Introduction to World Religions-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS01 10013 LE38 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Mainly 1st & 2nd year students | Target Student | For liberal arts students | |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Tue.2 | |
| Instructor name | Julius Bautista (Center for Southeast Asian Studies Associate Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | This course offers an introduction to some of the major religions of the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern Religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. What is interesting about the origin and historical development of each religious tradition? What are their sacred texts, philosophical ideas and common values? What kinds of rituals are performed by the members of each faith? The purpose of this course is to answer these questions in a way that compares various World Religions, especially in light of the global forces that have shaped them. | |||
| Course Goals | This course has two main learning outcomes: The first (1) is the ability to offer a comparative analysis of the origin and historical development of each of the world's major religions, drawing from a basic understanding sacred texts, philosophical ideas and patterns of ritual worship. Secondly, (2) students will have the ability to comment on how religion impacts upon a wide range of social, political and cultural issues that affects modern society around the globe. | |||
| Schedule and Contents |
Week Lecture Topic Week 1: Introduction Week 2: The Foundational Narratives of the Vedic Traditions Week 3: Hinduism in Traditional and Contemporary Society Week 4: The Buddha and His Dharma Week 5: Discussion Session Week 6: Dao: The Way and its Power Week 7: Shinto: The Way of the Kami Week 8: MID SEMESTER BREAK (NO CLASS) Week 9: Discussion Session Week 10: The Foundational Narratives of Monotheism Week 11: Jesus Christ and Christianity Week 12: Mohammad and the Rise of the Ummah Week 13: Discussion Session Week 14: Reading week Week 15: Feedback week **Note: This lecture schedule is tentative and should be used as a guide only.** |
|||
| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Students will be evaluated according to three main criteria: (1) In-class participation and online discussion (35%) (2) A written essay of up to 3000 words (35%) (3) At least two structured group discussions (30%) |
|||
| Course Requirements | None | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | No prior knowledge of religion is required. Students should be able to participate in discussions with their classmates in English. This may be face-to-face small group discussion or online. Students may also be asked to make short presentations in English based on the class topics. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References |
The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Tradition, Karen ARMSTRONG, , ISBN: 9780385721240, **Discussion reading** World Religions (7th Edition), Warren MATTHEWS, , ISBN:1111834725, **Background reading** There are three kinds of readings in this course. (1) The Discussion reading/s provide the content from which you will express your interpretations, analysis and opinions. It may also be the basis for the research essay. It may be read in any language, as long as they are official translations endorsed by the publisher. (2) Background reading provides additional information and data on the weekly class topics. The background reading is available from the Kyoto University Library in paperback and eBook edition. (3) Supplied readings are texts, documents and other forms of media that are uploaded onto online platforms by Dr. Bautista. Students are expected to comment on these readings as part of their class assessment. |
||
