Rising Hope, Inc. | Evaluated Learning Experience
Introduction to the World Religions
45 hours (15 weeks).
September 2012 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: evaluate the religious experience and understanding of ultimate reality or absolute Truth of the major world religions; analyze how each religion addresses questions about the origin, meaning, and purpose of human life and afterlife; interpret the meaning of passages in the essential teachings and message of the key religious figures; examine the way each tradition presents complicated perspectives on common human questions; appraise the commonly held universal human values and beliefs of each religion; evaluate the contribution of each world religion and how they interact with each other in pursuit of peace (within) and in our world; evaluate self-transformational processes offered by each religion, through meditation, prayer, and introspection.
Instruction is offered via classroom lectures accompanied by readings, essays, quizzes, homework, a panel presentation, cooperative learning activities, and a final exam. Each class is opened with a prayer from the religions being explored and meditation. Major topics include: an exploration of the human values, moral codes, and sacred literature, embedded in the world religions. The course aims at extending and deepening the student's awareness of the religious experience, doctrine, and ritual at the heart of each religion and will examine and analyze the way each tradition, through their myths, stories, rituals, and spiritual practices present complicated perspectives on common human questions. Students also explore common themes found in each religion, such as: faith, gratitude, suffering, surrender, and peace. The religions studied include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native American Spirituality. This course does not focus on comparative religion, but rather it is taught through the lens of the commonality of the world religions, most especially through the human values they share. Prerequisite: College Writing I.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Biblical Studies, Religion, or Theological Studies (9/17) (04/22 revalidation).
