HIBBING COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE NUMBER & TITLE: HUM 1200: World Religions
CREDITS: 3 (3 Lecture / 0 Lab)
PREREQUISITES: None
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
World Religions is an introduction to the origins, beliefs, and practices of the major
religions of the world. This course covers the distinguishing characteristics of major
religions, their historical development, and their influence on the world today. Through
this course, students will reflect upon their own experiences with religion as well as gain
a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the beliefs and traditions of others.
MNTC goal areas: (6A)The Humanities and Fine Arts and (8)Global Perspective
OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS:
I.
Introduction to the study of religion
A. The challenges of definition
B. Common features
1. Gods, spirits, and forces
2. Sacred writings/oral traditions
3. Rituals, behaviors, and beliefs
4. Manipulating the surrounding world
5. Moral systems
II. Religions originating in the Americas and Africa
A. Native American religions
1. The spirit world
2. Connection to nature
3. Afterlife
B. African religions
1. The High God
2. Lesser spirits
3. Sacrifice
4. Rites of passage
III. Religions originating in India
A. Hinduism
1. Origins
2. The Vedic era
3. Postclassical Hinduism
HUM1200
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Hibbing Community College, a technical & community college, is
an equal opportunity educator & employer
IV.
V.
4. Muslim influences
B. Jainism
1. Origins
2. The life of Mahavira
C. Buddhism
1. The life of Siddhartha Gautama
2. The teachings of Buddha
3. Divisions of Buddhism
a. Theravada Buddhism
b. Mahayana Buddhism
D. Sikhism
1. Origins
2. The teachings of Nanak
Religions originating in China and Japan
A. Chinese religions
1. Daoism
2. Confucianism
B. Shinto
1. Origins
2. Three forms of Shinto
a. State Shinto
b. Sectarian Shinto
c. Domestic Shinto
Religions originating in the Middle East
A. Judaism
1. Ancient Israel
2. The monarchy and the temple
3. Exile and return
B. Christianity
1. The life and teachings of Jesus
2. The early church
a. The influence of Paul
b. The development of the New Testament
3. The Donation of Constantine
4. The Protestant Reformation
C. Islam
1. The life of Muhammad
2. The Qur’an
3. The expansion of Islam
4. Variations within Islam
a. The Sunnis
HUM1200
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Hibbing Community College, a technical & community college, is
an equal opportunity educator & employer
VI.
b. The Shi’ites
c. The Mystical Element
D. Baha’i
1. Origins
2. The teachings of Baha’i
Interactions with religion
A. Personal experiences
B. The perspectives of others
COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:
Students will
1. identify common characteristics among religions.
2. describe the significance of the spirit world and connections to nature within Native
American religions.
3. explain differences between religions originating in Africa and non-native African
religions.
4. examine the significance of the Vedic era in Hinduism.
5. analyze the common origins of Jainism and Buddhism.
6. explain the influences of both Hinduism and Islam on the development of Sikhism.
7. analyze the blended elements of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism within the
Chinese religious tradition.
8. define the three forms of Shinto.
9. explain the development of the Hebrew Bible and identify the distinctive attributes of
Hebrew worship.
10. examine the life of Jesus and discuss the significance of the Gospels.
11. summarize the teachings of the Qur’an and identify the Five Pillars of Islam.
12. discuss the origins and development of the Baha’i faith.
13. reflect on their personal experiences with religion.
14. identify someone with a different religious background and seek to more fully
understand their perspective.
MNTC GOALS AND COMPETENCIES MET:
The Humanities and Fine Arts
Global Perspective
HCC COMPETENCIES MET:
Communicating Clearly and Effectively
Thinking Creatively and Critically
Social/Civic Responsibility
HUM1200
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Hibbing Community College, a technical & community college, is
an equal opportunity educator & employer
STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Students are expected to attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, and
submit papers and other projects by their assigned deadline.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT SHALL TAKE PLACE USING INSTRUMENTS
SELECTED/DEVELOPED BY THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR.
SPECIAL INFORMATION: (SPECIAL FEES, DIRECTIVES ON HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS, ETC.):
AASC APPROVAL DATE:
November 12, 2015
REVIEW DATE:
November 2020
HUM1200:so
111215
HUM1200
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Hibbing Community College, a technical & community college, is
an equal opportunity educator & employer