Contents

PHIL 104 Introduction to Religious Studies

An introduction to the academic study of religion which explores the nature and variety of religious experience, forms of ritual/rites/worship, the use of practices in guiding everyday living and ethical decision making for individuals and communities, religion’s powerful role in the construction of meaning, and the reciprocal relationship between religion and culture. Drawing on insights from the humanities, this course is interdisciplinary in focus and worldwide in scope, exploring religious and spiritual experience in Asia, Africa, and the West.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Explore the search for meaning as expressed in a wide variety of religions and spiritual traditions and as reflected in reciprocal relationships between religion and culture.
  2. 2. Analyze sacred traditions as repositories of wisdom in dealing
    creatively with change and loss, as well as living compassionately with others in accordance with one’s core values.
  3. 3. Observe and experience rituals and practices from a variety of traditions as expressions of the deepest aesthetic, humanistic, and ethical values central to each tradition.
  4. 4. Analyze how religions shape questions of meaning in the living of a human life, as well as the core values that guide personal ethical choices.

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Explore the search for meaning as expressed in a wide variety of religions and spiritual traditions and as reflected in reciprocal relationships between religion and culture.
  2. 2. Analyze sacred traditions as repositories of wisdom in dealing
    creatively with change and loss, as well as living compassionately with others in accordance with one’s core values.
  3. 3. Observe and experience rituals and practices from a variety of traditions as expressions of the deepest aesthetic, humanistic, and ethical values central to each tradition.
  4. 4. Analyze how religions shape questions of meaning in the living of a human life, as well as the core values that guide personal ethical choices.