HUMN 1700 - Comparative Religions

Credit Hours: 3.00

Prerequisites: None

The course begins by exploring the dimensions and functions of religion in the lives of human beings. Then basic beliefs of a variety of eastern and western religions are surveyed and discussed, noting similarities and differences among these traditions. Field trips to a variety of religious services supplement classroom lecture and discussion.

Billable Contact Hours: 3

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OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES
Outcome 1: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the major characteristics of five world 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 studied.

Objectives:

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

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the ritual practices and gathering places of the religions studied.

Objectives:

Attend 3 of 5 field trips to various religious locations.
Compose response papers that reflect understanding of activities and rituals witnesses.

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
Hinduism: Historical periods and development
Hinduism: Major concepts and beliefs
Hinduism: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles

Test 1

Buddhism: Historical periods and development
Buddhism: Major concepts and beliefs
Buddhism: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles

Test 2

Judaism: Historical periods and development
Judaism: Major concepts and beliefs
Judaism: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles

Test 3

Christianity: Historical periods and development
Christianity: Major concepts and beliefs
Christianity: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles

Test 4

Islam: Historical periods and development
Islam: Major concepts and beliefs
Islam: Contemporary movements, life and year cycles
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