PHIL 221 - Philosophy of World Religions

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 Contact Hours: [Reading Level 3 ]

This course is a survey of world religions and related philosophies. The exploration of thought, belief and religious practices from diverse cultures provides an opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of other traditions while drawing upon the universal experience of the inner person. In addition, this study includes an inquiry of global pursuits in understanding the purpose of life, the quest for truth, the search for reality and the experience of spirituality.
OFFERED: every semester

Course Goals/ Objectives/ Competencies:
Goal 1: Analyze Hinduism in oral or written form

Describe development and history
Describe significant figures in this religion
Explain principles (theology, philosophy, beliefs, etc.)
Describe the organization structure
Discuss the socio-political factors

Goal 2: Analyze Buddhism in oral or written form

Describe development and history
Describe significant figures in this religion
Explain principles (theology, philosophy, beliefs, etc.)
Describe the organization structure
Discuss the socio-political factors

Goal 3: Analyze Judaism in oral or written form

Describe development and history
Describe significant figures in this religion
Explain principles (theology, philosophy, beliefs, etc.)
Describe the organization structure
Discuss the socio-political factors

Goal 4: Analyze Islam in oral or written form

Describe development and history
Describe significant figures in this religion
Explain principles (theology, philosophy, beliefs, etc.)
Describe the organization structure
Discuss the socio-political factors

Goal 5: Analyze Christianity in oral or written form

Choose one of the following two options: Christianity will be addressed via the same methods as the other world religions delineated (above) or discuss Christianity as a comparison with each of the world religions (above) noting similarities and differences