Course Snapshot for PHI114 - Comparative Religions
The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.
Course Competencies
The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:
- Explain the difference between different definitions of “religion.”
- Differentiate between arguments of where religion came from.
- Demonstrate the difference between religious studies, philosophy of religion, and theology.
- Develop the ability to use religious studies as a “lens” for looking at a culture.
- Critique different methodological approaches used in the study of religions.
- Discuss how religion can be defined as a cultural system.
- Develop the ability to speak and write critically about religion in such a way as to present a nuanced argument that contextualizes religious traditions and religious people in a way appropriate to a complex historical understanding.
- Develop an understanding of the history, major figures, significant texts, and modern contexts for both Eastern and Western religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Bahá’í.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the modern religious context, including new religious movements, globalization, revitalization movements, and sectarianism.
- Recognize and interpret religious symbolism.
- Develop critical thinking through an analysis of religious phenomena.
- Demonstrate improved ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
- Acknowledge the consequences of violating the CCCOnline Academic Integrity Policy.
Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies
Module 1 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic religious studies terms and concepts relating to the nature & origin of religion, and to indigenous religions. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Explain and discuss various definitions of religion, and differences between religious studies, philosophy of religion & theology. | 1, 3 |
| Discuss and critically analyze arguments re: the origin & nature of religion, and various methodological approaches to its study. | 2, 5 |
| Discuss and critically analyze how religions may be understood as cultural systems, and how religious studies can be a “lens” for looking at cultures. | 4, 6 |
| Discuss and explain religious beliefs & practices in indigenous cultures. | 4, 7, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 2 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic Hindu terms and concepts. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss the origins and historical development of Hinduism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze Hindu scriptures, beliefs and practices. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss, compare and contrast the major sects or branches of Hinduism today. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Compare/contrast early & later forms of Hinduism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 3 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic Jain & Buddhist terms and concepts. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss the origins and historical development of Jainism & Buddhism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze Jain & Buddhist scriptures, beliefs, and practices. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss, compare and contrast the major sects or branches of Jainism & Buddhism today. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Compare/contrast Jainism & Buddhism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 4 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic Daoist, Confucian & Shinto terms and concepts. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss the origins and historical development of Daoism, Confucianism & Shinto. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze Daoist, Confucian & Shinto scriptures, beliefs, and practices. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss, compare and contrast the major sects or branches of Daoism, Confucianism & Shinto today. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Compare/contrast Daoism, Confucianism & Shinto. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 5 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic Zoroastrian, Jewish & Christian terms and concepts. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss the origins and historical development of Zoroastrianism, Judaism & Christianity. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze Zoroastrian, Jewish & Christian scriptures, beliefs, and practices. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss, compare and contrast the major sects or branches of Zoroastrianism, Judaism & Christianity today. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Compare/contrast Zoroastrianism, Judaism & Christianity. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 6 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic Islamic & Sikh terms and concepts. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss the origins and historical development of Islam & Sikhism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze Islamic & Sikh scriptures, beliefs, and practices. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss, compare and contrast the major sects or branches of Islam & Sikhism today. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Compare/contrast Islam & Sikhism. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Module 7 Learning Outcomes |
Mapped to Course Competencies (above) |
| Identify and define basic religious studies terms and concepts relating to new religious movements & contemporary religious challenges & changes. | 8 |
| Explain and discuss representative new religious movements, such as Baha’i. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze contemporary globalization, revitalization, and sectarian movements. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and critically analyze the relation between religion & modernity, and trends & influences re: the future of religion. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
| Discuss and evaluate how new religious movements constitute responses to contemporary religious developments & modern trends or challenges. | 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 |
Course Time Commitment and Expectations
For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10 and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.
Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):
| Assignment | Points |
|---|---|
Discussions (7 @ 20 points each) |
140 |
Quizzes (7 @ 15 points each) |
105 |
Essays (7 @ 20 points each) |
140 |
| TOTAL | 385 |
CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment
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