RL122 (EX20) HY - HYBRD:16hr webconf/remainder OL

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About This Course

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This course has an assignment that is due by 11:55 pm Central Standard Time on Wednesday night of the first week of class. Failure to complete this assignment will result in your removal from the course for non-participation.

Big Blue Button Web-conference Requirements

This is a hybrid course that includes “live” synchronous class meetings one night a week during scheduled class time using the Big Blue Button web conferencing system. Students are required to log in and attend the synchronous meetings.  Students will need access to a computer or tablet with reliable high-speed internet connection, along with a webcam, microphone and either speakers or headphones. 

The remaining credit hours for the course will be fulfilled through online assignments completed in myCMU. Students must participate in the live meetings and online assignments to be successful in this course. 

Students will access Big Blue Button meetings by clicking “Online Meetings” located on the left side menu of this course in myCMU. To participate in the meeting click on the appropriate weeks link during the scheduled time and day of the course. Recorded sessions can also be accessed here. 

Textbooks

Kessler, Gary E. Studying Religion: An Introduction through Cases. Third edition; New York: McGraw Hill, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-07-338659-1

Craig, Martin. A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion (2nd ed.). London: Routledge, 2017. ISBN: 978-0-415-41993-2

Course Description

RL122 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.

 

Course Objectives

In this course, we will work 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;
  • begin to develop analytical skills in evaluating issues and texts in religion;
  • 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;
  • develop skills in communicating religiously-oriented materials in written form.
  • The course meets general education outcomes II: 9-11.