Master Syllabus PH1323, Survey of World Religions

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
Course Description
Survey of World Religions will provide students with an overview of the history, beliefs, practices, and evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as various indigenous religions and modern religious movements. The intent of the class is to develop an understanding and appreciation of religious pluralism and to engage students in an interfaith dialogue.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

Academic Year
AY2025-26
SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Outcome #7: Understand each other, moving beyond simple acceptance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of other cultures by working as a team to learn, engage communities, exhibit cultural awareness, and create equity.

Course Outcomes

Outcomes are in accordance with the 2019 Kansas Core Outcomes Project.

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

  1. Identify principal texts, central religious figures and ideas of major world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of beliefs, practices, and values of major world religions.
  3. Describe historical narratives and cultural expressions of major world religions.
  4. Analyze concepts and issues basic to the study of major world religions in a comparative framework.
  5. Explain the implications of beliefs and practices with respect to religions in a religiously diverse world.
  6. Evaluate definitions of religions.
Course Outline
  1. The Religious Response
  2. Indigenous Sacred Ways
  3. Far Eastern Religions
  4. Middle Eastern Religions
  5. New Religious Movements
  6. Religion at the Turn of the Century
Instructional Methods
  1. Lecture
  2. Class Discussion
  3. Videos
  4. Maps
  5. Other Audio Visuals
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Religious Texts and Textbook
  2. Various Handouts
  3. Power Point
  4. Audio Visual Aids
Methods of Assessment

Outcome 1.

Outcome 2.

Outcome 5.

Outcome 7.

  1. Tests
  2. Class Participation
  3. Written Assignments
  4. Written Assignments
  5. Class Participation
  6. Tests
  7. Written Assignments
  8. Class Participation
  9. Tests

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Core Outcomes Project
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet, or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents KRSN: REL1010