STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Explain the difference between different definitions of “religion”.

 2. Differentiate between arguments of where religion came from.

 3. Demonstrate the difference between Religious Studies, Philosophy of Religion, and Theology.

 4. Develop the ability to use religious studies as a “lens” for looking at a culture.

 5. Critique different methodological approaches used in the study of religions.

 6. Discuss how religion can be defined as a cultural system.

 7. Develop the ability to speak and write critically about religion in such a way as to present a nuanced argument that contextualizes religious traditions and religious people in a way appropriate to a complex historical understanding.

 8. Develop an understanding of the history, major figures, significant texts and modern contexts for both eastern and western religions such as: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahá’í.

 9. Demonstrate knowledge of the modern religious context, including New Religious Movements, globalization, revitalization movements, and sectarianism.

 10. Recognize and interpret religious symbolism.

 11. Develop critical thinking through an analysis of religious phenomena.

 12. Demonstrate improved ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. The experience of the numinous: Religion in primitive cultures

 II. Ways of studying religion

 III. Eastern Religions: Hinduism

 A. The four yogas

 B. The four stages of life

 C. Caste system and karma

 D. Dharma and ethics

 E. Maya, moksha and reincarnation

 F. Problems of Hinduism

 IV. Buddhism

 A. Life as Dukkha

 B. Life of Buddha

 C. Four Noble Truths

 D. The Eightfold Path

 E. Theravadan Buddhism

 F. Mahayana Buddhism

 G. Vajrahana Buddhism

 V. Daoism

 A. Early spiritualistic pantheism of China and the role of change, yin-yang, interrelationships of all living things.

 B. Life of Lao-tzu and his teachings: philosophical basis of Daosim

 C. Dao de Qing

 D. Chuantzu

 E. Daoism as religion

 VI. Confucianism

 A. The political conditions of 6th century BCE China

 B. Confucius' life

 C. Analects: Confucius and his students

 D. History of Confucianism in China

 E. The Three Jewels: supplementary relationships between Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in China

 VII. Zoroastrianism and the roots of western religions

 VIII. Judaism

 A. Origins and settlement

 B. Babylonian exile

 C. Judaism under Greek and Roman rule, including the Dead Sea Scrolls

 D. Development of Judaism through medieval times

 E. Modern problems of Judaism

 IX. Christianity

 A. Life and teachings of Jesus

 B. Early Christianity

 C. Medieval Christianity

 D. The Protestant Reformation

 E. Modern Christianity

 F. Christianity today especially in the United States

 X. Islam

 A. The life of Muhammad and early Islam

 B. The Qur'an

 C. Muslim conquests

 D. Sharia and the development of Muslim traditions

 E. The Ottoman Empire

 F. Modern Islam