Manchester Community College
Course Content Outline
Course Number: PHIL 215 Course Title: World Religions
Theory Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Credits:3 Prerequisites: none
Department: Philosophy(Humanities) Date: September 2006
Program: Liberal Arts Prepared by: J. Clouatre
Catalog Description: World Religions
The course is an introduction to the major religions of the world. The origins, core beliefs, traditions and practices will be discussed. The purpose of the course is to understand and appreciate the various religious theories and practices by focusing on key texts, figures and ideas. The approach will strive to be descriptive, not prescriptive. Students will gain initial exposure to the structure and world-view of the religions covered. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism will be covered. Additional religions may also be included based on instructor and student interest (African, Native American and new wave, Taoism, Confucianism, Baha’I, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, etc.). (Fulfills Humanities requirement.)
Course Objectives: To broaden understanding of the world’s religions
To provide a forum for an exchange on the meaning of religion in people’s lives
To become acquainted with the theories about the origins and development of
religion
To enable students to see parallels as well as differences in religious thought in today’s world..
To describe the theoretical, practical and social expressions of religion
To foster critical thinking, writing and speaking skills
Required Text(s): Ellwood, Robert and McGraw, Barbara. Many People Many Faiths 6th edition Prentice Hall
1999 ISBN 0-130-10735-2
or
Hopfe and Woodward. Religions of the World 8th ed. Prentice Hall 2001
ISBN 0-13-028254-5 (companion website)
or
Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions 4th edition Prentice Hall 1999
ISBN 0-13-011994-6 (companion website)
or similar text
Course Number: Course Title:
Outline of Content be Covered:
Why are there religions, basic terminology
Indigenous religions
Hinduism
Jainism
Buddhism
Taosim, Confucianism, Shintoism
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
New movements
Religious pluralism
(other religions may also be covered)
For each of the major religions- origins, founding figures, excerpts from sacred texts, modern principles, holy days and selected traditions will be covered. The goal will be to have students able to see parallels and differences.
Required Methods of Evaluation:
Other Possible Performance Based Measures: It is expected the course will include guest lecturers and/or
field trips representing various religions. Students would then be required to discuss their reactions to those people/places. How this is accomplished is up to the instructors.
Exams (in-class or take home)
Research papers
Journals
Comparison papers on basic tenents
Visit/interview with someone of a different faith.
Summary papers of pertinent articles
Attend public lectures
Attend a service and then explain if it did/did not fit with
the “academic” description
Visit (or at least view) some art exhibits and discuss how they represent some religious tradition