REL 350: Religions of the Far East Fall, 2010 Instructor: David M. Reis Class: MWF 2:00-2:50 Classroom: Bowman 319 Office: Bowman 210B Phone: (540) 515-3768 Email:
[email protected] Webpage: http://www.bridgewater.edu/~dreis Office Hours: MW 10:30-11:00; 1:00-2:00; 3:00-3:30; F 1:00-2:00 and by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION The religious traditions of the East represent some of the oldest reflections on the nature of divinity and the human condition. This course will survey the diversity of insights on these topics through an analysis of historical development and spiritual beliefs and practices of these faiths. Specific attention will be given to examining the academic study of religion and the character of Eastern religious life in contemporary America, exploring the religions of India, China, and Japan, and assessing their views on contemporary social, political, and spiritual issues. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. understand the principles of the academic study of religion 2. appreciate the influence of Eastern religions in the United States 3. demonstrate knowledge of the major figures, teachings, and practices of Eastern religions 4. understand how Eastern religions approach contemporary social, political, and spiritual issues COURSE TEXTS Coward, Harold, et al., eds. Readings in Eastern Religions. 2nd ed. Waterloo, Ontario: Wilfrid Laurier Press, 2007. Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2008. LEARNING COMPONENTS 1. Readings Each week the class will examine primary (e.g. The Analects) and secondary (e.g.