Comparative Religion SOC 2263
Course Philosophy and Instructor Requirements
Philosophy: This course provides students with a survey of influential world religions, to include
Indigenous (Tribal, Oral, or Traditional) Religions, the religions of India (Hinduism, Buddhism and
Jainism), the religions of China (Taoism and Confucianism) and Japan (Shinto), Western monotheistic
religions (Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam), and recent religious movements.
Bottom Line: Students have a textbook and related study aids, as well as in class and online discussions
about the elements of belief and practice in the religions under study. But they also complete exercises
that require them to use imagination and critical thinking to understand and empathize with the
religious perspectives of others and to attend a service and interview members of a religious
background other than their own.
Learning Outcomes: Assessment should measure communication, critical thinking, and appropriate
social science research skills, as well as student awareness of self and society and knowledge of factual
content.
Instructor Objectives: The instructor’s teaching techniques should ensure students are able to:
 Employ various approaches to defining religion and compose their own definition by the end of
the semester
 List key features of the religions studied, such as demographics and leadership structure,
metaphysical beliefs, healing and ritual practices, and symbolic expression
 Visit the ASU-Beebe library and learn to conduct basic research in Comparative Religion
 Visit a religion that is not their own, interview practitioners of that religion, and write a report
about their experience
Course Teaching Requirements: Instructors may make use of whatever assignments they deem
necessary to develop Critical Thinking and Communication Skills, and an awareness of Society and Self,
such as
 Online or in class discussions
 Online, take home or in class exams
 Group exercises or projects based on dilemmas, parables, films, web sites, or similar materials
 Individual assignments involving library and field research
Assessment Responsibilities: All instructors during the fall semesters are expected to participate in the
assessment of the course as directed by the lead instructor noted below.
Education and Social Science Division Contact information:
Division Chair: Teddy Davis, Education and Social Sciences Chair, (501) 882-8874, tldavis@asub.edu
Lead instructor: Dr. Kae Chatman, (501) 882-8926, kchatman@asub.edu
Online Course Monitor: Rhonda Durham, 501-882-4442, rsdurham@asub.edu