Religion 105 - Religions of the World
Religions of the World
Spring
2026
01
4.00
Carol Zaleski
TU TH 1:20 PM - 2:35 PM
Smith College
REL-105-01-202603
czaleski@smith.edu
An entry into Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religious traditions, with emphasis on first-hand religious thought and experience. Readings are drawn from primary religious sources, including the Bhagavad Gita, Śāntideva’s guide to Buddhist awakening, the Analects of Confucius, the Daodejing, the Passover Haggadah, the Christian Gospels, the Quran, and diverse works of poetry, philosophy, and art. Lectures, background material, films, and collaborative student presentations help elucidate and bring the readings to life. Themes such as sacrifice, community, liberation, salvation, devotion, mysticism, and life after death are considered throughout the semester.