GEK1045 Introduction to World Religions
This course offers an introductory survey of major religious traditions of the world, with specific focus on
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. We will examine the historical
development of each tradition, along with its sacred texts, basic philosophical ideas, patterns of ritual and worship, and
specialized institutions. Our goal is to provide an objective understanding of each faith tradition in its own terms, and
secondarily, to explore how religion is relevant to contemporary social, political and cultural issues. This is an introductory
course which presumes no prior experience in religious studies.