Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HUM 204 D100

Great Religious Texts (3)

Class Number: 2558

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HUM 130 is recommended.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Study of key works influencing major religious traditions. Primary texts illustrate core elements in the religious understanding of human life and its relationship to the sacred. May be repeated once for credit when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


This course will explore the power of sacred writing, and the importance and power of these texts in the world’s major religious traditions. We will begin with an exploration of the origin of the written word, idea that for many indigenous peoples the land itself is a kind of sacred text, the development of sacred cannons. We will discuss the range of critical and interpretive frameworks used to understand the origin and meaning of sacred texts. We will then move into a consideration of primary texts from ancient religion, Abrahamic traditions, Dharmic traditions, several North American new religious movements, and the possibility of ‘secular’ sacred texts. Students will be encouraged to consider the role of writing in their own lives and interpret and compare sacred texts across religious and literary traditions.   

This course will invite students to critically reflect on issues such as interpretive frameworks, how texts are used in everyday life, and the authenticity of texts and authorship. Students will also be invited to consider the power of texts as weapons in supporting caste-based, racist, ecocidal, or gender-based oppression and discrimination. In addition, opportunities for reflecting on the materiality of texts through exploration of paper making, calligraphy and bookbinding will be made available through field trips and workshops. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Familiarize oneself with the authoritative revealed texts of the world’s major religious traditions.  
  • Explore and engage in textual criticism and interpretation.  
  • Analyze the role texts have in religious and secular contexts.  
  • Discuss and engage with textuality, the physical presence of texts and scripts in the arts.  
  • Savor the beauty of calligraphy and writing systems as a spiritual practice through in person and optional workshops.  

Grading

  • Class Discussion Facilitator 20%
  • Textual Interpretation Short Essays (2x20%) 40%
  • Enthusiastic Participation (not including attendance) 10%
  • Final Essay 30%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

James Fieser and John Powers. Scriptures of the World's Religions. 7th Edition only.

Additional texts will be made available through Canvas.

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.