt is to provide you with the following: 1) the opportunity to reflect on the material your learning in a meaningful and significant way; and 2) more time for you to construct a thoughtful, intelligent, and substantive response to the questions. My intention then is that you will actually remember more about what you have learned in the course than otherwise. If this exam fails to do that, please inform me.

Grades will be given using the following criteria:

A: Demonstrates superb knowledge of both lecture and reading. And shows talented and superb ability to put content in one’s own terms and relate material to other things.

B: Demonstrates strong knowledge of content from lecture and reading. And shows above average ability to put content in one’s own terms and relate to other similar contexts.

C: Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of content from lecture and/or reading; or demonstrates strong knowledge from lecture alone (this is not to copy my lecture notes verbatim). And shows only minimum ability to put content in one’s own terms and relate content to other more familiar terms.

D: Demonstrates basic knowledge of content from lecture and/or reading. And does not show ability to put content in one’s own terms.

F: Fails to demonstrate any understanding of lecture and reading.

(100 pts) Please type each question in full on your exam before you answer it.

Briefly discuss, define, or explain the following questions, writing about a half page for each question. Each question is worth 20 pts, making the exam worth 100 pts. Note that everyone must answer the first question, while you may choose any 4 of the remaining questions, ensuring that each of those 4 represent a different tradition (2 from Judaism and 2 from Islam)BE SURE TO WRITE OUT EACH QUESTION ON THE EXAM, so I know which question you are answering:

(Everyone must answer this question. The answer here might end up being a little longer than the others)

1)What does the term “covenant” mean, and how could the history of the Jewish people be understood as an ongoing covenant between God and his people? Be sure to outline in detail the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenant. You don't need to list the Ten Commandments; instead focus on the explaining the type and meaning of the covenant established here. (Judaism)

(Select any 4 questions, ensuring you choose two questions from Judaismand two from Islam. Finally, select your last question from any of the remaining. I’ve noted the tradition that corresponds with each question)

2)Describe the religious experience of Moses on Mount Sinai? What significance does this experience have for Judaism as a religious tradition? How does this event depict a Jewish understanding of G-d?(Judaism)

3)Focusing primarily on what is commonly called the Ten Commandments, as they are translated in our textbook, explain at least four of them in the context of ancient Judaism (not in modern day context!). We discussed this during lecture and I hope you all took good notes. [Bonus: what can you say about the order of the “ten” that are listed? Do you notice a structural pattern?] (Judaism)

4)What was the importance of the Maccabean revolt in 166 B.C.E.? What main holiday is practiced today that stems from the Maccabean victory over the Syrians? (Judaism)

5)Describe the Babylonian Exile (587 BCE). Explain its significance within the context of Judaism. What were the major changes that took place during the exile period and then following it during the Persian reign, what our textbook calls the postexilic and restoration period (539-331 BCE)?What was significant about this Persian period? What major event took place? (Judaism)

6)Explain what constitutesa muslim according to Islam. Be sure you tie your explanation to Allah and the term Islam itself. (Islam)

7) Why does Islam understand the time before Muhammad as Jahiliyah, or Age of Ignorance. Pay particular attention to their views of Judaism (and Christianity) in relation to their sacred scripture. (Islam)

8)Provide a brief biography of Muhammad and what his status would be to a messenger and a prophet. Identify some of the social and religious changes to the already existing rituals of his community. What comes out of his “revelation.” (Islam)

9)Explain what happened following the death of Muhammad. Who were his successors and what happened to incur the first major division within the history of Islam? Who were the two major groups and what differentiates the two? (Islam)

-- - -We didn’t make it this far - - - -

10) Identify, briefly describe, and briefly explain each of the 5 Pillars of Islam. What role do the Pillars play in the Islamic religion at large and why are they important? What is often understood as the 6th pillar and why? (Islam)