Introduction to World Religons - DSU-170

Course Description: This six-week online course explores the world’s religions. This academic study of the traditions, challenges and changes in each is intended to create an environment of understanding and tolerance. Students will examine the origins and traditions of the world’s religions in both a historical and contemporary context.

Prerequisite: None

Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours

Major Course Topics & Course Outcomes

As a result of the group and individual activities included in this course, the student will acquire the following knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace:

What is Religion?

• Discuss the role and function of religion in human life.
• Describe theories of the origin of religion.
• Describe the series of characteristics used to identify a religion.
• Discuss conceptions of the sacred.
• Discuss the importance of symbolism in religion.
• Explain the three patterns for comparing and contrasting religions.
• Describe the multidisciplinary approaches to the study of religion.

Indigenous Religions

• Describe the three patterns shared by indigenous religions.
• Explain the view of reality held by indigenous religions.
• Describe the importance of ritual in the practice of indigenous religion.
• Discuss rite of passage ceremonies.
• Define the function of taboos.
• Describe the role of the shaman.

Hinduism

• Describe possible origins of Hinduism and key features of the Vedic and Upanishadic periods.
• Explain a monistic worldview.
• Discuss concepts of karma, rebirth, and liberation.
• Discuss aspects of social and personal life, such as caste, stages of life, and four goals.
• Explain the practices and goals of the yoga paths.
• Describe features of devotional Hinduism practiced by the majority of Hindus.
• Recall the names and characteristics of Hinduism's most popular gods.

Buddhism

• Describe the life story of the Buddha according to tradition.
• Describe aspects of Hinduism that Buddha rejected.
• Explain the content of the Four Noble Truths.
• Discuss concepts of change and no self in Buddhism.
• Discuss the spread of Buddhism from India.
• Distinguish among the three major branches of Buddhism.
• Explain Buddhism's unique expressions and teachings through art.
• Discuss modern developments in Buddhism, including its emergence in the West.

Jainism and Sikhism

• Identify the common origins of Jainism and Sikhism
• Describe the key beliefs and ethical practices of Jainism.
• Discuss similarities and differences among Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
• Describe the emergence of Sikhism in India.
• Explain the key beliefs and values of the Sikhs.
• Discuss similarities and differences among Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

Daoism and Confucianism

• Describe the basic elements of traditional Chinese belief that appear in later developments of Chinese religions.
• Relate basic details of the lives of the key founders of Daoism and Confucianism.
• Define the meaning of Dao.
• Discuss Daoist values and ideals, and the images used to convey them.
• Discuss the focus and goals of Confucianism, especially in terms of the Five Great Relationships, the Confucian Virtues, and the notion of the "noble person."
• Describe how Daoism and Confucianism shaped Chinese arts.

Shinto

• Retell portions of the Shinto creation story.
• Explore the tensions and accommodations among Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
• Describe the focus and practice of Shinto.
• Discuss the contributions of Shinto to Japanese culture and history.
• Describe characteristics of the New Religions that are Shinto offshoots.
• Discuss the features of Shinto that make it relevant to the modern world.

Judaism

• Discuss developments in the four general periods of Jewish history.
• Describe the three parts of the Hebrew Bible.
• Retell some of the major stories in the Hebrew scriptures.
• Describe Jewish religious practices.
• Explain the characteristics of the major divisions within Judaism.
• Discuss the history of persecution that culminated in the Holocaust.
• Discuss challenges Judaism faces in the modern world.

Christianity

• Summarize the life and teachings of Jesus, especially in the context of his times.
• Describe the structure and content of the New Testament.
• Explain Christian doctrines and practices.
• Discuss the growth of Christianity.
• Describe medieval and modern developments.
• Explain the origins of the major branches of Christianity.
• Assess the impact Christianity has had on the arts.

Islam

• Describe Muhammad's life and the major events that shaped Islam.
• Describe the Muslim view of God.
• Describe the Five Pillars of Islam.
• Discuss the significance and content of the Qur'an for Muslims.
• Explain the differences between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
• Describe the belief and practices of Islam's mystics.
• Discuss Islam's influence on the arts.

Alternative Paths

• Discuss the reasons for the emergence of new religious movements.
• Explain the difference between a cult and a sect.
• Describe major examples of alternative religion.
• Discuss the roles that new religious movements play.  

The Modern Search

• Describe profound changes in the modern world.
• Discuss the impact of the women's movement, science, and secularism.
• Explain the process of religious change and accommodation.
• Discuss the phenomenon of fundamentalism.
• Discuss the place that nature holds in religious thought.
• Explain the features of eclectic spirituality.

 

Course Texts:

There is one textbook required for this course. You can obtain it through your favorite bookstore.

Molloy, Michael “Experiencing the World’s Religions: 4th Edition” McGraw Hill Publishers: 2008 ISBN: 978-0-07-353564-7

Additional reading materials will be provided in the classroom.

 

Please note that textbooks are subject to change. Please contact your advisor before purchasing the textbook for your class to confirm.