Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HUM 130 OL01

Introduction to Religious Studies (3)

Class Number: 2556

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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 engagement, in a variety of religious traditions and cultures. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

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

This course provides a framework for understanding the many ways human beings experience the Holy (sacred) through story, practice, symbol, ritual and doctrine. The course is also an exploration into the ways that religion breaks into the everyday world of society and politics in the modern and post-modern eras. 

Starting with a history of the concepts and methods used in the study of religion mostly from a Western academic perspective, we will define and problematize the term ‘religion.’ Then we will move into a survey of the major traditions of organized religion. We will conclude the course with a survey of New Religious Movements and a broader conversation about the relationship between religion, modernity and secularism. We will also speculate on the future of religion in a complex and changing world. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Define and problematize the terms religion and spirituality. 
  • Become familiar with the core methods employed in the study of religion. 
  • Become proficient in key concepts in the study of religions. 
  • Increase awareness of the world’s diverse religious traditions. 
  • Cultivate the ability to engage and understand the perspectives of various religious traditions on their own terms. 
  • Develop critical reading, critical thinking and writing skills. 

Grading

  • Religious Literacy Quizzes 30%
  • Weekly Reading Reflections and Roundtable Discussion Participation 30%
  • Roundtable Discussion Participation Enthusiasm 10%
  • Reflective Final Essay 30%

NOTES:

This version of the course is online and asynchronous. If you are interested in taking this course in person, see the D100 and D900 sections offered in fall and spring at Burnaby and Surrey campuses respectively.  

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Esposito, John L., Darrell J. Fasching, and Todd T. Lewis, World Religions Today. Seventh Edition (Oxford University Press, 2021). ***No other editions please.***   
  • You have three options: Check out the reserve copies of the textbook from the library, purchase a hard copy of the textbook (new or used), or purchase a digital rental version through the SFU Bookstore. 
  • Pg. # references used from any PDF version and cited in your Roundtable Discussions will be marked with an automatic zero until you get the correct edition of the textbook.  
  • Do not purchase digital versions of the textbook anywhere other than the SFU bookstore. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.