Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HUM 204 D100

Great Religious Texts (3)

Class Number: 4451

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: 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 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 and ask what makes a text sacred. As we do this, we will also discuss the range of critical and interpretive frameworks used to understand the origin and meaning of sacred texts. We will then discuss the idea that for many indigenous peoples the land itself is a kind of sacred text. We will then explore the development and themes of the world’s most sacred scriptures and their role in religious communities. 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.

Grading

  • Weekly Critical Reading Reflections 20%
  • In Class Topical Discussant Facilitation x 2 20%
  • Interpretive Essays x2 30%
  • Final Exam 20%
  • Free Writing Journal Summary 10%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

James Fieser and John Powers. Scriptures of the World's Religions. 6th Edition.
ISBN: ‎978-1259907920

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

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.