Introduction To The Study Of Religion

1. Define religion from multiple perspectives
2. Identify core characteristics of religious traditions
3. Compare different approaches to the study of religion
4. Evaluate theories on the origin of religion
5. Analyze the role of religion in society
6. Understand the concept of religious pluralism

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Etymology, Problems and Perspectives in the Study of Religion · 3 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..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: Defining Religion: What Is Religion? · 3 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..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Common Characteristics or Features Of Religious Traditions · 3 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..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Approaches to The Study of Religion · 3 hours

     Compare historical, literary, and comparative approaches.. Analyze psychological and philosophical approaches.. Examine sociological approaches and the role of data..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Religious Studies as An Academic Discipline · 3 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..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Requirements for The Study of Religion · 3 hours

     Discuss the human requirements for studying religion: openness, objectivity, caution, carefulness.. Identify material requirements: writing materials, tape recorder, video recorder..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Problems in The Study of Religion · 3 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..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Theories of Origin of Religion · 3 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..

9. Week 9Module 2:

   • Unit 5: Religious Pluralism · 3 hours

     Examine religious pluralism, diversity, and tolerance.. Discuss conditions for religious pluralism.. Analyze religious diversity and justified beliefs.. Explore religious diversity in public education..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 1: World Religious Traditions I · 3 hours

      Discuss the historical background of Hinduism.. Explain the features of Hinduism: Brahman, reincarnation, karma, yoga.. Analyze the social dimensions of Hinduism..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 2: World Religious Traditions II · 3 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..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Structure of Religion · 3 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..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Religious Agencies and Specialists · 3 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 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 hours

      Mention and explain the social functions of religion. Enumerate and discuss the psychological functions of religion.