Syllabus Information |
Fall 2014
Apr 27,2024 |
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| REL 201 - Religions of India (Hinduism, Buddhism) |
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Associated Term:
Fall 2014
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Understand some of the major religious traditions of India, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Analyze he sacred texts, essential beliefs, basic practices and major sects of these traditions. 2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Understand ways in which these religions affect (or are affected by) contemporary culture, geopolitics and daily life. 3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. Students learn the origin of religious institutions from ancient traditions and how they interact with other aspects of culture. They come to appreciate the variations substantial variation among sects and differences in belief among individuals of the same tradition. 4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry. Students assess secular, liberal and conservative interpretations of religion, as well as particular theological perspectives on religious issues amongst believers, such as differing emphasis on the paths of liberation, knowledge, action or devotion in Hinduism. They learn to approach these traditions from an objective, scholarly point of view and how this differs from approaching them through the presupposition of faith. 5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Students learn to interpret sacred texts as literature, reading particular passages in the context of the larger work and in their historical and cultural contexts. They learn to compare and contrast traditions and formulate a holistic view of their interrelationships and connections with other social phenomena in critical written work. Students also learn to articulate views about religion in class a scholarly, objective and respectful manner. 6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively. Students survey a wide variety of interpretations of particular religious traditions and gain an awareness of the substantial variation between individuals of the same sect. 7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Students grapple with conflicts between ancient religious traditions and modern science as well as modern notions of justice, human rights, religious freedom and gender and racial equality. Students apply what they learn to the philosophical problems of religious pluralism and social and political religious conflict. Required Materials: Technical Requirements: |
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