Religion Introduction


	INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
Assignments	Spring 2008	Back to Main Religion Page
Course Outline	Mr. Lamb- Rm. 209 or 210	Back to Main Page
Speakers	End of Class Project	Evaluation


Welcome to an introductory class in World Religions. Across the world and throughout history mankind has responded in many ways to its spiritual impulses. For different reasons in different cultures, a numberof religious faiths have arisen and provided many diverse responses to help people deal with their spiritual questions. Religions seek, among other things, to explain the world and human life in terms that make sense and to provide guidance and advice on how humans should live their lives.In every religion, this is predicated on the belief that there is another reality that is "truer" than the world we perceive through our physical senses. Does this wide variety of responses and beliefs indicate deep contradictions or wide spread similarities cloaked only by cultural differences? What are the various concepts of this other reality? How is the concept of God viewed? Where and how does the individual fit in? To explore and make clear the answers various religions give to these questions, students in this course will examine the philosophies and underlying belief systems, historical origins and current beliefs of the world's major religions. Students will also examine primal religions, classical religions and modern religious and spiritual trends in order to develop an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of spiritual responses mankind has made. Speakers, films and source materials are selected to emphasize understanding of how those who hold these beliefs feel their religion explains the world in a way that is understandable and rational. Religions studied are Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and number of other belief systems. Texts are Huston Smith's "The World's Religions" and Lewis Hopfe's "Religions of the World."


ASSIGNMENTS HOMEWORK- There will be a variety of reading assignments, questions and short papers during the course. Homework is generally considered to be preparation for the next day's class. You should work as diligently as you can on the reading and the answers to the questions. Credit is given for work attempted. Corrections can be made in class and questions should be raised about material that is not clear. Only "blank" answers will lose points. Work not completed by the due date can be turned in at the next class for one-half credit. Homework completed in class during discussion will be considered one day late. Question sets for religions are worth 20 points. Short essays are worth 10 points each. Each student will be allowed one homework pass during the semester to turn in an assignment a day late without penalty. TESTS- There will be four major tests given during this class. Tests will be primarily essay and short answer identify questions. 50 points each. Back to top

Religion Project- During the last twelve weeks of the class you will form a small group and complete a field trip and
project of your choice related to religion in this area. 40 points.
* Be clear, well organized, and well prepared.
* No talking heads, reading from scripts, boring lectures, etc.

SPEAKERS-We will have a number of speakers during this class. They will sometimes not be able
to speak to each class so 8th period or an in-schoolfield trip during 1st, 6th and 7th periods may be arranged.
While you may not be able to attend some of these events you are strongly urged to try.
Speakers give a point of view and answer questions about their religions in a way that cannot be duplicated
by your instructor. In the past, students have said that the guest speakers are one of the most
enlightening parts of the class.

EVALUATION- Quarter grades will be based on the total of points earned to
date. Final grade will be based on all points earned during the entire
semester. There are approximately 450 total points- Four major tests @ 50 points each
Homework @ about 150 points, Project and writings @ 100 points. Frequent
participation in class, while not graded, will earn extra "rounding up" points if a grade is close.

Questions?
Ask or email jlamb@lan.tjhsst.edu
Back to top

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Introduction to Religion

A. Reality v. ultimate reality

B. the nature of faith

C. Origins and aspects of religion

             1. Theories of religion
             2. Purposes of religion
             3. Myth, symbol, ritual

II. Religions with oral traditions- Primal Religions

A. Native American and African
B. Pagan and Neo-Pagans.

C. Basic Aspects of Primal Religions

III. Religions with written traditions

    A. Eastern Religions
             1. Hinduism
             2. Buddhism
             3. Chinese religion
                 a. traditional beliefs
                 b. Taoism
                 c. Confucianism

        B. Western Religions
             1. Judaism (and Zoroastrianism)
             2. Christianity
             3. Islam

IV Contemporary Religious Issues

Back to Main Religion Page Back to Top of Page