Introduction to World Religions

A survey of the major religious traditions of the world. Emphasis is placed upon the theologies, religious practices, and ethical teachings of the faiths studied. The course will begin with an inquiry into the nature of religion and religious belief, and then survey ancient religions, primarily those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. The course will then turn to the major Eastern (Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, and Confucianism) and Western (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) religions. Some time will also be spent on Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, and African religions.