World religions (AR8109A)

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

Delivery will include articles and lecture notes, video lectures and on line discussion forums

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