REL 130D Intro to Religions Kim Spring 2024
• Students will be able to cultivate a greater global and cultural awareness of self and other by engaging with peoples and cultures from around the globe. • Students will be able to develop robust and responsible way to think comparatively about religious similarities and differences. Students will be able to develop a solid foundation of credible knowledge about diverse religions and the concept of “religion.”
Course Description
Most people in the world practice some form of religion, and most of these religions originated hundreds or even thousands of years ago. This class will introduce students to a number of religious traditions in their classical formulations and their contemporary practices. Students will also explore the academic study of religion, considering how various disciplines approach the myths, stories, symbols, rituals, ideas, and ethical practices of these religions. This introduction will provide students a framework within which to reflect on their own experiences, as well as prepare students for further academic study in Religious Studies and the humanities at large. The traditions that this course covers include: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Islam, and Judaism.
