Chabot College
Fall 2006
Course Outline for Religious Studies 50
RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Catalog Description:
50 - Religions of the World
3 units
Introduction to the study of religion by (1) surveying the world religions, stating basic principles of
each as shown by fundamental scriptures, practices and works of art, highlighting underlying
patterns, OR (2) exploring themes and concepts, using the world religions as examples. Themes may
include: grace, sin, enlightenment, suffering, salvation. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of this course students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Describe several great religious traditions of the world;
Interpret the dominant underlying themes in the world religions;
Interpret themes and symbols of selected religious literature and art of the world’s religious traditions;
Compare and contrast theological/philosophical differences between the religious traditions
studied in primary and secondary sources;
5. Differentiate between tenets and folk practice.
Course Content:
1. Original sacred texts in translation and secondary sources concerning key religious themes and
concepts, relevant art and literature sources
2. Underlying patterns connecting or distinguishing religious traditions
3. Key religious concepts
4. Nature and examples of religious practice
5. Basic theories concerning the academic study of religion
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lecture
2. Discussion
3. Audiovisual materials
Faculty may use one of two approaches to teaching this class: a survey of world religions approach, with
these emphases:
Describe several great religious traditions of the world;
1. Interpret the dominant underlying themes in the world religions;
2. Interpret themes and symbols of selected religious literature and art of the world’s religious traditions;
3. Compare and contrast theological/philosophical differences between the religious traditions
studied in primary and secondary sources.
4. Differentiate between tenets and folk practice.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Religious Studies 50, Page 2
Fall 2006
OR, a thematic and conceptual approach is taken, with these emphases:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Trace major religious themes among two to three religious traditions;
Differentiate various perspectives for a given religious concept within a specific religious tradition;
Discuss and trace a concept from the perspective of two to three religious traditions;
Competently utilize key religious terms and concepts;
Interpret themes and symbols of selected religious literature and art of the world’s religious traditions.
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. In an essay, state the common qualities to religious experience and give specific examples
from films or literature
b. In a research paper, trace a key religious concept through two or three traditions
c. Maintain a Journal or write a weekly one page reflection paper on how you feel about the
religious concepts, beliefs and practice studied
3. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Quizzes and exams
b. Papers
c. Creative projects
d. Research paper
e. Journal or reflective papers
f. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Exploring Religious Meaning. Ed. Monk, Hofheinz, et. al. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice
Hall, l994.
Fischer, Mary Pat. Living Religions. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2002, 5th Edition.
Hopfe, Lewis M. Religions of The World. Revised by Mark R. Woodward. Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2001, 8th Edition.
Smith, Huston. The Illustrated World’s Religions/A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions. San Francisco:
Harper, 1994.
Wong, Eva. Seven Taoist Masters: A Folk Novel of China (Shambhala Classics). Boston: Shambhala,
2004.
Young, William A. The World’s Religions/Worldviews and Contemporary Issues. Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 2005, 2nd Edition.
Special Student Materials:
None
JP 11/02/05