World Religions

Religious Studies 3270
Fall, 2004
CRN: 82026
Honors CRN: 85967
Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 - 12:15 am
Aderhold Learning Center, 406
Office Hours, Tu/Tr 4:00-5:30 or by arrangement

Course Description:

In this introductory course on world religions, we will not learn about all of the religious traditions of the contemporary or historical world. We will, however, focus on six religious traditions that millions of our fellow humans share. We will examine, in brief form, some of the history, beliefs and practices that are associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Within each tradition there is an almost infinite variety, which we will barely glimpse.

The United States is a predominantly Christian country, and so most students will have some knowledge of Christianity. As such, this course is useful for broadening our understanding of the religions that are prevalent elsewhere, but that are also becoming more and more important here in the United States. More generally, however, this course aims to teach a empathetic understanding of other religions, as well as to approach all religions critically.

• Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions, 5th ed.
• Gary E. Kessler, Ways of Being Religious, 1st ed.

Readings will be required as per the course schedule.

Over the course of the semester, you will be required to attend a religious ceremony or ritual or meeting of two of the religious traditions that we are examining this semester. In certain cases, such as in the case of the Chinese religions, this is less appropriate, but other means of experiencing these traditions can be found. The first of the two assignments will be due at the time of the Midterm, and the second will be due closer to the end of the course. I will hand out more specific information about both assignments later. The first paper is due on October 12, and the second paper is due on December 9.

There will be six quizzes, on the six religious traditions (or sets of traditions) that we cover. These quizzes will be short, less than a full class period. There will be no makeup quizzes except with some proof of medical or other emergency. These quizzes will make up the bulk of the grade for this course, which means that doing well on each of them is absolutely key to doing well in this class. There will also be a midterm and final.

Attending class is not mandatory. As you can imagine, however, attendance will be necessary in order for you to learn the material that is being covered in this course. You can be almost certain that much of the material on the quizzes, for example, will come from class lectures.

Honors students will meet with me periodically, will do extra readings and meet with me to discuss these

Tests and papers will take place according to the course schedule. In case of major medical or other emergency, for which there is documentation, please speak to me. Otherwise, there are no makeups, so please do not ask.