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CRS202Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Comparative Study Of Religions

This course provides a comparative study of major world religions. It explores the nature, beliefs, sacred writings, and practices of Asianitic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism), Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Bahaism), and African Traditional Religion. The course also examines religious dialogue and its importance in fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence in diverse societies, particularly within the African context.

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Comparative ReligionWorld ReligionsReligious DialogueAfrican ReligionAbrahamic Religions

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

Comparative Religion

2

Asianitic Religions

3

Abrahamic Religions

4

African Traditional Religion

5

Religious Dialogue

6

Theology

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 Assignments

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 Studies Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Interfaith Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Affairs Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationDiplomacyJournalismNon-profitReligious Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Comparative Religion

2 study hours
  • Define comparative religion
  • Discuss the goals of religion
  • Explain approaches to studying religion
Week
2

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

3h

Unit 2: Hinduism

3 study hours
  • Study Hindu scriptures
  • Explain the caste system
  • Discuss basic concepts in Hinduism
Week
3

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

3h

Unit 3: Buddhism

3 study hours
  • Explain the Four Truths
  • Discuss the Eight-Fold Path
  • Analyze concepts rejected by Buddha
Week
4

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 4: Shintoism

2 study hours
  • Describe varieties of Shinto
  • Explain Shinto mythology
  • Discuss Shinto worship and festivals
Week
5

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 5: Confucianism

2 study hours
  • Discuss themes in Confucian thought
  • Study Confucian texts
  • Analyze Confucianism as a religion
Week
6

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 6: Zoroastrianism

2 study hours
  • Explain basic beliefs of Zoroastrianism
  • Discuss religious texts
  • Analyze death rituals
Week
7

Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 7: Taoism

2 study hours
  • Describe Taoism categories
  • Explain Taoist beliefs and practices
  • Discuss Taoist theology
Week
8

Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

3h

Unit 1: Judaism

3 study hours
  • Explain Jewish distinctiveness
  • Discuss central doctrines of Judaism
  • Analyze Jewish festivals
Week
9

Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 2: Christianity From Early Formation to the Church of the Early Middle Ages (474 – 800)

2 study hours
  • Explain early Christianity formation
  • Discuss worship of Jesus
  • Analyze post-apostolic church
Week
10

Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 3: Christianity From Protestant Reformation to Ecumenism Era (1521 – 79)

2 study hours
  • Explain Christianity from Protestant Reformation
  • Discuss Ecumenism Era
Week
11

Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

3h

Unit 4: Islam

3 study hours
  • Explain the life of Prophet Muhammad
  • Discuss Islamic beliefs
  • Analyze the Five Pillars of Islam
Week
12

Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

2h

Unit 5: Bahaism

2 study hours
  • Explain the spread of Bahaism
  • Discuss religious and social tenets
  • Analyze organization of Bahaism
Week
13

MODULE 3: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

9h

Unit 1: African Traditional Religion: From Early Formation to the Technological Development in the society

3 study hours
  • Discuss African Traditional Religion formation
  • Explain terminologies
  • Analyze roles of religion in society

Unit 2: Nature of African Traditional Religion

3 study hours
  • Explain nature of African Traditional Religion
  • Discuss divinities
  • Analyze witchcraft and sorcery

Unit 3: Religious Dialogue

3 study hours
  • Explain the need for religious dialogue
  • Discuss factors for effective dialogue
  • Analyze areas of cooperation

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a comparative chart summarizing key beliefs of each religion

2

Focus on understanding the historical context of each religion's development

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different religious perspectives

4

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness

5

Develop a timeline of major events in the history of each religion

6

Form study groups to discuss and debate key concepts and theories

7

Pay close attention to the sections on religious dialogue and its importance

8

Create concept maps linking different religious traditions and their common themes

9

Practice explaining complex religious concepts in simple terms

10

Allocate specific study time for each module and unit

11

Prioritize understanding the core beliefs and practices of each religion

12

Use flashcards to memorize key terms and definitions

13

Review past exam papers to get familiar with the question format

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