HIST/RELS 1115:0
Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions
Class Schedule:Professor: Dr. Ruby Ramji
September 12 - December 2, 2016Office: CC 220
MON/WED 11:30 am – 12:45 pmOffice Hours: M/W 1:00-3:30pm
CC 263 or by appointment
Office Phone: 902-563-1264
e-mail:
Course Description
The history, practice, and meaning of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions will be examined along with Sikhism and Jainism. Their contribution to our understanding of religion as a whole and present day role of these traditions in world events will be discussed.
We will begin by examining the concept of religion and the development of various disciplines for the modern study of religion. We will examine the history, worldviews, doctrines, rituals and practices of the major Eastern religions.
The course seeks to stimulate critical thinking and discussion amongst students, as well as the ability to conduct research, read critically and present scholarly work in a clear and coherent style. Other topics of interest to the class may be discussed as well.
Participation is important as discussion will play a large role in this class, and attendance is imperative for in-class assignments.
Course Evaluation:
Midterm Exam30%Wednesday October 19, 2016
In-class assignments30%3x10% each:
October 5; November 2; November30
Final Exam40%To be scheduled by university (Dec 6-17)
Required Text:
The following work is available in the CBU bookstore, and is requiredfor this course:
Oxtoby & Segal (eds).A Concise Introduction to World Religions, 3rdEdition(OUP:2015). A copy of the course textbook is also available at the CBU library on reserve.
Schedule of Topics:
Part 1 – Hinduism
Part 2 – Buddhism
Part 3 – Sikhism
Part 4 – Jainism
The course lectures and readings will follow the schedule of topics listed above. The midterm exam will be based on the Hinduism section and part of the first part of Buddhism. The final exam will be based on the remaining section of Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Make sure to do the readings in the textbook for each section, as they follow the lectures.
In-Class Assignment Guidelines:
In this course you will be giventhree in-class assignments, worth 10% each. The topic of the assignment will be given out in class on the day it is to be completed. The in-class assignments will be based on both course material and textbook readings. Therefore it is important that you read the chapters for each section. The assignments will be completed in class. Therefore you must attend class on the noted dates (October5; November 2; November 30) to complete the in-class assignments. No exceptions shall be made if you miss an assignment, except for documented medical reasons or compassionate grounds. If you will require an extension for these reasons, talk to the instructor as soon as the need becomes apparent: do not wait until the assignment is due.
In-Class Assignment Dates:
WednesdayOctober5
WednesdayNovember 2
Wednesday November 30
Exam Guidelines:
In this course there will be one midterm exam (30%) and a final exam (40%). The midterm exam, scheduled for Wednesday October19thwill be based on the information taught in the course up to the time of the exam (including course readings). The format of the exam will be both multiple choice and short answer questions. The final exam will be based on information taught from the midterm to the end of class (including course readings). The final exam will be the same format as the midterm: multiple choice and short answer format questions. No exceptions shall be made if you miss an exam, except for documented medical reasons or compassionate grounds. If you will require an extension for these reasons, talk to the instructor as soon as the need becomes apparent BEFORE the scheduled exam date: do not wait until the day of the exam. Final exams are scheduled by the university, so students must be available during the entire exam periodto write the final exam. This year, the final exam period is from December 6 to 17, 2016.
- Students requiring special accommodation should contact the Jennifer KeepingAccessibility Centre at for available resources and inform the professor at the beginning of the course.
- Electronic devices can only be used in the classroom specifically for course purposes (such as a laptop computer) – ask the professor for permission to use any electronic device. No recording of the class may take place without the professor’s permission.
- For inclement weather, please see CBU’s Inclement Weather Policy at - the school will put up a message on their phone system if there will be class cancellations. You can reach the school telephone system at 902-539-5300. Make sure you check regularly as the school may open for a part of the day (morning, afternoon and evening).
Note: The university will be closed on Monday October 10, 2016 for Thanksgiving and FridayNovember 11, 2016 for Remembrance Day.