Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to concepts central to the academic study of religion exploring various relevant methodologies. Provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which humans experience the phenomenon of the sacred through symbol, ritual, doctrine and experience in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Students who have taken HUM 230 prior to 2007 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is offered online and asynchronously if you are interested in taking this course in person, see the D100 and D900 sections offered in fall and spring and Burnaby and Surrey campuses respectively.  

HUM 130: ‘Introduction to Religious Studies’, is both an introduction to the methods involved in the study of religion, and a survey of the major contours of the world’s major religious traditions. Through readings, group discussion and writing assignments we will explore the varieties of religious life.

This course provides a framework for understanding the many ways in which human beings experience the Holy through story, practice, symbol, ritual and doctrine. It is also an exploration of the ways that religion is entangled with the worlds of culture, geography, society and politics.

Starting with a history of the definitions, concepts and methods used in the study of religion we will define and problematize the term ‘religion.’ Then we will move into a survey of the major religious traditions of our contemporary world. We will conclude the course with a conversation about the relationship of religion with science, gender, feminism, politics, and the environment. We will also speculate on the future of religion in our complex and changing world.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: