World Religions

Course description

This course is designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the religious diversity of our global and local communities, and to develop inter-religious understanding through reflection on various religions' responses to universal human issues. Specifically, this course will examine the origin, development, worldview and values of Religions originating in the Americas and Africa, Indian Religions including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism, Chinese and Japanese religions including Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto. We will study the religions arising from the Family of Abraham including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We will also examine the ancient religions of Iraq and Iran. Finally, we will investigate some of the alternative religions including the Baha’i, the Church of Satan, Wicca, and Scientology. Moreover, this course will explore how the deeply rooted nature of our religious convictions has both the power to give meaning and passion to our human chaos, but also to debase, and even destroy our humanity. Students will have opportunity to consider their own religious expectations and values and to analyze their impact on personal goals.

Course details