This course is an introduction
to world religions, and to the religious traditions of the world such as
African religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Judaism,
Christianity and Islam and other religions. Primal or “oral” religions will
also be studied and contrasted with “historical” religions. The course examines
the historical evolution, the fundamental doctrines and beliefs, the practices,
institutions and cultural expressions of these religious traditions. Special
emphasis will be placed on how people have lived out their religious beliefs
through ritual, relationships, and community life. The course also deals with
some of the essential differences and similarities which exist among each
religious tradition, and points to the uniqueness of each of them.