Caption: The heading row descibes the categories of information about the course,
while the row in the table body holds the course information itself.
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Course Prefix
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Course Number
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Course Title
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Lecture/Lab Hours
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Credit Hours
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PHI
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205
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Religions of the World
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3 Lecture/Demonstration Hours
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3 Credit Hours
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Course description
Introduces the teachings, practices, social structures and histories of the religions
of India (mainly Buddhism and Hinduism), and China and Japan (mainly Confucianism,
Shinto and Taoism), and of the Middle East (mainly Christianity, Islam and Judaism).
IAI H5 904N
Topical outline
I. Introduction to the Study of Religion
II. Types: Four Traditional Ways of Being Religious
A. Personal Apprehension of a Holy Presence
B. Sacred Action: Myth and Ritual
C. Harmony with Cosmic Law
D. Mystical Insight through Spiritual Discipline
III. Traditions
A. Religions of India
1. Hinduism
2. Buddhism
B. Religions of China and Japan
1. Taoism
2. Confucianism
3. Shinto
C. Religions of the Middle East
1. Judaism
2. Christianity
3. Islam
Method of presentation
- Lecture
- Discussion
- Small group work
- Student presentations
- Student debates
- Slides/movies
- Visiting speakers
Student outcomes
The student should...
- Identify and characterize the basic ideas, founders, places of significance, key events,
central texts, practices and/or institutions of five or more different religious traditions.
- Compare and contrast at least three methods of studying religion.
- Explain the significant theological and historical differences between the major religious
traditions.
- Examine and interpret the important sacred texts from the major religious traditions.
- Explain and evaluate the primary forces of change among religious traditions, such
as modernization and secularization.
- Experience (virtually or first-hand) contemporary manifestations of these religions
such as worship services or meditation sessions in the service of the above outcomes.
- Write a minimum of 3000 words of college-level writing in support of the above outcomes.
Method of evaluation
Typical classroom techniques
- Quizzes
- Exams (may be oral)
- Written reading responses
- Debates
- Homework
- Class activities
- Participation
- Field research project
Course content learning outcomes
Additional assessment information (optional)
Textbooks
Optional
- Nielsen, Religions of the World
- Smith, World Religions
- Ellwood, Robert S. and Barbara S. McCann, Many Peoples, Many Faiths
- Brodd, et al., Invitation to World Religions
Supplementary materials
None
Software
None
Updated: Fall 2018
