INT 244 FULL COURSE ALL DISCUSSIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

DISCUSSIONS:

Week 1

WEEK 1 DQ 1

The author of the course textbook offered his definition of
religion. Based on your own spiritual understandings and beliefs, do you agree
with this definition? Explain your reasoning. Cite references where possible.

5 postsRe:

Topic 1 DQ 1

Identify basic beliefs and practices of the various the
forms of historical Christianity. Do identify with these? Explain why or why
not. Cite references where possible.

Week 2

WEEK 2 DQ 1

Consider the question of whether Judaism is essentially a
religion, a race, a culture, or something else. Support your response by making
reference to key events, individuals, or beliefs as they relate to the origin
and historical development of Judaism.

WEEK 2 DQ 2

Identify key Zoroastrian beliefs and assess the notion that
Zoroastrianism may have influenced other world religions.

WEEK 3

Week 3 DQ 1

Reflect on the varying understandings of Islam by
contemporary Muslims. Considering Muhammad’s leadership and the early
development of Islam, to what extent does contemporary Islamic culture adhere
to or differ from historic Islam?

WEEK 3 DQ 2

Identify 3 key beliefs that the Baha’i religion is founded
on and how those beliefs have influenced Baha’i practice and
self-understanding.

WEEK 4

Week 4 DQ 1

Assess the Three Ways of Hinduism in terms of their ability
to provide a sense of meaning, community, and ultimately “salvation.” In your
view, are these ways capable of providing a helpful means toward achieving
these goals? Explain.

WEEK 4 DQ 2

Describe 3 beliefs key beliefs of Jainism and/or Sikhism.
How similar are these beliefs to those found in Hinduism?

Week 5

WEEK 5 DQ 1

Explain the notion of “self” from both a Buddhist and
Christian perspective. How do these two perspectives differ? How are they
similar?

WEEK 5 DQ 2

Identify three different schools of Buddhism. How are these
schools similar in their beliefs and practices? How do they differ?

Week 6

WEEK 6 DQ 1

Compare Confucius’ “silver rule” (“Do not do unto others
what you do not want others to do unto you.”) with the “Golden Rule” of
Christianity. Is the difference significant?

WEEK 6 DQ 2

Give an example of how Shinto beliefs and practices have
influenced Japanese culture.

Week 7

WEEK 7 DQ 1

In what sense does the Judeo-Christian tradition share
aspects of traditional religions? In what sense is the Judeo-Christian
tradition different from traditional religions? Based on this understanding,
how can Christians enhance their interactions with those who adhere to
traditional religious beliefs and practices?

WEEK 7 DQ 2

Identify key concepts of both African traditional religion
and Native American religions. Based on these concepts, what similarities are
there among these two groups? How do they differ?

ASSIGNMENTS:

Week 1

Details:

In a personal reflection of 1,000 – 1,250 words, consider
how a Christian might benefit from a study of other religions by addressing the
following:

1. Can
   Christian dialogue with other religious traditions be a part of the
   calling to proclaim the Gospel?
2. What
   can Christians learn from other religious traditions?
3. Can
   religious experiences or teachings in other faiths be validated?
4. How
   can Christians think critically about their encounters with members of
   other faiths?
5. Be
   sure to support your personal reflections with examples and constructive
   thought.

style is not required, but solid academic writing is
expected.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Week 2

Details:

In a personal reflection of 1,000 – 1,250 words, address the
following:

1. What
   are some misunderstandings that Jews and Christians may have about each
   other?
2. How
   can a study of Judaism help to overcome those misunderstandings?
3. Reflect
   on several ways in which the contemporary nation state of Israel may be
   viewed by various Christian communities.

style is not required, but solid academic writing is
expected.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions
in the Student Success Center.

Week 3

Details:

Write an essay of 1,000 – 1,250 words that analyzes the Five
Pillars of Islam.

1. Describe
   each of the five pillars and reflect on why they are referred to as
   Pillars of Islam.
2. Make a
   detailed analysis of how one of the pillars would function in the life of
   a particular Muslim individual.
3. Identify
   one Christian community living or serving in an Islamic context. Analyze
   the principles and practices of the group in light of the Five Pillars.

A minimum of three academic resources is required.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Week4

Details:

Write an essay of 1,000 – 1,250 words that analyzes key
beliefs in Hinduism by addressing the following concepts:

1. Describe
   important Vedic deities, their history of development, and their
   functions.
2. Make
   an analysis of how the caste system might function in the life of a
   particular Hindu individual.
3. Identify
   one Christian community living or serving in a Hindu context. Analyze the
   principles and practices of the group in light of key Hindu beliefs and
   practices.
4. How
   could Christians use these beliefs to further enhance their interactions
   with those who are adherents of Hinduism?

A minimum of three academic resources is required.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Week 5
Details:

In 1,000 – 1,250 words, do the following:

1. Describe
   the four sights that the young Siddhartha Guatama experienced upon leaving
   the palace. Reflect on the significance of each of the four sights.
2. Why do
   you think these sights caused him to begin to seek religious answers?
3. Do you
   think such reflection is meaningful for spiritual growth? Explain.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Week 6
Details:

Write an essay of 1,000 – 1,250 words that analyzes key
issues in Chinese Popular Religion by addressing the following:

1. Briefly
   summarize key features of Chinese Popular Religion.
2. Describe
   key religious practices for an adherent of Chinese Popular Religion.
3. Describe
   the role of traditional Chinese religion in contemporary Chinese society.
4. Describe
   how the growth of Christianity and other religions have impacted contemporary
   Chinese society.
5. Through
   an understanding of Chinese popular religions, offer an example of how you
   think Christians might enhance their interactions within Chinese society.

A minimum of three academic resources is required.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Week 7

INT-244

Investigating Traditional Religions Presentation

Choose one of the following assignment options:

Option one: Site Visit

1. Visit a local community that is representative of a
Native American religious tradition or a museum that highlights Native American
religion.A

2. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes your
experience. In your summary, include the following:

a. The name of the community

b. The dominant tribe represented in the community

c. A history of the community

d. The religious beliefs and practices of the community

e. How these beliefs and practices have been influenced by
dominant American culture.

f. If possible, an interview with a leader is recommended.

3. Note: If you choose to visit a museum, instead of a
community, select a specific Native American religious tradition from what the
museum offers.

4. Include photos of your experience when possible (Always
inquire if cameras are allowed before taking pictures).

Your presentation should include 15-20 slides including a
title slide and reference slide.

A minimum of four academic resources is required.

While style format is not required for the body of this
assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and
references should be presented using documentation guidelines, which can be
found in the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Option two: Library Research

1. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the religious life
of one particular traditional religious community in the world.

2. Presentations should be approximately 15- 20 slides and
include the following:

a. A brief history of the religious community

b. A detail description of the key beliefs and practices

c. The significance of these beliefs and practices both
socially, culturally, and theologically.

d. A description of the daily life of a typical member of
the community

e. Sources of conflict with the dominant American culture

Your presentation should include 15-20 slides including a
title slide and reference slide.

A minimum of four academic resources is required.

While style format is not required for the body of this
assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and
references should be presented using documentation guidelines, which can be
found in the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.