World Religions: Exploring Diversity
Course Description:
Throughout the ages, religions from around the world have shaped the political, social, and cultural aspects of societies. This course focuses on the major religions that have played a role in human history, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and Taosim. Students will trace the major developments in these religions and explore their relationships with social institutions and culture. The course will also discuss some of the similarities and differences among the major religions and examine the connections and influences they have.
Course Details:
| Course Title (District): | World Religions: Exploring Diversity | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Title (NCES SCED) : | Comparative Religion | ||||||||||
| Course Provider : | Michigan Virtual | ||||||||||
| Content Provided By : | eDynamic Learning | ||||||||||
| Online Instructor Provided By : | Michigan Virtual | ||||||||||
| Standards Addressed : | Common Core State Standards, National Collegiate Athletic Association | ||||||||||
| Alignment Document : | https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zy4gNgrpLj2IxuFpbGkb3KqfPpVBPllI0SD4_XCju1c/edit?usp=sharing | ||||||||||
| Academic Terms : | Semester, Accelerated | ||||||||||
| NCES SCED Code : 07002 |
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How To Enroll:
| Enrollment Website : | https://slp.michiganvirtual.org/ |
|---|---|
| Email : | [email protected] |
| Phone : | (888) 889-2840 |
Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.
Additional Course Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (888) 889-2840
- Analyze different definitions of the word “religion”
- Consider how different groups of people approach religion
- Identify elements that religions have in common
- Discuss some of the functions of religion for society
- Demonstrate understanding of some of the ways to categorize religions
- Demonstrate understanding of Hinduism’s ancient origins
- Discuss several denominations of Hinduism
- Identify the four objectives of Hinduism and the four paths to God
- Identify important Hindu texts and rituals
- Recognize the influence of Hinduism on South Asian culture
- Discuss the historical and religious figure of the Great Buddha
- Demonstrate understanding of the Buddha’s basic teachings
- Describe some of the basic developments that have occurred in Buddhism since the time of the Buddha
- Identify the two primary divisions of Buddhism
- Recognize the influence of Buddhism on different world cultures
- Identify the origins of Judaism
- Summarize the 3,500 year history of the Jewish people
- Identify the sacred texts of Judaism
- Distinguish among the major divisions of modern Judaism
- Understand the beliefs and practices of modern-day Jews
- Discuss Jesus of Nazareth and other key figures in the origin of Christianity
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic teachings of Jesus
- Map the spread of the Christian faith throughout Europe and the world
- Distinguish between Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism
- Identify Christian influences in world art and culture
- Identify the origins of Islam
- Discuss the life of the prophet Muhammad
- List the Five Pillars of Islam
- Distinguish among the major divisions of modern-day Islam
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of Islam in current affairs
- Outline the basics principles of Confucian thought
- Recognize the influence of Confucian thought in Chinese culture
- Demonstrate understanding of the sacred texts of Confucianism
- Discuss the influence of Confucius and Mencius
- Consider some of the rites and rituals of Confucianism
- Outline the basic principles of Shintoism
- Demonstrate understanding of some of the different types of Shinto
- Examine the common elements of Shinto shrines
- Discuss some of the practices and rituals of Shinto
- Analyze some of the Shinto festivals and their role in the religion
- Examine the ancient origins of Taoism
- Identify the historic/religious figure of Lao Tzu
- Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of Taoist thought
- Demonstrate understanding of the different types of Taoism
- Demonstrate understanding of the rituals and customs common to Taoist practice
- Define challenges that the modern world presents to religion
- Identify the role of religion in global politics and social policies
- Recognize reasons why religious tolerance is more important than ever
- Demonstrate understanding of the Interfaith Movement
- Identify theories about the future of religious practice
Additional Cost Description:
None
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...
NSQ National Standards for Quality Online Courses: Third Edition (2019)
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| A1. A course overview and syllabus are included in the online course | Fully Met | |
| A2. Minimum computer skills and digital literacy skills expected of the learner are clearly stated.* | Fully Met | |
| A3. The instructor’s biographical information and information on how to communicate with the instructor are provided to learners and other stakeholders. | Fully Met | |
| A4. Learner expectations and policies are clearly stated and readily accessible within the introductory material of the course. | Fully Met | |
| A5. Minimum technology requirements for the course are clearly stated, and information on how to obtain the technologies is provided.* | Fully Met | |
| A6. Grading policies and practices are clearly defined in accordance with course content learning expectations. | Fully Met | |
| A7. The online course provides a clear description or link to the technical support offered and how to obtain it.* | Fully Met | |
| A8. Learners are offered an orientation prior to the start of the online course. | Fully Met |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| B1. The online course objectives or competencies are measurable and clearly state what the learner will be able to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing the course.* | Fully Met | |
| B2. The online course expectations are consistent with course-level objectives or competencies, are representative of the structure of the course, and are clearly stated. | Fully Met | |
| B3. The online course content is aligned with accepted state and/or other accepted content standards, where applicable.* | Fully Met | |
| B4. Digital literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum.* | Fully Met | |
| B5. Supplemental learning resources and related instructional materials are available to support and enrich learning and are aligned to the specific content being delivered.* | Fully Met | |
| B6. The online course content and supporting materials reflect a culturally diverse perspective that is free of bias.* | Fully Met | |
| B7. The online course materials (e.g., textbooks, primary source documents, OER) that support course content standards are accurate and current. | Fully Met | |
| B8. The online course is free of adult content and avoids unnecessary advertisements.* | Fully Met | |
| B9. Copyright and licensing status for any third-party content is appropriately cited and easily found. | Fully Met | |
| B10. Documentation and other support materials are available to support effective online course facilitation.* | Fully Met |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| C1. The online course design includes activities that guide learners toward promoting ownership of their learning and self-monitoring. | Fully Met | |
| C2. The online course’s content and learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. | Fully Met | |
| C3. The online course is organized by units and lessons that fall into a logical sequence. | Fully Met | |
| C4. The online course content is appropriate to the reading level of the intended learners.* | Fully Met | |
| C5. The online course design includes introductory assignments or activities to engage learners within the first week of the course. | Fully Met | |
| C6. The online course provides learners with multiple learning paths as appropriate, based on learner needs, that engage learners in a variety of ways. | Fully Met | |
| C7. The online course provides regular opportunities for learner-learner interaction. | Fully Met | |
| C8. The online course design provides opportunities for learner-instructor interaction, including opportunities for regular feedback about learner progress.* | Fully Met | |
| C9. Online course instructional materials and resources present content in an effective, engaging, and appropriate manner.* | Fully Met |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| D1. Learner assessments are linked to stated course, unit, or lesson-level objectives or competencies. | Fully Met | |
| D2. Valid course assessments measure learner progress toward mastery of content. | Fully Met | |
| D3. Assessment practices provide routine and varied opportunities for self-monitoring and reflection of learning.* | Fully Met | |
| D4. Assessment materials provide the learner with the flexibility to demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways.* | Fully Met | |
| D5. Rubrics that clearly define expectations for varied levels of proficiency are created and shared with learners.* | Fully Met |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| E1. Online course navigation is logical, consistent, and efficient from the learner’s point of view.* | Fully Met | |
| E2. The online course design facilitates readability.* | Fully Met | |
| E3. The online course provides accessible course materials and activities to meet the needs of diverse learners.* | Fully Met | |
| E4. Course multimedia facilitate ease of use.* | Fully Met | |
| E5. Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course.* | Fully Met |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| F1. Educational tools ensure learner privacy and maintain confidentiality of learner information in accordance with local, state, and national laws for learner data. | Fully Met | |
| F2. The online course tools support the learning objectives or competencies.* | Fully Met | |
| F5. The course provides the necessary technical functionality to score and record assessments and calculate earned course points or grades.* | Fully Met | |
| F3. The online course provides options for the instructor to adapt learning activities to accommodate learners’ needs and preferences.* | Partially Met | Instructor role permissions within Michigan Virtual's learning management system permit instructors to add supplemental content and external resources both within lessons and announcements. Additionally, the learning management system permits online accommodations including text-to-speech tools, extended testing time, provision of multiple attempts, and scoring exemptions for extenuating circumstances. Course content is designed, however, to meet state and national content standards alignment and provide a guaranteed and viable curriculum to all enrolled learners, and therefore there are restrictions on instructor permissions to modify the scope and sequence of course assessments. |
| F4. The course allows instructors to control the release of content.* | Partially Met | Michigan Virtual provides for flexible pacing and asynchronous delivery of its online course offerings. In order to maximize these opportunities for personalized learner preferences and flexibility concerning frequency or timing of individual learner availability or participation in courses during academic terms, with few exceptions, all course content is made available at all times throughout the term, and generally only midterm or final exams are password protected. Conditional release of content is intentionally avoided or used sparingly within Michigan Virtual course design and instructional delivery models. |
| Rating | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| G1. The online course uses multiple methods and sources of input for assessing course effectiveness. | Fully Met | |
| G2. The online course is reviewed to ensure that the course is current. | Fully Met | |
| G3. The online course is updated on a continuous improvement cycle for effectiveness based on the findings from ongoing reviews. | Fully Met |
Review Conducted By: Michigan Virtual
Date of Review:
12/20/2024
Unit 1: The Study of World Religions
Unit 2: Hinduism
Unit 3: Buddhism
Unit 4: Judaism
Unit 5: Christianity
Unit 6: Islam
Unit 7: Confucianism
Unit 8: Shintoism
Unit 9: Taoism
Unit 10: Religion in the Twenty-First Century
| Term Type | Enrollment Opens | Enrollment Ends | Random Draw Date | Enrollment Drop Date | Course Starts | Course Ends | # of Seats | Course Fee | Potential Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 | 04/01/2025 | 06/06/2025 | 05/23/2025 | 08/01/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 | 04/01/2025 | 06/13/2025 | 05/30/2025 | 08/08/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 | 04/01/2025 | 06/20/2025 | 06/06/2025 | 08/15/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 08/29/2025 | 08/15/2025 | 12/19/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 08/22/2025 | 12/19/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/12/2025 | 08/29/2025 | 12/19/2025 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 08/22/2025 | 01/09/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/12/2025 | 08/29/2025 | 01/16/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/19/2025 | 09/05/2025 | 01/23/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 09/26/2025 | 09/12/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 10/03/2025 | 09/19/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 10/10/2025 | 09/26/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 10/17/2025 | 10/03/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 10/10/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 10/31/2025 | 10/17/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 07/01/2025 | 11/07/2025 | 10/24/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 01/16/2026 | 01/02/2026 | 05/22/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 01/23/2026 | 01/09/2026 | 05/29/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 01/30/2026 | 01/16/2026 | 06/05/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 02/06/2026 | 01/23/2026 | 06/12/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 02/13/2026 | 01/30/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 02/20/2026 | 02/06/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 02/27/2026 | 02/13/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 02/20/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 03/13/2026 | 02/27/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 | |
| Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 | 07/01/2025 | 03/20/2026 | 03/06/2026 | 06/19/2026 | 100 | $350 |
| Drop Policy | Completion Policy | Term Type | Enrollment Opens | Enrollment Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. | Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. | Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. | Accelerated | 01/02/2025 | 06/27/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 09/05/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 10/24/2025 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
| Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. | Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. | Semester | 04/01/2025 | 03/06/2026 |
Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.
Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube.
Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/