HIST 121 - Religions of the World

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to the history of the major world religions, with primary attention to their origins, basic structures, and role in contemporary society.

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a C or higher (or placement into ENGL& 101).
Distribution Requirements:

Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

General Education Requirements:

Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify the major world religions and explain their historical roots.
Recognize the relationships between the various religious traditions.
Recognize and explain the relationship between religion and other human cultural institutions.
SOCIAL SCIENCES: Explain the variables that influence the structure of cultures and societies.

Course Contents

Methods of comparative religion, history of religion
Hinduism, the history of India, the Four Paths, the Four Stages
Buddhism, the history of China, the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
Taoism, crisis in China, the Way and its Power
Judaism, the history of the Jews, the Patriarchs & the Prophets
Christianity, crisis in the Jewish world, the Gospel, Reformation
Islam, crisis in the Arab world, Muhammed & the Koran, Sunnis & Shiites

Instructional Units: 5