REL 2300H - Honors World Religions

College of Fine Arts and Humanities

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2017 (535)

Requisites

Appropriate score on the CPT or PERT test or
Acceptance into the Honors program or
Approval of the Dean

Course Description

This course studies the major religious traditions of the world with particular attention given to examining their origins, distinctive worldviews, and impacts on culture. It stresses the continuing influence of religious convictions in the contemporary setting. Students develop critical tools for analyzing concepts of the sacred, understandings of the human condition, and the ultimate goals of each religion. They evaluate the place and purpose of ritual, symbol, myth, and belief systems in each. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements outlined in the General Education and Enhanced World View Requirements. 47 contact hours.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will analyze the history, beliefs, rituals, and sacred literature of the major religions of the world by:
    1. Comparing the cultural backgrounds of each major religion.
    2. Examining how the founders and leaders of each religion articulated new understandings of life.
    3. Exploring the geographical context of each religion.
    4. Categorizing the dominant beliefs and practices of each religion.
    5. Examining religious rituals of the various religions.
    6. Surveying portions of the religion’s sacred texts
  2. The student will appraise how cultural mores are associated with religious practice by:
    1. Exploring the cultural and historical contexts of world religions.
    2. Interpreting the practices of the various religions within cultural contexts.
    3. Discerning the major similarities and differences of world religions.
    4. Assessing the ethical impact of religion on culture.
    5. Interviewing religious leaders focusing on the religion’s commitment to community involvement.
  3. The student will determine the contributions of religion to social unity and integrity by:
    1. Assessing how various religions view the way humans relate to nature.
    2. Analyzing the impact of religion on the structure of society.
    3. Evaluating the role religions play in providing order and cultural stability.
    4. Illustrating the influence religion has on ordering life-cycle events.
    5. Examining how a religion’s self-understanding impacts culture.
    6. Identifying commitments and values that the various religions share.
  4. The student will analyze and summarize basic religious concepts by:
    1. Defining and qualifying what is “sacred.”
    2. Contrasting varying religious views with the human struggle.
    3. Comparing and contrasting the various goals of each religion.
    4. Summarizing the worldview presented by each religion.
    5. Assessing how a religion’s spiritual aims are affected by geo-political interests.
  5. The student will compare and contrast religious experience and religious dogma by:
    1. Evaluating the impact of an adherent’s participation in ritual.
    2. Analyzing the major festivals of each religion and how they represent major beliefs.
    3. Interpreting the varieties of religious experience.
    4. Assessing the relationship of ritual practice to the adherent’s understanding of belief.
    5. Distinguishing between intellectual engagement and personal experience and exploring the effects of each.

Criteria Performance Standard

At least 33% of the total grade will be determined by class projects and/or presentations that include an independent written research component. Additional essays, exams and other measures will be developed by individual course instructors. Minimum Requirements for Writing: The student will write at least 2,000 words, all of which will be evaluated. The specific writing assignments will be determined by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 02/09/2017, BOT Approval: 03/21/2017, Effective Term: Fall 2017 (535)

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