Week 1

Week 1 Content

Be sure to review the course Syllabus, identify course assignments, and plan ahead for five (5) very full weeks!   
 
Week 1 Objectives:
 Through assigned readings, writing, and discussion, the student will be able to:
  • Articulate a definition of religion 
  • Define the basic terms needed to understand each religion
  • Identify the 8 elements of a religion according to the text

Readings

Textbook(s): 

Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change (Molloy)
  • Preface
  • Chapter 1 - "Experiencing the World's Religions"
    • Consider the following as you read Chapter 1:
      • What 8 elements are manifested in varying degrees in all religions (pg 4)
      • What is the definition of religion according to world religion scholars?
      • What different disciplines are employed in the study of religion?
      • What is the value of studying other religious traditions? 
  • Look over the "time lines" inside the covers.
  • Note the Key Terms and Definitions listed at the end of each chapter.    
Key Terms for Chapter 1:

Animism, Atheism, Immanent, Transcendent, Polytheism