History 145: History of World Religions

Spring 2012

 

3 units; 3 hours lecture

Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 1A

Credit, degree applicable Transfer CSU, UC 

 

Section #2390 - M. and W. 11:15-12:40

Section #2388 - T. and TH. 9:30-10:55

Room: SOCS 205

 

Instructor: Dr. Florence M. Baker

Office: SOCS 116

Phone: (310) 532-3670 x3750

Office Hours: M. and W. 1:00-3:00 PM; T. and TH. 8:30-9:15 AM and by appointment

E-mail: fbaker@elcamino.edu

 

Course web site: http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/fbaker/History%2037/Index.htm

 

1. Course Description                                                                      

 

The History of World Religions is a survey of the origins, essential doctrines and historical development of the world’s major religious traditions from prehistory to today and their impact on the societies in which they appear. The course is divided into three parts: religions originating in India (Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism); religions originating in China (Daoism and Confucianism); and religions originating in the Middle East (Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam).

 

2. Course Overview

 

The purpose of this course is to assist you in acquiring the resources and analytical skills necessary to better understand, appreciate and evaluate the development of the major religions of the world and their impact in shaping contemporary life. Class materials include lectures, presentations, videos and assigned readings that will provide you with a basic framework of information. We will analyze these secondary sources as well as primary sources such as documents and cultural artifacts through class and group discussion and the writing of essay exams. In examining the past we will strive to identify and understand the broad patterns of religious thought and development as well as the role of religion in the history of global societies.

 

3. Required Text

 

Lewis M. Hopfe and Mark R. Woodward, Religions of the World, 12^th Edition, Vango Books/Pearson, 2012.

 

4. Course Objectives 

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

 

1. Define and analyze the basic characteristics and functions of religion, theories of the origins of religion, and the historical method utilized to study world religions.

2. Assess the evidence of prehistoric religions and their major characteristics.

3. Identify and analyze the major characteristics of Native American religions and the influence of Christianity and non-native cultures in their development.

4. Identify the major characteristics of Native African religions and assess the impact of Christianity and Islam as well as the experience of colonialism and independence on Africa's religious development.

5. Evaluate the pre-Aryan and Aryan contributions to the development of Hinduism in India and the basic beliefs of Hinduism as expressed in the early Vedic scriptures.

6. Analyze the challenges posed to Hindu traditions by the teachings of Jainism and Buddhism and the relations between Hindus and Muslims in India, and the practice of Hinduism in India today.

7. Explain the basic teachings of Mahavira and the major contribution of Jainism to world religious thought.

8. Discuss the life of Gautama, analyze his teachings and the development of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, and identify various Buddhist beliefs and practices today.

9. Analyze Sikhism as a syncretism including its historical development from a pacific movement to a more militant one, and its divisions today.

10. Analyze the traditional religious beliefs of China and how the decline of the feudal system contributed to the development of Confucianism and Taoism.

11. Explain and assess the basic teachings of Confucius and Lao-tzu, and the extent to which they developed into religions.

12. Analyze the impact of the Communist revolution and regime on religious development in China.

13. Examine and analyze the mythological basis of Shinto and its development in Japan, and the impact of Buddhism and Christianity on Shinto and its revival in the 17th century as a patriotic devotional expression.

14. Identify and evaluate the basic beliefs and practices of Zoroastrianism, its contributions to Middle Eastern religious traditions, and its present day status.

15. Discuss and analyze the origins, beliefs and values of Judaism as expressed in the Old Testament, and the impact of the Babylonian exile, diaspora and Holocaust on the development of Judaism.

16. Identify and explain the major divisions within modern Judaism.

17. Analyze the origins of Christianity in the context of first century Judaism and the Graeco-Roman World, and the early teachings and rituals of Christianity as indicated in the New Testament.

18. Discuss and evaluate the development of the Christian Church, differences between Eastern Orthodox and Western Christianity, and the impact of the Protestant Reformation.

19. Explain the significance of Vatican II and the ecumenical movement, and analyze Liberation Theology and fundamentalism as modern Christian movements.

20. Analyze the origins of Islam and its roots in Arab, Jewish and Christian religious traditions, as well as the major issues within Islam and the Muslim world today.

21. Analyze the Shi'ite origins of Baha'i and its major teachings and practices, and assess the significance of Baha'i in the modern world.

22. Identify and discuss contemporary religious trends and issues.
 

5. Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of History of World Religions, students will be able to develop and persuasively argue a historical thesis in a written assignment that identifies and explains major social, economic, political and/or cultural historical themes or patterns in the history of world religions and apply appropriate historical methods to analyze and use primary and/or secondary sources as evidence to support the thesis.

6. ADA Statement

 

El Camino College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. A student with a disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying herself/himself to the instructor and to the Special Resources Center. To make arrangements for academic accommodations, contact the Special Resources Center.

 

7. Course Requirements and Evaluations

 

You are required to complete all reading, writing and exam assignments. Your course grade is determined in the following ways:

 

1) Class participation that includes small group discussions and projects. Your participation in these activities is required and assignments are assessed to determine your understanding of course material and your progress towards achieving course goals, but a grade isn’t given for each assignment.

 

2) Chapter Quizzes for Assigned Textbook Reading

When you have finished reading a chapter, complete the Multiple Choice Quiz for the chapter and submit to the instructor by the due date. These quizzes will be distributed in class.

 

3) Two take home essay exams of about 4 to 5 pages each, typed and double-spaced. These exams are based on an analysis of course material including primary and secondary sources. The exams are evaluated and graded according to the following criteria:

 

Answer ------ Did you answer the question assigned? All parts?

Evidence ---- Are your statements supported with evidence from class materials such as readings and lectures?

Analysis ---- To what extent does your essay demonstrate your use of critical thinking? Is there depth to your analysis? Is your argument presented logically and convincingly? Does it show your ability to synthesize diverse material and concepts?

Expression - Is your essay coherent, well-organized and written with clarity? Is your use of grammar and spelling correct?

 

4) A short research paper of about 7 pages in length typed and double-spaced. In addition to the above criteria, the quality and use of your research materials and proper formatting of notes and bibliography using the University of Chicago Style are evaluated in determining your grade.