PHIL 130 - Introduction to World Religions

Number of Credits: 3
Introduction to World Religions is a comparative survey into human expression through a variety of religious traditions. Surveying various religious traditions around the world and through history, we will inquire into the nature of religion and religious experience and call into question some of the important beliefs, practices, questions, and effects of religious belief and practice. Critical comparisons will be drawn between major religious traditions of the world and between different expressions within those religious traditions (Spring & Summer Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Diversity: Meets Diversity Requirement.
GENERAL EDUCATION Category: Arts and Humanities

Pre-requisite(s): eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explore religious expression in ways that acknowledge its variety and the complexity of its interplay with religious, historical, philosophical, and other cultural forces factors. (GE3, GE4, GE6, GE7, GE8, PG2, PG3, PG4)
Describe the core tenets and principal ritual practices, observances, moral concepts, and social philosophical aspects of the world’s most influential religious traditions. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE7, GE8, PG1, PG3, PG4)
Identify the interrelationships between a given faith tradition’s core beliefs, rituals, observances, ethics, and social aspects. (GE3, GE6, GE7, GE8, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5)
Apply philosophical analysis to specific facets of religious traditions and to religious belief in general. (GE3, GE6, GE7, GE8, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5)
Examine philosophical perspectives arising from different religious traditions with fairness, charity, and rigor. (GE3, GE7, GE8, PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4)
Draw meaningful, reasoned, and fair-minded comparisons between different religious faith traditions, their beliefs, and their practices. (GE3, GE6, GE8, PG3, PG4)
Discuss matters pertaining to religious beliefs and practices in ways that are co-operative, respectful, clear, and accurate. (GE1, GE3, GE7, GE8, PG1, PG4)
Communicate in writing about religious traditions in ways that adhere to accepted academic conventions. (GE1, GE3, GE4, GE5, PG1, PG4)
Recognize connections between assigned reading material and contemporary, real-world issues. (GE3, GE6, GE7, GE8, PG2, PG3, PG5)
Use philosophical activity to expand, challenge, and refine their views regarding religious traditions and their relationship to them. (GE3, GE6, GE7, GE8, PG2, PG5)