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Liberal Study
Upper Level
Credits: 4
Term(s) Offered (Subject to Change) : Nov.
Study comparative religions throughout the world. Read from sacred texts and other sources for a variety of religious traditions. Learn how those traditions view rite and ritual; the human condition; the contrast between sacred and profane; the origin of existence; the relationship of good and evil; and the role of doctrine, creed, and dogma. In addition to studying core readings dealing with methodology and early forms of religious belief and practice, choose to cover in greater depth at least one of the three Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam); one tradition from the Eastern world (Hinduism and Buddhism); and one tradition from the Far Eastern world (the Chinese or the Japanese traditions). The study ends with a final reflective essay.
Prerequisite: Prior academic study in religion, philosophy, or world history. Critical reading and analytical writing ability ordinarily attained after at least 2 years of academic study is expected.
Option: This course is also available as 6 or 8 credits. Number of religions to be studied varies according to number of credits.
Note: November Term 2004 is the last term this course will be offered in print version. In future terms, it will be offered only online (224034).
