Transcript title

Comparative Religion

Credits

4

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

40

Lecture hours

40

Recommended preparation

WR 121Z.

Course Description

Introduces the comparative study of religion through key theories, methods, and primary texts that have shaped the field of religious studies. It explores how religion has been defined, classified, and interpreted across diverse historical and cultural contexts. Students will develop critical, analytic, and comparative skills central to the humanities and social sciences.

Course learning outcomes

1. Explain “religion” as a category of analysis and identify how diverse religious traditions shape human purpose, meaning, or action.
2. Apply comparative methodologies used in religious studies and related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences.
3. Describe a variety of religious traditions and perspectives, their origins, transmission, and/or place in societies and cultures.
4. Analyze primary and scholarly texts.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

Content outline

1. What is Religion?
2. The Role of Comparison in the Study of Religion
3. Comparative Religious Ethics
4. Interreligious Dialogue
5. Religious Pluralism
6. Religious Syncretism and Hybridity
7. Colonialism, Postcolonialism, and Comparison
8. Comparative Religious Studies and Race
9. Gender and Comparative Religion
10. Comparing Religions and Non-Religions

Required materials

Textbook not required. All course readings will be available via the student learning management system.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Cultural Literacy
• Arts and Letters