Spring 2004
PHILOSOPHY 111 Office: 155 Aspen
SURVEY OF WORLD RELIGIONS Telephone: 732-6841
Brenda Larsen, Prof. e-mail:
TEXTS:
The Bhagavad Gita, Mascaro trans.
The Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha, E.A. Burtt, ed.
The Analects of Confucius, Waley trans.
Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, Feng and English trans.
The New English Bible, Oxford Study Edition (optional but highly recommended)
The Religions of Man, Huston Smith
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
"Survey of World Religions" is a one-semester, 3 credit course in which we survey the major living world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention is given to the historical and cultural contexts of each religion, and special focus is on the pertinent literature. The unique, complex, and organic nature of each religion is discussed as well as universal themes, such as the nature of the divine and its relation to the self and to society; the importance of ethical and ritual behavior; the meaning of life and death.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
A. Regular Assignments: There will be at least two reading assignments in connection with each segment: the appropriate chapter in the Huston Smith book, and primary material. Accompanying each segment of the course there will be take home “test,” in which the student demonstrates basic understanding of the main concepts of each religion.
B. Final Assignment: A final essay.
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the great religious traditions of the world. Students will become more aware of the historical importance of religion, and appreciate the diversity of religious expression. Students will discover the relationships between and among religions (Buddhism as the offspring of Hinduism; Confucianism and Taoism as complementary opposites; Judaism, Christianity and Islam as a "family" of religions which share common assumptions, etc.) They will also become more aware of the social and existential dimensions of religion, as well as its social, cultural, ethical, political, and esthetic effects.
METHODS:
Instruction will consist of lecture, discussion, study of ancient texts. Students are encouraged to do as much extra reading and research as their schedules permit. (Bibliographies will be provided for each segment). Students are also encouraged to bring their own experiences of religious and cultural diversity to group discussions.
EVALUATION:
80% of your grade will be based on writing assignments, 20% on attendance and informed participation in class discussion. Graded essays should be typed, mechanically correct, clearly written and well-organized.
A = 90 - 100% B = 80 - 89% C = 70 - 79% D = 60 - 69% F = Below 60%
TOPICS:
Outlined above. We will spend approximately two weeks on each tradition.