Sample Course Outline

Both students and teachers operate best when there is a clear understanding as to the course content, grading, assignments and teaching strategies.  What follows are the components of a class syllabus that enhances student learning and understanding. 

1. The usual components of a class outline are as follows (not necessarily in this order given): 
  • Name of course, prefix and number
  • Quarter, days and times
  • Description of the course and objectives
  • Name of instructor, office hours, phone and email
  • Required and suggested book(s)
  • Grading scale
  • Weighting of assignments for grading
  • Plagiarism policy
  • Class Topics, Reading Assignments, Examinations
(Below is matrix for Class Topics, Reading, Assignments, Examinations for a sample class.) Note: Readings must be completed by the beginning of class on the date listed. Students are responsible for all readings assigned by the instructor.  If your oral projects are to be media-enhanced, let the instructor know at least one class period  prior to your report.  Your written analysis of the readings is due at the beginning of each class period. 
Week Date Topic Readings Teaching Practice
1 Monday, Apr. 1 Course Introduction    
  Wednesday, Apr. 3 Religious and Moral Values in Psychotherapy Griffith, Ch. 1 Bergin Journaling begins
2 Monday, Apr. 8 Therapist Spirituality Griffith, Ch. 2 Bergin & Jensen  
  Wednesday, Apr. 10 Approaches to Working with Religious Material in Therapy Griffith, Ch. 3 Internet search
3 Monday, Apr. 15 Traditionally religious issues in therapy (e.g. forgiveness, sin, guilt, etc) Griffith, Ch.4 Hope Collaborate with peers
  Wednesday, Apr. 17 Religious and Spiritual Development Cornett, Ch. 3 Groeschel,   Ch. 4 Out-of-class interviews due
4 Monday, Apr. 22 Children’s spirituality Coles, Ch. 5 Oral projects-Elementary children, teens 
  Wednesday, Apr. 24 Destructive spirituality Griffith, Ch. 9 Smith, Ch 1 Oral projects- “Toxic faith” and Malevolent God concept
5 Monday Apr. 29 Religious healing systems – collaboration with religious healers Griffith, Ch. 6 Smith, Ch 2 Self-assessment due
  Wednesday, May 1 Religious experiences and psychotherapy Griffith, Ch. 5 Smith, Ch 3 Oral projects- Near-death experiences and Visions
6 Monday, May 6 Spiritual interventions in therapy Griffith, Ch. 7 Smith, Ch 4  
  Wednesday, May 8 Medical and psychiatric illnesses Death Griffith, Ch 10 Smith, Ch 5 Oral projects- Psychosis vs. religious experience
7 Monday, May 13 Religious and cultural diversity Griffith, Ch 8 Smith, Ch 6  
  Wednesday, May 15 Peace and violence Smith, Ch 7 Oral projects- gangs,Israeli/Palestinian conflict
8 Monday, May 20 Poverty Smith, Ch 8 Developmental Analysis dueOral project- Homelessness
  Wednesday, May 22 Gender Smith, Ch 9 Oral projects-Women’s lib,Female genital mutilation, and Domestic violence against women
9 Monday, May 27 MEMORIAL DAY    
  Wednesday, May 29 Sexuality Smith, Ch 10 Oral project- Homophobia 
10 Monday, June 3 The Family Kim, Ch 2 Oral projects- Teen pregnancy & single parenthood, Child abuse
  Wednesday, June 5 Globalization Kim, Ch 5 Oral project- Immigrant workers
Final Wed. June 12, 11 am Reflections on Psychology and Spirituality   Journaling due, Examination
 

 








This site provides resources for collegiate teaching thanks to professors of La Sierra University and California Baptist University. Direct suggestions should be sent to dllsu@hotmail.com
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Revised Sunday, September 8, 2002 2:16 PM