Introduction to Religion II: Eastern Religions (Rel
101b)
[Winter 2006]
Instructor:
Dr. Daniel Miller
822-9600 (ext. 2378)
dmiller@ubishops.ca
Class Time and Location:
MWF 11:30—12:20 in N2
Office Hours:
MW 12:30—1:20, and by appointment (Divinity 23)
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the academic study of Eastern religions. We will
examine those religious traditions arising from the Indian subcontinent (Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism), as well as the Far Eastern faith of Shinto (Japan).
Attention will be paid to the historical evolution, religious practices (e.g., worship,
meditation, ritual), writings (both sacred and secular), mythology, fundamental concepts
and beliefs, and cultural expressions of the religious traditions under investigation.
Required Reading
The textbook is Living Religions (6th ed.) by Mary Pat Fisher. There is also a package of
outlines for the lectures. Both of these are available at the campus bookstore.
Course Objectives
• To enjoy the academic study of religion
• To gain knowledge of the history and culture underlying each religious tradition
• To appreciate the richness and diversity as well as the commonalities of religious life in
various cultures and historical periods
• To develop skills in thinking and reading critically
Course Requirements
• 4 quizzes (in-class) on lectures and readings: 35% [see below]
• Midterm (in-class): 25%
• Exam: 40% [material from the whole semester, but weighted more to the second half of
it]
Keeping up with the readings and regular class attendance are essential to successful
completion of this course. Also, a good way to learn the terms and names that you will
encounter is to make flashcards. If you know in advance that you will be absent from a
class, whether because of sickness or an emergency, please let me know either by email
or voice-mail. In order to be fair to all students, rescheduling of missed quizzes, the
midterm or the final exam will require a doctor’s note.
Quizzes
The quizzes will take at most 20 minutes each. The mark breakdown is as follows:
#1 Hinduism: 10%
#2 Buddhism: 10%
#3 Jainism and Sikhism: 10%
#4 Shinto: 5%
Total: 35%
The tentative date of each of the quizzes is indicated in the “Course Outline and
Readings” section directly below. The format of the quizzes will always be multiple
choices.
Course Outline and Readings (subject to change)
The boxed readings are to be done subsequent to the day under which they are listed. So,
for example, ch. 1 of Living Religions should be read after this Friday’s class in
preparation for Monday. You are, of course, welcome to read ahead-if you want to; since
most of the readings are listed after a class that precedes a quiz day, it might be a good
idea to get that reading done before you have to study for the quiz.
Week 1: Jan. 11, 13
W Syllabus distribution, class introduction, total avoidance of any real work
F Class discussion: What does the word “religion” mean to you?
Living Religions, ch. 1
Week 2: Jan. 16, 18, 20
M Methodological and theoretical issues in the study of religion
Living Religions, ch. 3
W Hinduism
F Hinduism
Week 3: Jan. 23, 25,27
Hinduism
Week 4: Jan. 30; Feb. 1,3
Hinduism
Week 5: Feb. 6,8, 10
M Hinduism
W Hinduism
Living Religions, ch. 5
F Quiz #1 (Hinduism); Buddhism
Week 6: Feb. 13, 15, 17
Buddhism
Week 7: Feb. 20, 22,24
M Buddhism
W Midterm (Hinduism, Buddhism)
F Buddhism
Week 8: Reading Week
Week 9: Mar. 6, 8, 10
Buddhism
Week 10: Mar. 13, 15, 17
M Buddhism
Living Religions, ch. 4
W Quiz #2 (Buddhism); Jainism
F Jainism
Week 11: Mar. 20, 22, 24
M Jainism
W Jainism
Living Religions, ch. 11
F Sikhism
Week 12: Mar. 27, 29, 31
Sikhism
Living Religions, ch. 7
Week 13: r. 3, 5, 7
M Quiz #3 (Jainism, Sikhism); Shinto
W Shinto
F Shinto
Week 14: Apr. 10, 12
M Shinto
W Quiz #4 (Shinto)