PHIL 1051 - World Religions

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course is an introduction to the major world religions. The course will focus on the historical formation of the religions and those who founded them. It will also focus on their scriptures, practices and the ways each religion answers the fundamental questions concerning the nature of reality, purpose in life, ethics and death.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts, 8 Global Perspective

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.

Major Content

1. Introduction to the basic terms and definitions of religion
2. Religions of the East:
   1. Hinduism
   2. Buddhism
   3. some or all of the following:
      1. Confucianism
      2. Daoism
      3. Shinto
      4. Sikhism
      5. Jainism
3. Religions of the West:
   1. Judaism
   2. Christianity
   3. Islam

1. Describe the nature and forms of worship in different societies
2. Analyze the various religions within their own social context.
3. Articulate the historical record of thought and expression in the religions of the East and West.
4. Compare and contrast the beliefs of the various world religions.

6. 02. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

06. 03. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

06. 05. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Competency 2 (7-10)
08. 01. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.

08. 02. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.

08. 03. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

08. 04. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

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