World Religions (AR2100A)

Content

This unit will introduce a sequence of scientific attempts to explain the phenomenon of religion. Using a comparative approach, this unit will address the different aspects of religious phenomena. This unit will also introduce students to the history, teachings and practices of the major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and regional native traditions. In its conclusion, this unit will address the issue of religious fundamentalism and New Age Movements.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Face-to Face: 12 weekly sessions, required reading and additional resources.

Indicative Bibliography

• Kessler, Gary E. Studying Religion: an Introduction Through Cases, 3rd ed. New York : McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008. (recommended for purchase)
• Ridgeon, Lloyd, ed. Major World Religions: From Their Origins to The Present. Routledge, 2003. (recommended for purchase)
• Eliade, Mircea. A History of Religious Ideas, Vol. 1-3. University of Chicago Press, 1978, 1984, 1988.
  
• Eliade, Mircea. The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987.
• House, Wayne H. Charts of World Religions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
  
• Kinnard, Jacob N. The Emergence of Buddhism: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2011.
• Pals, Daniel L. Seven Theories of Religion. Oxford University Press, 1996.
• Reynolds, Gabriel Said. The Emergence of Islam: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
• Sarma, Deepak, ed.* Hinduism A Reader*. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2008.
• Smith, Wilfred Cantwell. The Meaning and End of Religion. Fortress Press, 1991.

Assessment