PHIL 104 Introduction to Religious Studies

An introduction to the academic study of religion which explores the nature and variety of religious experience, forms of ritual/rites/worship, the use of practices in guiding everyday living and ethical decision making for individuals and communities, religion’s powerful role in the construction of meaning, and the reciprocal relationship between religion and culture. Drawing on insights from the humanities, this course is interdisciplinary in focus and worldwide in scope, exploring religious and spiritual experience in Asia, Africa, and the West.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Explore the search for meaning as expressed in a wide variety of religions and spiritual traditions and as reflected in reciprocal relationships between religion and culture.
2. Analyze sacred traditions as repositories of wisdom in dealing
   creatively with change and loss, as well as living compassionately with others in accordance with one’s core values.
3. Observe and experience rituals and practices from a variety of traditions as expressions of the deepest aesthetic, humanistic, and ethical values central to each tradition.
4. Analyze how religions shape questions of meaning in the living of a human life, as well as the core values that guide personal ethical choices.

Course Objectives

1. Explore the search for meaning as expressed in a wide variety of religions and spiritual traditions and as reflected in reciprocal relationships between religion and culture.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Three unit tests

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP3
2. Analyze sacred traditions as repositories of wisdom in dealing
   creatively with change and loss, as well as living compassionately with others in accordance with one’s core values.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Ten weekly practices

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP1
3. Observe and experience rituals and practices from a variety of traditions as expressions of the deepest aesthetic, humanistic, and ethical values central to each tradition.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Five observations final project

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP4

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Philosophy and Religious Studies - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   4. Discuss the basic beliefs and sacred texts, rituals, and practices of the world's major religions.

4. Analyze how religions shape questions of meaning in the living of a human life, as well as the core values that guide personal ethical choices.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Final project

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP2

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Philosophy and Religious Studies - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   1. Identify, understand, evaluate, and apply ethical reasoning.

   Degree: Philosophy and Religious Studies - A.A. Degree (Transfer)

   2. Develop intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and tolerance.