PL 203 Introduction to the Study of Religion
William Soderberg, Professor
Montgomery College-Rockville
Professor’s office: Rm 518 Macklin Tower; mailbox in Rm 429 Macklin Tower

Telephone: 240-567-7428
E-mail: bill.soderberg@montgomerycollege.edu
   Website: www.montgomerycollege.edu/~bsoderbe

    Each of us has some experience related to religion--either positive or negative, or sometimes both. Religion does not leave a person with neutral feelings. It prompts us to raise many questions.
    During the course of the semester I will try to support your efforts to raise and explore questions on religious matters: right and wrong (ethics), justice (political philosophy), the nature of reality (metaphysics), institutional aspects of religion, and the religious experience. To begin this process, I have identified some preliminary questions that will serve as theme questions for our study.
    The evaluation in the course will consist of three exams. The exams will include key terms and concepts covered in class and questions from the five topic areas identified in the theme questions--metaphysical, ethical, political, institutional, or experiential aspects of different religions. I will identify during class lectures the list of questions that you should use to prepare for exams.

    As a possible assignment for extra credit, you may wish to conduct an interview with an individual who is associated with a particular religion. You may, if you wish, use some of the theme questions listed above under the "preliminary questions" link.

    The exams will constitute 75% of the grade. Class participation, which includes class attendance and discussion, will constitute the remaining 25% of the grade.

    Excessive absences will have an effect on the grade received in the course. Since the class meets twice each week, three absences will be considered excessive. 

    If for any reason you decide to drop the course, you must sign the drop form and leave the form with the records office.

    The College makes available various support services. Tutorial centers for writing and math are available at no additional cost, and computer labs are also available.

    A student who may need an accommodation due to a disability should make an appointment to see me in my office. A letter from Disability Support Services (DSS) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. The DSS office is located in Room 122 of the Counseling and Advising Building (CB) and may be called on telephone numbers (240)-567-5058 and (240)-567-9672 (for the hearing impaired).

    Electronic devices (cell phones, and so forth) may not be used in class. Only students who show me the accommodation letter from Disability Support Services may use computers during class.

    To avoid class disruption, students are expected to be on time for class and to remain until the class period is over.  If you must leave the classroom during the class period, you are expected to ask the instructor’s permission.

    Students who audit the class will be required to read the material assigned on the reading schedule.

    Academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and classroom misconduct are governed by College policy. Please consult the sections in the student handbook "Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct" and "Classroom Behavior" for the College policy.

    In the event that classes are cancelled due to weather or other emergencies, you should complete the work assigned on the reading schedule.