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: This is a survey course of the history of religions. Students will have the opportunity to broaden their understandings of both Western and Eastern philosophies from a great multitude of religious teachings. This course will introduce students to the religious texts, doctrines, leaders, and practices. The course examines the contributions and followings of these religions throughout history, while also considering their influence in the present-day.

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
Elective Requirements: Fulfills Academic Electives
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify various religions and their historical backgrounds.
Describe the relationships between the various religious traditions and doctrines.
Explain the relationship between religion and other human institutions.
Examine the divisions in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism and other religions.
Analyze various religious texts.
Describe the values and beliefs of less well-known religions.
SOCIAL SCIENCES: Explain the variables that influence the structure of cultures and societies.

Course Contents

Methods of comparative religion
Approaches, theories, and doctrines of religions
The origins and features of religions
The history of various religions and their philosophical underpinnings
Similarities and differences between Western and other religions
The values, teachings, and practices of religions
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
At least two historically underrepresented religions

Instructional Units: 5