Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course will introduce students to philosophical issues arising with respect to a wide variety of religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Taoism, as well as indigenous traditions. Students will critically examine diverse claims about the nature of religion and religious experience, the existence of God, the character of ultimate reality, the relationship between religion and science, and other topics. This course may involve site visits to local religious communities.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Approaches to the study of religion
2. What is a “world religion”?
3. “Abrahamic” and “Dharmic” faiths
4. China’s “Three Teachings”
5. Local and folk traditions
6. Problems with classification
7. Views of ultimate reality
   1. Naturalism
   2. Theism
   3. Alternative views
8. Knowledge of ultimate reality
9. Proofs and refutations
10. Religious experience
11. Humanism, science, and miracles
12. The problem of evil
13. Immortality and the afterlife
14. Tolerance and religious pluralism

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Describe how social and geographic environment influence religious belief
2. Compare and contrast the treatment of philosophical issues within different religious traditions
3. Provide cogent arguments for/against controversial religious claims
4. Identify factors that can lead to religious conflicts
5. Define major concepts and terminology in the philosophy of religion.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6/Humanities, the Arts, Literature and Philosophy

The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

Goal 8/Global Perspectives.

The student will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements, which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious, and linguistic differences.
3. Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Objective quizzes and tests
• Written tests and quizzes
• Journals
• Research papers
• Responses to site visits
• Community service projects
• In-class presentations

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity

Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None