RST 161 World Religions

A survey of the world’s religious traditions which may include Indigenous Religions, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. This course focuses on various dimensions, including history, texts, rituals, and teachings. Students will critically analyze and apply disciplinary perspectives and contexts to the studies of religious communities, in order to build a sense of responsibility and skills necessary to serve. Students also will evaluate modes of academic inquiry to historical and current global contexts, particularly in relation to religions. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze the history of contemporary realities of religions in order to critique wide-spread assumptions about religions and to develop respect, compassion, and empathy for diverse religious communities.GS-VA4, VI