This is an introduction to the ways in which religion provides meaning and purpose for human life. The course includes a study of a variety of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. Prerequisite to all upper-level courses in Religion.

1. To familiarize students with basic tools in the study of religion as well as basic terminology and the great figures in both the study and history of religion.
2. To help students develop analytical skills in evaluating issues and texts in religion.
3. To help students develop a knowledge base by which to identify the historical and social context in which religions and their texts come to be, and how they interact with their cultural context.
4. To help students develop skills in communicating religious-oriented materials orally and in written form to an audience.

Lewis Vaughn, Anthology of World Religions, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2016).
             ISBN 13: 978-0195332360

• Also available as an eBook at https://www.redshelf.com
• Student Resources are available on the Companion Website at https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780195332360/resources/
• Additional Readings are required. They are PDFs available on myCMU.

Professor: Travis W. Smith, PhD
Office: Cupples Hall 429 (top floor of library)
Office Phone: 660-248-6252 or extension 54252
Office Hours: MWF: 1:00-1:50, TR: 1:00-2:00, and by appointment
Email: twsmith@centralmethodist.edu