Philosophy 6 – World Religions



Philosophy 6 – World Religions

Instructor: Elizabeth M. Hodge

Office Hours: MW: 1:00-2:30

Office Phone: 848-4888; Office: PB11P; email: ehodge@gavilan.edu

Pre Requisite: English 1A suggested

Description:

Religion is a topic that ignites controversy – most societies engage in religious practices, believe strongly in that tradition, and find a sense of identity within it. The controversy arises when differences are misunderstood, misrepresented, or placed in a hierarchy of assumed supremacy of one religion as superior to others. In this class, students explore the underlying commonalities of various religious traditions, explore the uniqueness of the religions with which they are unfamiliar, and learn to see that diversity among beliefs doesn’t have to create hostility. Students will explore religions of Asian, the Middle East, as well as some more recent trends in religions.

Texts:

Studying Religion: An Introduction Through Cases: Kessler 3rd

Many People’s, Many Faiths: Women and Men in the World Religions: Ellwood & McGraw, 9th ed

Goals and Objectives:

1. Students will gain a greater understanding of diversity via the comparison of the world’s religions and the cultures in which those religions are situated.

2. Students will strengthen and develop their ability to critically think and write.

3. Students will gain a greater sensitivity toward difference and a greater tolerance for divergent beliefs and practices.

4. Students will enhance their ability to compare and contrast competing belief systems and learn to articulate such ideas both in their writing of essays and in class discussion

Grade Distribution:

1. 2 Tests 200 points

2. Cumulative Final 100 points

3. Research Project 75 points

4. Presentation 25 points

5. Discussions/Participation 100 points

Additional Information:

This is a university level, transferable course. That being said, it is expected that you fulfill all assignments on time, participate, and ask questions. You are not expected to have had any prior philosophy courses or advanced English courses.

Anyone requiring special assistance, such as note-taking or testing accommodations, please contact your instructor and DRC.

Topics and Assignments

All readings come from Studying Religion (SR) and Many Peoples, Many Faiths (MP) unless otherwise noted. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus if necessary.

PART ONE: Basic Categories in the Comparative Study of Religion

This section of our course will explore basic comparative categories commonly found in religious traditions. We will explore these categories both in terms of the theoretical formulation of them as well as through case studies, as examples, from various religions.

9/1 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Introduction to Course

9/8 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Studying Religion

READ: 1-12 (SR)

9/13-15 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Defining Religion & Understanding the World’s Religious Heritage

READ: 14-33 (SR); 1-23 (MP)

9/20 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Sacred Power

READ: 38-54 (SR)

9/22 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Sacred Story: Myth

READ: 60-74 (SR)

9/27 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Sacred Action: Ritual

READ: 82-94, 97-98

9/29 First Test

PART TWO: The World’s Religions Our focus will be on the five major world religions as they exist in their cultural contexts. Our readings from the section will come from Many Peoples, Many Faiths

10/4 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Hinduism

READ: 51-84

10/6 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Hinduism, cont’d

READ: 84-114

10/11 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Buddhism

READ: 115-145

10/13 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Buddhism

READ: 145-167

10/18 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Daoism and Confucianism

READ: 168-214

10/20 DISCUSSION TOPIC: Shinto

READ: 216-240

10/25 DISCUSSION: ZOROASTRIANISM AND MONOTHESIM

READ: 241-250

10/27 DISCUSSION: JUDAISM

READ: 251-266; 275-281

11/1 DISCUSSION: CHRISTIANITY

READ: 286-325

11/3 DISCUSSION: CHRISTINITY

READ: 336-358

11/8 DISCUSSION: ISLAM

READ: 336-383

11/10 DISCUSSION: ISLAM

READ: 388-419

11/15 DISCUSSION: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

READ: 425-439

11/17 DISCUSSION: NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS

READ: T.B.A.

11/22-4 CATCH-UP

11/29 RELIGIOUS TRENDS

READ: 440-453

12/1 Test 2

12/6-8 RESEARCH PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS

12/13-15 REVIEW

FINAL EXAM: CUMULATIVE

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