The majority of people in the world today consider themselves to be religious in some way or other. This is true despite the rise of secular society in the modern world. Religion continues to play a major role in culture, in world events, and in the ways individuals live their daily lives. To have knowledge of how people understand and express themselves religiously is important for any citizen in today’s society, as it fosters moral insight, global awareness and cultural sensitivity. This course will introduce students to some of the world's most significant religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Students may also be introduced to one of the following traditions: Jainism, Sikhism, Japanese traditions, Indigenous traditions, Chinese and Korean traditions, or New Religious Movements. Students will study the central beliefs, practices, teachings, people, institutions, histories, and writings of each tradition. Students will also consider more broadly the question of what it means to live religiously in the contemporary world. Through this study, students will examine the impact religion has on perceptions of politics, society, ethics, law, war, the economy, the environment, and the status of women.
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