GB 5563 - World Religions (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation for the phenomenon of religion in general and of world religions in particular. The course will begin with an examination of the origin and practice of religion. The bulk of this course will focus on a survey of major religious systems-Tribal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is intended to introduce the study to the history, myths, beliefs, rituals and moral codes of the world’s major faiths. This course will also examine a few new religious movements with particular emphasis given to the growing influence of Eastern religious thought on the Western World and the language of Spirituality in contemporary culture.