World Religions Common Course Outline

Course Information Organization South Central College Revision History 2008-2009 Course Number PHIL 105 Division Social Sciences & Philosophy Department Philosophy Total Credits 3

Description This course is a basic introduction to the major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In addition, we will also cover African Religion, Native American Religion, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto and Zoroastrianism. At the end of the course we will briefly take a look at some new religious traditions which have more recently developed.

Types of Instruction Instruction Type Contact Hours Credits Online Learning 3 3

Exit Learning Outcomes Core Abilities A. Humanities and Fine Arts B. Global Perspective

Competencies 1. Define the concept of "religion" Learning Objectives a. a.Recognize the various ways "religion" has been understood b. b.Formulate a specific definition of "religion" 2. Identify methods scholars have used to study religious phenomena Learning Objectives a. a.Explain the methodological approach of different academic disciplines b. b.Show how these approaches can be applied in the study of religion 3. Articulate the differences among inclusivist, exclusivist, and pluralist views Learning Objectives a. a.Define inclusivist, exclusivist, and pluralist perspectives b. b.State the implication each view has for understanding world religions 4. Articulate commonalities and differences among various world traditions Learning Objectives a. a.Identify conceptual, ethical, historical, and ritualistic commonalities b. b.Explains ways in which religions differ in their particularity 5. Explain the nature and purpose of inter-religious dialogue Learning Objectives a. Identify the historical roots of dialogue and the ecumenical movement b. Explore the problems and possibilities that dialogue presents 6. Identify ways in which religious traditions have interacted historically Learning Objectives a. Trace the historical development of various religious traditions b. Explain how religions have conflicted and/or influenced each other 7. Investigate the cultural functions of world religions Learning Objectives a. Recognize the religious foundation of contemporary world cultures and civilizations b. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of religion in human life 8. Distinguish between "official" and "folk" versions of religious practice Learning Objectives a. Recognize the nature of "official" religious doctrines and institutions b. Explain the centrality of "folk" practice to religious expression 9. Explain the nature of secularization and its impact on religious development Learning Objectives a. Identify the philosophical and cultural causes of secularization b. Analyze current trends and their impact on religious belief 10. Articulate the nature of fundamentalism and its emergence in different traditions Learning Objectives a. Define "fundamentalism" and explore its historical roots b. Discuss the role of fundamentalists in social and religious conflict 11. Summarize the ethical systems of various religious traditions Learning Objectives a. Identify the moral codes that guide adherents of major world faiths b. Explore similarities and differences among different moral systems 12. Explain beliefs about the afterlife and supernatural beings in various traditions Learning Objectives a. Express concepts of the afterlife affirmed by adherents of major world faiths b. Explain the role of supernatural beings in religious cosmologies