Syllabus anlysis - Essay Example

SYLLABUS ANALYSIS Education: Being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't. It's knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and it's knowing how to use the information once you get it. William FeatherUniversity education imparts in a student the equipments for a broader outlook on life, a new perspectives at seeing things, new ideas to survive. The Religious studies course(Mapping the Realm of Religion) of Grinell College(http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/rel/s08/REL111-S08--Mapping-Syllabus-rev.pdf)dwells on sensitive issues and in the process introduces the learner to a fresh way of looking at world conflicts, may it be civil wars or atomic wars.

The syllabus for this course has been put under the scanner and this paper attempts to assay the merits of each aspect of the said syllabus.The syllabus on the whole is a well-balanced combination of theory and practice. The students are expected to be punctual, attentive and focused in the classrooms apart from coordinating their efforts in rightly aimed teamwork. The syllabus asks of a student to pay attention to nuances at the same time have the discernment of the bigger scenario.The course syllabus is divided into four parts each getting equal weight age in the total grade allocation.

The Religious studies course with attention to mapping the realm of religion is philosophically inclined towards theology at the same time keeps a tab on current world events. Both the ideas are juxtaposed throughout the syllabus Sensitive topics are explored and researched mostly in groups by the learners. Much emphasis has been laid on developing the positive traits of teamwork in the student. The mind has been allowed to explore the corners of the world and unexplored dimensions as well. CLASS PARTICIPATION: As Benjamin Franklin had once said: "He that teaches himself hath a fool for his master.

" Classroom participation of a scholar enhances the growth of one's intellect. Classrooms are places where ideas are exchanged, communication fostered and diverse ways of problem solving inculcated.Attendance of a student in the class is of prime importance as self study cannot suffice for instructions from the faculty. The college syllabus allocates 25% of the course grades just to enthuse the students to be regular to their classes. MAPPING ASSIGNMENTS: The syllabus consists of a total of three mapping assignments in the semester.

The mapping assignments involve working on preconceived topics and submission of the finished work by the due date. The due dates have been announced with the syllabus. GROUP ACTIVITY: This is an important part of the course as one quarter of marks are attributed towards group tasks. Students having been divided into manageably small group of three to four are presented with some activity ranging from the analysis of burning International issues to the Sept. 11 memorial. Such group activity inculcates values of cooperation, coordination and organization among the students.

FINAL EXAMS: Towards the culmination of the course each student is tested by way of a written examination. This final test again accounts for 25% of the whole course gradation. References:http://web.grinnell.edu/courses/rel/s08/REL111-S08--Mapping-Syllabus-rev.pdf