Religions of the World - Christianity

Syllabus

Topics

Assessment

Communication

Resources

Help

The study of the world’s religion is a lifelong journey.

The goal of the complete set of 'Religions of the World' Continuing Education Course is for you to grow in understanding and appreciation of the many faith communities in America. Religion is a basic building block for society worldwide and certainly in America. It is hoped that this course will unveil many of the hidden treasures of the world’s religions and carry you forward on your guest for knowledge and understanding

This course is designed to provide you with a study of one of the largest religions in the world - Christianity. The course will help you organize your thoughts and enable you to make intelligent judgments about the major forms of Christianity.

You will be introduced to each tradition by leading advocates; and you will be challenged to reflect critically on each, as well through the threaded discussion questions.

Your study of Christianity is one complete module divided into eight topics and studied across a six week period.

This course will bring the leading scholars and theologians of the major forms of Christianity in America right to you desktop computer through streaming media 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The course consist of over ten hours of video content for you to view during the next six weeks. To enhance your learning experience, there are extensive resources for each topic which include:

• Outlines in 'pdf' format,

• Links to major sites for reference,

• Statistics for both the world and America,

• Lists of major holy days,

• Glossary of major terms, and

• Timelines for both the world and America.

You also have self study Quizzes to assess your learning in each topic and Threaded Discussion questions where you can interact with other Continuing Education students.

The Objectivesof this course are for you to be able to: (top)

1. Define the term “religion” and describe the role religion plays in American society.

2. Analyze the development of the major forms of Eastern Religions and explain how they respond to specific human needs and cultural distinctives.

3. Compare and contrast the the forms of Eastern Religions especially as they are lived out in North America.

4. Compare and contrast the diverse belief systems, worship practices and governance structures within the different forms of Eastern Religions studied.

5. Make enlightened assessments about basic Eastern Religious concepts such as the divine, human purpose, the soul, etc.

6. Assess the influence of Eastern Religions on America’s culture.

7. Define “spirituality” and describe its role in human happiness.

TheFive Major Questionsto be covered in this course are: (top)

1. What is the Essence of each Eastern Religion?

2. How is Eastern Religion relevant to people’s lives today?

3. What is it like practicing an Eastern Religion in American Society today?

4. Why are there so many different expressions of Eastern Religions?

5. What is the projected future of Eastern Religion in America?

Week

Topic

Assessment Type

1

Introduction to Religions of the World

&

Religion in America

Self-Assessment Quiz

Threaded Discussion

2

Introduction to The Religions of India

3

Hinduism & Jainism

Self-Assessment Quiz

Threaded Discussion

4

Buddhism and Sikhism

Self-Assessment Quiz

Threaded Discussion

5

Religion of the Far East

Self-Assessment Quiz

Threaded Discussion

6

Spirituality in 21st Century America

Topics

Credits:
Course developed by:
Dr. James L. Catanzaro, President of Chattanooga State
Dr. Michael Krogman, Professor of Philosophy at Chattanooga State
Terry Brown, Instructor at Chattanooga State
Judy Lowe, Director of the Center for Distributed Education at Chattanooga State

Richard Payne, Coordinator - Multi Media for the Center for Distributed Education at Chattanooga State

Gary Rucker, Web Developer of the Center for Distributed Education at Chattanooga State