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ISL313Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to World Religions

This course introduces students to the diverse landscape of world religions. It explores the meaning, aims, and objectives of religion, tracing the historical origins of various faiths. Students will examine the beliefs, customs, sizes, and functions of religions, including African Traditional Religion. The course also investigates the impact of religion on society and the relationship between humanity and religion, fostering an understanding of peaceful coexistence.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

World ReligionsComparative ReligionReligious StudiesAfrican Traditional ReligionIslam

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

Meaning and Concepts of Religion

2

Aims and Objectives of Religion

3

Origin of Religion

4

Major World Religions

5

Beliefs and Customs of World Religions

6

African Traditional Religion

7

Functions of Religion

8

Impact of Religion on Society

9

Humanity and Religion

Total Topics9 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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Affairs Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Interfaith Relations Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Sensitivity Trainer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationSocial ServicesGovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsInternational Relations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Concepts of Religion

2 study hours

•Define religion and differentiate it from related concepts.
•Discuss the origin of the term 'religion' and its evolution.
•Identify and analyze various concepts of religion from sociological, experiential, and Islamic perspectives.

Week

2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Aims and Objectives of Religion

2 study hours

•Identify and explain the general aims of religion.
•Discuss the specific aims of major world religions.
•Analyze the role of religion in guiding human behavior and fostering social harmony.

Week

3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Origin of Religion

2 study hours

•Explain the various theories about the origin of religion.
•Discuss the role of fear, magic, and social factors in the development of religious beliefs.
•Compare polytheism, pantheism, and monotheism.

Week

4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Origin of some Specific World Religions I

2 study hours

•Describe the origin and development of Buddhism, including the biography of Siddhartha Gautama.
•Explain the key concepts of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Week

5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Origin of some Specific World Religions II

2 study hours

•Describe the origin and development of Hinduism, including its core beliefs and practices.
•Explain the concept of Brahman and the Trimurti.
•Discuss the caste system and its impact on Hindu society.

Week

6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Origin of some specific world religions III

2 study hours

•Explain the origin and development of Taoism and Confucianism.
•Discuss the key concepts of Taoism, such as the Tao and Wu-Wei.
•Analyze the ethical and social teachings of Confucius.

Week

7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Major Religions of the World

2 study hours

•Discuss the origin of Judaism and the role of Abraham and Moses.
•Explain the key beliefs and practices of Judaism, such as the Ten Commandments and the Torah.

Week

8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Beliefs and Customs of some World Religions

2 study hours

•Discuss the origin of Christianity and the role of Jesus Christ.
•Explain the key beliefs and practices of Christianity, such as the Holy Trinity and the sacraments.
•Analyze the role of Paul in the development of Christian theology.

Week

9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Notes on the size of some specific World Religions I

2 study hours

•Discuss the origin of Islam and the role of Prophet Muhammad.
•Explain the key beliefs and practices of Islam, such as the Five Pillars and the Quran.
•Analyze the concept of Islam as a continuation of previous prophetic traditions.

Week

10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Notes on the size of some specific World Religions II

2 study hours

•Explain the origin and characteristics of African Traditional Religion (ATR).
•Discuss the beliefs, rituals, and practices of ATR, such as ancestor veneration and divination.
•Analyze the role of ATR in African societies.

Week

11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Practice and Rituals in African Traditional Religion

2 study hours

•Describe the practices and rituals in African Traditional Religion.
•Explain the role of priests, healers, and diviners in ATR.
•Analyze the significance of sacred places and objects in ATR.

Week

12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Functions of Religion

2 study hours

•Discuss the various functions of religion in society.
•Explain the role of religion in providing meaning, social cohesion, and social control.
•Analyze the relationship between religion and ethics.

Week

13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 3: Impact of Religion in the life of a Society

2 study hours

•Analyze the positive and negative impacts of religion on society.
•Discuss the role of religion in promoting peace, justice, and social change.
•Examine the causes and consequences of religious conflict.

Unit 4: Relationship of humanity with Religion

2 study hours

•Explore the relationship between humanity and religion.
•Discuss the role of religion in shaping human values, beliefs, and behaviors.
•Analyze the concept of religious freedom and its importance in a diverse society.

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a comparative chart summarizing the origins, beliefs, and practices of each major religion covered in the course.

2

Focus on understanding the key concepts and terminology associated with each religion.

3

Practice essay questions that require you to analyze the impact of religion on society and culture.

4

Review the tutor-marked assignments and identify areas where you need further clarification.

5

Form study groups to discuss and debate different perspectives on religious issues.

6

Pay special attention to the units on African Traditional Religion, as they may require more in-depth understanding.

7

Develop a timeline of major events in the history of each religion to help you remember key dates and figures.

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