Content

This unit will introduce a sequence of scientific attempts to explain the phenomenon of religion. Using a comparative approach, this unit will address the different aspects of religious phenomena. This unit will also introduce students to the history, teachings and practices of the major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and regional native traditions. In its conclusion, this unit will address the issue of religious fundamentalism and New Age Movements.

Unit code: AR2100A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Religious Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Explain the main theories related to the origin and nature of religion

2.

Describe the history and teachings of the major world religions

3.

Demonstrate an understanding of the religious belief, sacred text and major figures of major world religions

4.

Compare different religious teachings

5.

Discuss the relationship between religion, politics and conflict/violence

Pedagogy

Face-to Face: 12 weekly sessions, required reading and additional resources.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Kessler, Gary E. Studying Religion: an Introduction Through Cases, 3rd ed. New York : McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008. (recommended for purchase)
  • Ridgeon, Lloyd, ed. Major World Religions: From Their Origins to The Present. Routledge, 2003. (recommended for purchase)
  • Eliade, Mircea. A History of Religious Ideas, Vol. 1-3. University of Chicago Press, 1978, 1984, 1988.
  • Eliade, Mircea. The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987.
  • House, Wayne H. Charts of World Religions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.
  • Kinnard, Jacob N. The Emergence of Buddhism: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2011.
  • Pals, Daniel L. Seven Theories of Religion. Oxford University Press, 1996.
  • Reynolds, Gabriel Said. The Emergence of Islam: Classical Traditions in Contemporary Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
  • Sarma, Deepak, ed.* Hinduism A Reader*. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2008.
  • Smith, Wilfred Cantwell. The Meaning and End of Religion. Fortress Press, 1991.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Written Assessment Task Essay 2 (2000 words)

0 50.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task Essay 1 (1500 words)

0 30.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task Reading reflections (1000 words)

0 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 18:11:43 +1100