REL2300

This course is a critical survey of global religious expression. The aim of the course is to examine each religion objectively, with the understanding that religion is the byproduct of cultural exchanges and socio-historical contexts. While the focus will be on the World Religions to include Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the course also considers indigenous and new religious expressions in order to provide a thoroughly inclusive overview of religion in the world. Where the opportunity for comparisons exists, the course will inquire how global religious expressions are both similar and distinct. In addressing this question, the course will consider how the religions of the world have addressed the essential human questions including origins, purpose, and destiny. Finally, the course will approach religious artifacts as dynamic texts that are illustrative of the relationship between interpretive communities and their ever-changing cultural context. This course fulfills the Gordon Rule writing requirement and must be completed with a grade of C or higher pursuant to State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030.