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CRS173Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To The Study Of Religion

This course introduces students to the academic study of religion. It explores the etymology of religion, problems encountered in its study, and various perspectives used by scholars. The course delves into defining religion, examining its characteristics, and exploring different theories about its origin. It also addresses religious pluralism and the relationship between religion and other societal institutions.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
ReligionEtymologyReligious pluralismTheoriesTraditions

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Etymology of religion

2

Defining religion

3

Religious traditions

4

Approaches to studying religion

5

Theories of origin

6

Religious pluralism

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Affairs Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

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Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Chaplain

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profitEducationSocial ServicesInternational Relations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Etymology, Problems and Perspectives in the Study of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Explore the etymological roots of religion: *relegere*, *religare*, and *religio*.
  • •Identify challenges in the academic study of religion.
  • •Examine anthropological, sociological, and psychological perspectives.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Defining Religion: What Is Religion?

3 study hours
  • •Compare substantive and functional definitions of religion.
  • •Analyze the views of Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
  • •Identify characteristics emphasized in defining religion: feeling, ritual, belief.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Common Characteristics or Features Of Religious Traditions

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the distinction between the sacred and the profane.
  • •Explain the role of myths in religion.
  • •Examine different types of rituals: initiation, political, life-cycle, calendar.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Approaches to The Study of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Compare historical, literary, and comparative approaches.
  • •Analyze psychological and philosophical approaches.
  • •Examine sociological approaches and the role of data.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Religious Studies as An Academic Discipline

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the reasons for studying religion.
  • •Identify specializations within Religious Studies: Biblical Studies, Theological Studies.
  • •Explore Comparative Studies of Religion, Historical Studies, and Ethics.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Requirements for The Study of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the human requirements for studying religion: openness, objectivity, caution, carefulness.
  • •Identify material requirements: writing materials, tape recorder, video recorder.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Problems in The Study of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Identify problems related to the nature of religion.
  • •Examine personal biases and social, political, and economic problems.
  • •Analyze the impact of these problems on religious studies.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Theories of Origin of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Compare Darwinism and Euhemerism.
  • •Analyze revelatory theories: Rudolf Otto and Mircea Eliade.
  • •Examine anthropological theories: Tylor's animism, Durkheim's totemism, Frazer's magic.
Week
9

Module 2:

3h

Unit 5: Religious Pluralism

3 study hours
  • •Examine religious pluralism, diversity, and tolerance.
  • •Discuss conditions for religious pluralism.
  • •Analyze religious diversity and justified beliefs.
  • •Explore religious diversity in public education.
Week
10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: World Religious Traditions I

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the historical background of Hinduism.
  • •Explain the features of Hinduism: Brahman, reincarnation, karma, yoga.
  • •Analyze the social dimensions of Hinduism.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: World Religious Traditions II

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the factors that led to the emergence of Buddhism.
  • •Explain the features of Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Tipitaka.
  • •Analyze the social dimensions of Buddhism.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Structure of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Discuss traditionalism as a structure of religion.
  • •Define myths and symbols and their role.
  • •Explain the concept of salvation.
  • •Highlight the role of sacred places in religion.
Week
13

Module 3:

9h

Unit 4: Religious Agencies and Specialists

3 study hours
  • •Explain religious agencies and agents.
  • •Discuss the role of religious agencies in social development.
  • •Analyze the role of religious agencies in refugee settlement and world peace.

Unit 5: Religion and Other Institutions

3 study hours
  • •Ascertain the relationship of religion with politics and the economy.
  • •Evaluate the extent of religion's influence on medicine and education.
  • •Analyze the social and psychological functions of religion.

Unit 6: Functions of Religion

3 study hours
  • •Mention and explain the social functions of religion
  • •Enumerate and discuss the psychological functions of religion

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events and figures discussed in each unit.

2

Compare and contrast the different approaches to studying religion.

3

Develop arguments for and against the various theories of religion's origin.

4

Practice defining key terms and concepts in your own words.

5

Review all self-assessment exercises and activities.

6

Focus on understanding the core characteristics of major world religions.

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