Course Syllabus
REL 212 – World Religions
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Offers a comparative approach to religious world views in relation to such questions as the origin of all things, the limits of knowledge, and the roles and responsibilities of the individual and of society. Presents a conceptual, historical, and cultural survey of the major world religions. Examines Hinduism, Buddhism,
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i, indigenous religions, and New Age religious practices. Analyzes the role of religion in helping to shape cultures and societies around the world. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
MyReligionLab access code
Supplemental Resources
Fisher, M. P., & Bailey, L. W. (Eds.). (2008). An anthology of living religions (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Malloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the world’s religions: Traditions, challenges, and change (5th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Noss, D., & Blake, R. (2008). History of the world’s religions (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Analyze what is meant by religion.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences in the primary beliefs held by major religious traditions and the cultures in which these religions evolved.
3. Describe the varieties of religious experience and practice in a wide range of cultures.
4. Recognize how daily life within various religions and current affairs are influenced by religion.
5. Develop written pieces that demonstrate an analysis of a topic relevant to the course.
6. Use technology and information resources to research issues in religion.
7. Write clearly and concisely about world religions using proper writing mechanics.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation, activities, and
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Offers a comparative approach to religious world views in relation to such questions as the origin of all things, the limits of knowledge, and the roles and responsibilities of the individual and of society. Presents a conceptual, historical, and cultural survey of the major world religions. Examines Hinduism, Buddhism,
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shintoism, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i, indigenous religions, and New Age religious practices. Analyzes the role of religion in helping to shape cultures and societies around the world. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
MyReligionLab access code
Supplemental Resources
Fisher, M. P., & Bailey, L. W. (Eds.). (2008). An anthology of living religions (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Malloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the world’s religions: Traditions, challenges, and change (5th ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Noss, D., & Blake, R. (2008). History of the world’s religions (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Analyze what is meant by religion.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences in the primary beliefs held by major religious traditions and the cultures in which these religions evolved.
3. Describe the varieties of religious experience and practice in a wide range of cultures.
4. Recognize how daily life within various religions and current affairs are influenced by religion.
5. Develop written pieces that demonstrate an analysis of a topic relevant to the course.
6. Use technology and information resources to research issues in religion.
7. Write clearly and concisely about world religions using proper writing mechanics.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation, activities, and