History 112 - Intro to World Religions

What is religion, and why do people care so much about it? This course will examine the history and practices of some of the world's major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will read sacred texts and "travel" to sites of worship. In addition, the course will look at some lesser-known religions and spiritual systems as well as how religious people deal with racial and economic inequality, gender, sexuality, ability, climate change, disease, and more. Throughout the course, we will be asking questions about human experience, consciousness, and the idea of the sacred. This course will demonstrate that understanding religion is critical to participating in a global community and will neither advocate or denigrate religious participation. (Gen. Ed. I, DG)

What is religion, what do religions do, and do religions have a history and a future? We will explore these questions by examining the origins of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism by reading, viewing, and discussing sacred texts and images in historical context. The course will require class attendance and participation. Assessment will include in-class quizzes and worksheets, short primary source analysis papers, and final project on religion in everyday life.