REL 225: Exploring the World’s Religions

Goal: To introduce students to the basic teachings and practices of various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, the Abrahamic faiths, as well as more recent and alternative traditions. Blending the study and discussion of primary and secondary texts, research into related sacred scriptures, visits to places of worship and ritual, and guest lectures by religious leaders and scholars, the course encourages direct experience of these traditions. Throughout the course, special attention will be given to interreligious dialogue, the roles and experiences of women, and other contemporary issues in the study of religion.
Content: Primary texts (including the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur’an, Hadith and Sufi writings) and scholarly works on the history and cultures of the Abrahamic traditions.
Gen. Ed. Category: Synthesizing Perspectives; Diverse and Interdependent World; (HUM).
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of College writing proficiency requirement.
Credit: 3
Degree Level: Undergraduate