Course Description
The religions of India, China, and Japan, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto.
Athena Title
INDIA/CHINA/JAPAN-H
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in RELI 1002
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To inform students about the religion and cultures of India, China and Japan. To develop skills in reading primary religious texts. To develop writing skills. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
I. Hinduism Indus Valley Civilization and the Aryans, Hindu Gods Caste system, stages of life; Atman/Brahman; Karma and Samsara Epic Period: Bhagavad Gita Hindu Bakhti: Krishna and Shiva The modern period: Gandhi; Modern India II. Buddhism: The life of Buddha, The Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path; Three Jewels Meditation and Nirvana Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana; the Bodhisattva Zen; Basho: On Love and Barley III. Chinese Religion; Taoism: The Tao te Ching Confucianism
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture