HUMN 2000 - Introduction to Asian Religions & Culture

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: None

The religious traditions of India, China and Japan form the backdrop for studying the impact of religion on community and culture. Special focus will be on the interaction of religion with community life and social change in the twentieth century.

Billable Contact Hours: 3

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Transfer Possibilities
Michigan Transfer Network (MiTransfer) - Utilize this website to easily search how your credits transfer to colleges and universities.

OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to describe the major characteristics of Asian religions.

Objectives:

Identify and discuss major themes in the religions studied.
Identify and discuss core beliefs of the religions studied.
Describe and discuss aspects of the year and life cycle of adherents of the religions studied.
Discuss the development of the religions studied in a historical context.
Discuss customs and habits associated with religion and explain how they reflect the society.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to compare and contrast the religions and cultures studied.

Objectives:

Identify fundamental similarities and differences between ideas like: afterlife, evil, the human condition, etc.
Describe how particular religious and cultural concepts are reinforced by the history or structure of the religion.
Identify and discuss different approaches to current events and contemporary topics within the cultures studied.
Discuss the impact Western society has had on traditional views and values in the religions/cultures studied.

COMMON DEGREE OUTCOMES (CDO)
• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

CDO marked YES apply to this course:
Communication: YES
Critical Thinking: YES
Global Literacy: YES
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Week Topic

Orientation: Syllabus and course overview
Brief introduction to the study of religion and theories of study
India and Hinduism: Historical periods and development
Hinduism: Major concepts and beliefs
India: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles. Politics and religion

Test 1

China - Ancient history and philosophical trends
China - Confucianism
China - Taoism
Japan - Ancient history and philosophy
Japan - Shinto
Japan - Religion and the Arts
Japan - Shinto and the State
China and Japan - Comparison of thought
Buddhism: Historical periods and development
Buddhism: Major concepts and beliefs
Buddhism: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles
Final comparisons and evaluation of Asian culture and religion
Final Exam

Primary Faculty
Messana, Jason
Secondary Faculty

Associate Dean
Ternullo, Annette
Dean
Pritchett, Marie

Official Course Syllabus - Macomb Community College, 14500 E 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088