Introduction to Religious Studies
This course is an introduction to the contemporary field of religious studies, focusing on both the theoretical investigations of religious traditions, as well as on the study of selected religious texts and practices (such as creation stories, sacred biographies, sacred scriptures of a religious tradition(s) rituals, ritual taboos, religiously motivated behaviors.
Outcomes: Students will be able to analyze and interpret various ways in which religious traditions intersect with contemporary issues.
This course is an introduction to the contemporary field of religious studies, focusing on both the theoretical investigations of religious traditions, as well as on the study of selected religious texts and practices (such as creation stories, sacred biographies, sacred scriptures of a religious tradition(s) rituals, ritual taboos, religiously motivated behaviors.
Outcomes: Students will be able to analyze and interpret various ways in which religious traditions intersect with contemporary issues.
Foundational Theological Knowledge
Interreligious and Interfaith Studies
Welcome to Intro to Religious Studies!! This asynchronous online course will teach how to apply three approaches to the sociological study of religion, characterized as belief, ritual practice, and experience. The course is set up like an iceberg chart. Due to the nature of the January Term, the course is self-paced and self-managed with recorded lectures for further context. We begin with general, common information on dogmas and statements of faith; move to obscure ideas, easter eggs, and theories of practice; and end with anomalies, rumors, and conspiracies surrounding religious experiences. You will read academic sources to gain insights to theories and approaches to religious studies but also evaluate case studies to assess how religion emerges in daily life. The course seeks to reveal the fantastic aspects of religion, culture, and practice.
Class Details
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