| Course ID: | RELI 2012. 3 hours. |
| Course Title: | Asian Religions in America |
Course
Description: | Examination of the diverse religious affiliations and identities of Asian Americans in North America. An interdisciplinary analysis of religious traditions, migration/diaspora experience, and contemporary issues, while grounding this knowledge in the Asian American cultures and socio-historical contexts that have influenced both continuity and change. |
| Oasis Title: | Asian Religions in America |
| Duplicate Credit: | Not open to students with credit in RELI 2012H |
| Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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| Course Objectives: | • To improve students’ skills and level of cultural competence
• To learn about Asian American cultures and religions and develop religious literacy
• To encourage active dialogues in which students can ask questions and correct misconceptions and misunderstandings
• To learn to identify and deconstruct stereotypes through the academic study of religion
• In a congenial and respectful learning environment, the course seeks to engage students in a meaningful guided discussion that fosters belonging and cultural awareness |
| Topical Outline: | 1. The Academic Study of Religion
2. Who are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)?
3. Colonialism/Post-colonialism
"Orientalism"
4. Survey of Asian-American Immigration Pre/post-1965
5. Religion and Culture: South Asian Traditions
Hinduism
Buddhism
Jainism
Sikhism
6. Religion and Culture: East Asian Traditions
Confucianism
Daoism
Chinese Buddhism
Japanese Buddhism
Shinto
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Traditions
7. Challenges Facing Asian-American Immigrant Communities
Issues of Heritage Preservation and Conversion
Appropriation
Commodification
Debates
8. Asian Philosophy and Religion meets American Hippie Culture/1960-70s
Meditation Traditions
Yoga Traditions
Eastern Spirituality, American Syncretism, and Pop Cultures
9. Current Events: AAPI in America |
| Honor Code Reference: | Students are expected and required to acquaint themselves with
the University honor code and academic honesty policy and to
abide scrupulously thereby. |