Faith Foundations

Ms. Whitten
Office: Garrott Hall across from Parker/ Classroom: Buckman 241
swhitten@stmarysmemphis.net / 901-537-1429

Faith Foundations is designed to give students a basis for understanding five of the
major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The
course presents the historical development of these faiths, explores their theological
and philosophical beliefs, and helps students have an appreciation for the uniqueness
of each religion. Scholars, clergy members, and practitioners of each faith are invited
to have classroom conversations with students in light of their religious traditions.
There will also be a yearly field trip organized to select houses of worship.

So, thats the fancy language in the course catalog. We will be doing all of those
things, but first I want to be clear about my philosophy as regards this course. What
I hope to do, above all else, is to instill a wonder in you about the mysteries of faith
traditions. I have always been fascinated by how people explain the world around
them, their role in it, and whether they include a higher power as part of their belief
system. I want to share that passion and inquisitiveness with you, in the hopes that
you will continue exploring on your own, way after this semester.

At the very least, I would like to help you stretch your thinking about other faith
traditions. In this ever-shrinking world, the chances of your going to school with,
befriending, and working with people with religious beliefs different from yours is
very high. I believe the more we know about these diverse traditions, the better we
can connect with others and reduce things such as stereotyping, prejudice, and
discrimination, which are making this world a very insular and violent place.

I will assess you based on the following:
***reading guides completion grades
***current event presentations/write-ups
***reflection papers / end-of-unit essays
***quizzes and tests
***research project presentations

Last year, I think some of the best classes we had were when we invited guest
scholars/clergy to speak. Actually, we submitted questions to them after our unit
study, and they prepared answers and hosted a discussion. Because there are two
sections of Faith Foundations per semester, these sessions will be scheduled during
O or ALAPP periods so that both sections can attend, along with any other interested
students. Because of this extra requirement, I would give you one class period
during that week as a study hall, so that you are not having to do double duty, if
that makes sense.

Speaking of taking our classroom outside, we will take a field trip in the spring to
visit houses of religious worship. Last year, we went to the Memphis Islamic Center,
the Indian Cultural Center, and Or Chadash synagogue. I am open to other ideas for
this year, especially if you would like for us to visit your faith home, and hope you
will give me your input.

As regards the Honor Code, I expect for ALL work to be your own. That even
extends to homework like reading guides. You should pledge all work you turn in.

Supplies for this class are minimal:
***Brodd, Jeffery. World Religions: A Voyage of Discovery. St. Marys
Press. 2003. I think you will like this text as it is easily understandable and
portable.
***You may either keep your notes and handouts in a portion of a binder
dedicated to this purpose, or just keep a simple paper folder (with brads and
pockets).
***Anything that you are going to turn in hard copy should either be typed or
written in blue or black ink. Corrections made during class should be made in a
different ink color so I can tell the difference between original work and what you
added on.
***Although you will need to be able to access our Haiku page at home, I am
going to ask that you not open laptops/devices in class unless otherwise instructed.
Just too much of a distraction and moves us away from the kind of class discussion I
want to encourage.


I am so looking forward to this semester!
Please come see/e-mail me with questions or concerns you have at any point.