Comparative Study Of Religions
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 162 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS202, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS202 · Unit 1: CONCEPT OF COMPARATIVE RELIGION.
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:- - Explain the goals of religion in man life. - Acknowledge the cause for many religions of the world. - Explain what comparative religion all about. - Imbibe the mechanism for studying religion.
What you should be able to do
- Compare and contrast major world religions
- Analyze the historical development of religious traditions
- Evaluate the impact of religion on society and culture
- Understand the principles of interreligious dialogue
- Apply critical thinking skills to religious studies
- Demonstrate knowledge of key religious concepts and practices
What it prepares you for
- Religious Studies Teacher
- Interfaith Relations Officer
- Cultural Affairs Specialist
- Religious Journalist
- Theologian
- Education
- Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Non-profit
- Religious Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 3: Christianity From Protestant Reformation to Ecumenism Era (1521 – 79)
Requires understanding of complex theological developments and historical contexts.
- Module 3: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Unit 2: Nature of African Traditional Religion
Requires understanding of diverse cultural contexts and belief systems.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 37 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 1: Concept of Comparative Religion · 2 hours
Define comparative religion. Discuss the goals of religion. Explain approaches to studying religion.
- Week 2Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 2: Hinduism · 3 hours
Study Hindu scriptures. Explain the caste system. Discuss basic concepts in Hinduism.
- Week 3Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 3: Buddhism · 3 hours
Explain the Four Truths. Discuss the Eight-Fold Path. Analyze concepts rejected by Buddha.
- Week 4Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 4: Shintoism · 2 hours
Describe varieties of Shinto. Explain Shinto mythology. Discuss Shinto worship and festivals.
- Week 5Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 5: Confucianism · 2 hours
Discuss themes in Confucian thought. Study Confucian texts. Analyze Confucianism as a religion.
- Week 6Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 6: Zoroastrianism · 2 hours
Explain basic beliefs of Zoroastrianism. Discuss religious texts. Analyze death rituals.
- Week 7Module 1: ASIANITIC RELIGIONS
Unit 7: Taoism · 2 hours
Describe Taoism categories. Explain Taoist beliefs and practices. Discuss Taoist theology.
- Week 8Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 1: Judaism · 3 hours
Explain Jewish distinctiveness. Discuss central doctrines of Judaism. Analyze Jewish festivals.
- Week 9Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 2: Christianity From Early Formation to the Church of the Early Middle Ages (474 – 800) · 2 hours
Explain early Christianity formation. Discuss worship of Jesus. Analyze post-apostolic church.
- Week 10Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 3: Christianity From Protestant Reformation to Ecumenism Era (1521 – 79) · 2 hours
Explain Christianity from Protestant Reformation. Discuss Ecumenism Era.
- Week 11Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 4: Islam · 3 hours
Explain the life of Prophet Muhammad. Discuss Islamic beliefs. Analyze the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Week 12Module 2: ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Unit 5: Bahaism · 2 hours
Explain the spread of Bahaism. Discuss religious and social tenets. Analyze organization of Bahaism.
- Week 13MODULE 3: AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE
Unit 1: African Traditional Religion: From Early Formation to the Technological Development in the society · 3 hours
Discuss African Traditional Religion formation. Explain terminologies. Analyze roles of religion in society.
Unit 2: Nature of African Traditional Religion · 3 hours
Explain nature of African Traditional Religion. Discuss divinities. Analyze witchcraft and sorcery.
Unit 3: Religious Dialogue · 3 hours
Explain the need for religious dialogue. Discuss factors for effective dialogue. Analyze areas of cooperation.
Preparing for the exam
- Create a comparative chart summarizing key beliefs of each religion
- Focus on understanding the historical context of each religion's development
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different religious perspectives
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness
- Develop a timeline of major events in the history of each religion
- Form study groups to discuss and debate key concepts and theories
- Pay close attention to the sections on religious dialogue and its importance
- Create concept maps linking different religious traditions and their common themes
- Practice explaining complex religious concepts in simple terms
- Allocate specific study time for each module and unit
- Prioritize understanding the core beliefs and practices of each religion
- Use flashcards to memorize key terms and definitions
- Review past exam papers to get familiar with the question format
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS202 about?
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.
How many units does CRS202 have?
CRS202, Comparative Study Of Religions, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 162 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS202?
CRS202 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is CRS202 hard?
CRS202 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS202 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is CRS202 assessed?
CRS202 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS202?
Religious Studies Teacher, Interfaith Relations Officer, Cultural Affairs Specialist, Religious Journalist and Theologian.