This class is taught in English.

1. Articulate with a sympathetic understanding of the dimensions of several major religious worldviews: history, geographical areas of influence, ritual practices, doctrinal beliefs, ethics, and expected experiences.

2. Have the ability to describe the function of religion in sociological categories.

3. Have the ability to describe and interpret the relationship between the religious aspects of culture and individual behavior.

4. Have the ability to describe the experiences of religious groups as expressed in literature, art, and music. Define basic concepts of the discipline of religious studies.

5. Describe and compare the discourse, practices, communities, and institutions of all religious traditions.

6. Provide examples of both diversity and continuity within religious communities and traditions.

7. Analyze historical and contemporary political issues around the world in terms of their connection to religious discourse, practice, communities, or institutions.

8. Demonstrate understanding of political, social, and cultural dimensions of the world's religions and spiritual paths.

9. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of a discipline examining the social world.

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Expertise:

I have a doctorate of philosophy in religious studies and have been teaching Introduction to World Religion for thirteen years in high school and college. This subject is very interesting and refreshing. It is a broad and hands-on approach to learning in a secular manner.

🍎 My Teaching Approach:

My journey in education has been enriched by a pursuit of knowledge, including several EDU college credits alongside my undergraduate degrees and a graduate degree in education. Informed by educational theories like constructivism, humanism, realism, idealism, and brain-based learning, I've honed my craft as a high school teacher, embracing the roles of guide, coach, and mentor.

I have adopted a contemporary teaching approach, one thoroughly examined by scholars and supported by compelling statistics. This approach has proven successful in traditional brick-and-mortar schools as well as in virtual educational settings. In my master's and doctoral programs in higher education, it is the cornerstone of our pedagogical philosophy.

In my virtual classroom, I employ a "flipped classroom" model. Here, students engage with assignments prior to our live meetings, where they become the "teachers," sharing their newfound knowledge, interests, and essential insights during the live meetings making it an "open classroom" model too. Students are encouraged to ask questions and make comments, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. I actively participate by offering additional information to each student's answers in their assignments along with context. I also participate in the live meetings doing the same thing and creating a shared learning experience.

This method aligns with the "open classroom" philosophy, emphasizing a collective journey toward a common goal: learning while having fun. We collectively dissect the assignments, analyze, and arrive at conclusions during our live meetings. Each session concludes with an introduction and guidance for the upcoming week.

As professional educators, we recognize the shift away from lengthy lectures in live meetings, recognizing that students benefit from interaction. We aim to be coaches, guides, and mentors, both individually and for the entire class. Strategic questioning during discussions facilitates meaningful conversations, creating valuable teaching moments.

The courses I offer are academically advanced and accelerated. To succeed, students must cultivate strong time management skills and maintain a high level of motivation. I don't just teach the material through traditional homework, projects, and review quizzes. I also employ videos, instructional materials, and lively discussions during our live meetings. Moreover, I emphasize teaching students how to learn, encouraging independent research and resourcefulness.

When students present questions, I often guide them to explore answers through internet research, promoting critical thinking and resource evaluation. The same approach is applied when reviewing homework, as I ask supplementary questions that go beyond the textbook, encouraging further exploration.

Through these methods, I empower students not only to learn but to understand how to learn as responsible adults. They gain control over their education, a valuable skill if harnessed effectively.

Homework Offered
🎒 The homework tasks outlined below may initially appear demanding, but I assure you, it is designed to be manageable and engaging. Please take a moment to read this section carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me through private messaging here on Outschool. I am more than willing to accommodate individual teens' needs and abilities.

📋 Quick Weekly Work Overview:
• 1 Lesson Introduction Video with questions. 
• 2 Assignments with questions.  
• 1 Current Event assignment.
• Taking notes from various sources along the way to present & share their understanding of the information & new knowledge in their own words during our live meetings.

My approach to due dates is flexible, and tailored to each student. Every week, I encourage students to complete as much as they comfortably can, without feeling overwhelmed. I understand that each student has unique needs and abilities. Furthermore, there is no expectation for students to fully read the chapter assigned each week. Instead, students can skim and scan through the textbook to answer assignment questions and work on project tasks also while jotting down some notes of interest for them to share verbally in our next live meeting. During our weekly live meetings, we will discuss each student's new knowledge, their areas of interest, and any important topics they wish to explore further. I'll supplement their insights with additional points. 

📆 Our live meetings are every Tuesday.

Each week, students will have an exciting array of homework assignments to dive into:

■ Weekly Chapter Introduction Videos: Due by Saturday at midnight.
Get your teen ready for an exciting journey every week with our engaging chapter introduction videos! These videos are designed to spark their curiosity and set the stage for the thrilling chapters ahead. Dive into the content and get ready to explore!

❓ But wait, there's more! After watching the videos, they'll tackle thought-provoking questions. They will share their insights that deepen their understanding of the material. The deadline to submit their video answers is on Saturday.

■ Weekly Assignment Homework: Due by Sunday at midnight.
It's time for them to dive into their weekly assignments and unleash their learning & creativity! Each week, they'll dive into the assigned chapter(s), not just reading them, but actively engaging with the content. I'll post two thought-provoking assignments based on the chapter(s), encouraging them to delve deep into the material. Due no later than Sunday.

🤔 But here's the twist – their responses can go beyond traditional written answers. They should get ready to flex their creative muscles by creating charts, graphs, or even short essays to showcase their understanding. Sometimes they'll be asked to unleash their imagination and let it soar by crafting a slideshow video or a virtual poster using their free Canva account. I want to give my students the opportunity to let their creativity shine as they express themselves in unique ways!

👉 And that's not all – I'll be actively teaching and engaging with them by providing additional insights, and context, and even posing more questions based on their assignment answers. They will need to make sure to revisit their completed assignments to soak in the feedback and further enhance their understanding. This part is due before Tuesday. 

■ Note Taking: Due by Monday at midnight.
Students will harness the power of various sources, including chapter introduction videos, our textbook, personalized feedback from me on assignments, and their own research. Students will take some thorough notes to capture their new learnings, important topics they want to discuss, fascinating facts they find, and more. These notes will serve as valuable resources for their verbal presentations in our upcoming live meetings (sort of like giving a brief talk). The notes are only to help students remember what they would like to discuss in the live meeting when it is their time to use their voice, share, and teach us all. It is not something that is turned in. This should be done by Monday for them to use during the live meeting on Tuesday.

■ Weekly Current Event: Due before our Live Meeting on Tuesday.
Students need to stay informed and engaged with the world around them by sharing a current event from an unbiased source. They will choose a news story that's relevant to our weekly topic and present the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" from their unbiased news source to the class in our next live meeting, enriching our understanding of real-world applications. Students will also screen-share a short slideshow with images that are relevant to their current event while they verbally tell us about their current event in the live meeting. This is not something that is turned in. This is due on Tuesday during our live meeting since it will be presented live. 

📅 To ensure a stress-free experience, assignments have staggered due dates. Introduction Videos are due on the 5th day of the week after our live meeting, both assignments are due on the 6th day of the week after our live meeting, and the current event is due at the time of our next live meeting for students to share during the live meeting. This flexibility allows students to manage their workload at their own pace. Should a student ever feel overwhelmed or unable to complete all the tasks, please know that I am here to accommodate your needs. A private message is all it takes to make necessary adjustments. Students will also learn valuable self-motivation and time management skills through this process. 

💻 During our live meetings, I'll guide them through the assignments, lead enriching discussions, and address any questions they may have. Remember, completing these assignments is crucial for their learning journey, but I understand that each student is unique. I'm here to support them every step of the way, offering personalized guidance and feedback tailored to their needs.

Get ready to embark on an exciting learning adventure where their creativity, curiosity, and collaboration will thrive! In nearly every live meeting, we also engage in a fun Kahoot game just for review.

I am always available and eager to assist every student during live meetings and throughout the week via private messaging.

The extent of effort a student puts into the class directly impacts their learning experience. This class follows a condensed and accelerated schedule, with due dates designed to help students stay on track. ⭐ Nevertheless, I am open to adjusting due dates and workloads to accommodate each student's unique abilities and needs ⭐. This approach is known as differentiated instruction and assessment. If this applies to your student, please contact me via private direct message after the first week of the schedule. We can then have a productive conversation about what will work best for your student, ensuring maximum retention of the material and an enjoyable learning experience without stress or overload. I do not expect all students to complete every weekly assignment. The variety and choices are there to cater to individual preferences.

To succeed in this class, students will need effective time management skills and a strong self-motivation to learn the material independently. Although I am always available for questions, guidance, and additional help through private messaging and one-on-one live video meetings, most of the class requires independent self-study. Learning to create a schedule and manage time effectively will be vital.

🚩 The use of ChatGPT Open AI or any other artificial intelligence programs to answer questions is strictly PROHIBITED! Students MUST use the videos, textbook, and any internet research by using your own words in all of their homework.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
📁 Even though I don't rely on standard assessments, tests, or quizzes, my approach is more akin to a "portfolio" system. I assess students on a weekly basis, taking into consideration the following criteria:

1. Amount of participation and thoroughness of sharing their notes as a presentation (giving a talk) in our live video meetings, held once a week.

2. Active engagement with the weekly assignments, along with their responsiveness to my feedback on their answers.

3. Thoroughness and dedication demonstrated in their work and research in the assignments based on their needs and abilities plus their final project in the final week.

4. Participation in and research of information on current news stories and the slideshow of their weekly current events presented in our live video meetings.

5. Overall engagement in the class as a whole.

✨ It's important to note that these assessments are tailored to each student's unique needs, abilities, challenges, and issues. Just as instruction is personalized, assessments are also individualized and crucial for the progress of each student.

Let's collaborate to foster a positive and enriching learning experience for your teen. If you have any concerns or suggestions, feel free to share them with me via a private message through your Outschool Parent Account at any time throughout the course! Together, we can ensure a supportive and conducive environment for your teen's education.
Grades Offered
👍 High school doesn't have to be a tedious journey marked by long semesters and strict timelines. Let's break free from that mold! Think of high school in terms of grade levels and credits. After all, high school credit is about the knowledge and effort your teen puts in, not the weeks or months they spend studying. With this perspective, we can accelerate your teen's learning journey. However, remember to follow your state's homeschooling laws, as parents are legally considered teachers in the eyes of the Department of Education. But don't forget the freedom and flexibility you have in crafting your teen's education!

💯 For parents who wish to receive a grade and certificate for this class:

I can issue a certificate of completion for this class along with a letter grade and one credit. You can easily copy, paste, and print the weekly schedule from the Class Description or Learning Outcomes sections to showcase your teenager's progress. As the class nears its end, simply send me a private message through your Outschool Parent Account to request the certificate of completion by the third day after our final meeting if you wish to have one.

I refrain from providing grades during the class, but I encourage you to reach out privately for updates on your teen's progress as frequently as you'd like. I value and welcome ongoing parent engagement throughout the entire course. The cumulative grade at the conclusion of the class is determined by considering the following factors:

1. Amount of participation and thoroughness of sharing their notes as a presentation (giving a talk) in our live video meetings, held once a week.

2. Active engagement with the weekly assignments, along with their responsiveness to my feedback on their answers.

3. Thoroughness and dedication demonstrated in their work and research in the assignments based on their needs and abilities plus their final project in the final week.

4. Participation in and research of information on current news stories and the slideshow of their weekly current events presented in our live video meetings.

5. Overall engagement in the class as a whole.

Feel free to connect with me at any time if you have questions or if you would like an update on your teen's academic journey. I believe that open communication is key to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

🎓 The certificate of completion will include the student's first name, "Outschool," the course name, the course's end date, my full name and title as the Outschool teacher, one credit (per certificate), and a final letter grade ranging from A to D-. It's worth noting that I don't fail any students, as I believe that everyone, regardless of their level of involvement, gains valuable knowledge from the class. It's important to note that these assessments are tailored to each student's unique needs, abilities, challenges, and issues. Just as instruction is personalized, assessments are also individualized and crucial for the progress of each student.

A = Excellent
B = Great
C = Satisfactory
D = Needs Improvement

Let's work together to create a positive and enriching learning experience for your teen.

🫴 I support unique learning needs by incorporating various teaching methods, offer flexible assignments, flexible due dates, additional resources, & fostering an inclusive environment. I also communicate regularly with students & parents.

⏳ This class requires very good time management skills and self-motivation to complete most of the coursework independently. While students work flexibly on their assignments, I'm always available through private messages.

All sources are independently scholarly peer-reviewed, based on truth and facts, highly researched by the teacher for truthful evidence, and are unbiased. This especially includes the textbook.