Religious Studies X10
Views of the Absolute in World Religions
Center for Media and Independent Learning - University of California Extension Test generate jumps

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Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

This course explores a variety of World Religions, focusing on their definitions of the Absolute (e.g., God, Tao, the Void) and how the individual relates to It. We will look at Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions. Eight submitted assignments and a final examination. Optional assignments may be offered for your further exploration.

Course Objectives

There are several objectives to aim for throughout this course. By the time you are finished, you should have touched on at least the following questions in of the traditions you study:

* What is the ultimate point of reference (God, the Tao, etc.) for the tradition? How is it talked about? What are its attributes?

* What is the goal of human life according to the tradition? How should we interact with the world and the people around us?

* What is your own assessment of the tradition, its strengths and weaknesses, appeals and problems?

* What can the tradition offer to today's world?

MOVING THROUGH THE MATERIAL

So, now you are ready to begin. A word on how you might go about working with this material. Each has required readings and a written assignment. My suggestion is that you work in the following order: First, read the questions in the written assignment for each , then Smith's text, then my commentary in this course guide, and, finally, the primary materials in Novak and/or Brown. Reading the questions first will help you keep an eye out for the themes and terms you will need to answer the questions. I suggest that you try to answer all the questions for yourself (it may help you in the final too), though you will send me only the question(s) that are required.

Please submit one assignment at a time until you have developed a sense of my standards and expectations. Later on, you may send more than one at a time, if you wish.

In the final exam, you will compare two of the traditions you have studied in the course. You will be responsible for knowing the major terms and themes in each (i.e., karma or wu wei ), but I will not ask you for highly specific details (such as the names of the successors of the Prophet Mohammed).

The eight written assignments count for 70 percent of your grade; the final counts for 30 percent. You must pass the final exam to pass the course.

Finally, let me add a warning. Some of you may find it difficult to study other traditions because of a commitment to your own religion. In that case, if you feel that you need to, you can work with this material very objectively and still do very good work. Ideally, try to put yourself as far into each system as you can and see if it makes sense to you. Please remember, this is not a course that intends to "convert" you to one position or another. It is an attempt to expose you to some of the wisdom of several religious traditions.

Good luck to you and best wishes. I am sure you'll find that this is fascinating material. I also hope that you will decide to do further reading on at least one or two of these traditions. My hope is also that you will be able to use this material to reflect on your own spiritual history and journey.

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