Religious Studies 001: World Religions
Religion is a curious subject for academic study: It is a topic that touches upon our deeply held personal beliefs, often forcing us to examine our sense of how we define ourselves, and how we look upon others. It is a subject that has excited and engaged people since the beginning of human history. Religion has led people to profound philosophical and ethical insights, but it has also been the cause for many bloody wars throughout ages and cultures. The power that religions hold over humans and how it affects our behavior is on daily display in newspaper and television reports, especially since the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
What will I learn in this course?
Religious Studies 001 is an historical and comparative survey of the principal beliefs and practices of the world's major religions. At the end of the course, you will be able to:
- study the diverse religious traditions of the world in a scholarly manner
- describe how individual religious traditions operate as self-sufficient intellectual systems, complete with their own characteristic logical and philosophical foundations
- identify the intellectual foundations of different religious systems which contribute to the development of specific beliefs and rituals within a particular religious culture
- describe the specific social and historical contexts within which individual traditions may have evolved
- distinguish some of the major scriptures and learn how they are experienced by the religious communities themselves (hear recordings of scriptural passages as read or sung within the context of a religious ceremony)
- discuss the relevance of religion in modern life, and be aware of the diversity of religious perspectives in modern civic society
- show what religious tolerance may mean in an increasingly diverse American society of the twenty- first century
- engage in a well-informed conversation on the diversity of religious beliefs and their underlying foundations
This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course also meets the General Education Humanities (GH) requirements, the United States Cultures (US) requirements, the International Cultures (IL) requirements. See your advisor if you have questions about how this course can be used in your program of study.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
No specific classes are required before taking RLST 001: Religious Studies 001.
I've never taken an online course before. What is it like?
This course is taught completely online. We'll use Penn State's course management system, ANGEL, for RLST 001, and you will be able to communicate with the professor and your classmates through chat, e-mail, and threaded discussions within ANGEL.
You do not need to come to campus at any time, and you do not need a proctor or remote testing site.
However, an online course is not easier than on-campus course. In fact, it takes a lot more self-discipline. You must be willing and able to commit the same amount of time as you would for attending class and studying for a traditional course. You must also be a motivated, organized student who feels confident about reading to learn and who is comfortable working independently. If you're wondering whether an online course is right for you, take this short survey to find out more about how online learning is different.
What are the technological requirements for this course?
- have access to a computer that meets the ANGEL technological requirements.
- be comfortable with navigating the Internet
How is the course structured?
RLST 001 has 3 modules. Modules 1 and 3 introduce and wrap up the course. You'll write a short reaction paper about the readings in these modules, and submit it through ANGEL.
You'll spend most of your time in Module 2, which is divided into three units to examine different religious philosophies. There are 11 lessons in this module. You'll be required to submit answers to a short list of test questions at the end of each lesson. There will be assigned test dates when your responses are due.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about RLST 001 Online, see a recent course syllabus. To register, visit the Office of the University Registrar. At the beginning of each semester, all enrolled students should access RLST 001 at the site of Penn State's course management system, ANGEL.
Why Study Religions?
The predisposition to religious belief is the most complex and powerful force in the human mind."
- Edward O. Wilson, Professor of Zoology, Harvard University quoted in Wall Street Journal, Millenium Edition.
"It is not possible for humanity to live in a world without any focus, and will to order orientation is fundamental in the human nature."
-Huston Smith, Professor of Religion, University of California, Berkeley
"Religions are many and diverse, but reason and goodness are one."
-Elbert Hubbard The Roycroft Dictionary and Book of Epigrams, 1923
"Religion is the recognition of all our duties as divine commands"
-Immanuel Kant
"The religious is any activity pursued in behalf of an ideal end against obstacles and in spite of threats of personal loss because of its general and enduring value."
-John Dewey
"Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is."
-Mohandas K. Gandhi
"Religion, whatever it is, is a man's total reaction upon life"
-William James The Varieties of Religious Experience, 1902