Summer 2025 - HUM 130 OL01
Introduction to Religious Studies (3)
Class Number: 3288
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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 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.
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 Enthusias 10%
- Reflective Final Essay 30%
NOTES:
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 only (Oxford University Press, 2022). Digital can be purchased.
ISBN: 13 978 0197537688
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.