This course introduces the world s major religious traditions. Topics include Primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied. Major topics include the role of women in the various religions, the relationship between religion and science, and the involvement of religion in world peace and in preservation of the environment. This course is a survey of the literature of the Hebrews with readings from the law, prophets, and other writings.
Emphasis is on the use of literary, historical, archeological, and cultural analysis.
Upon completion, students should be able to use the tools of critical analysis to read and understand Old Testament literature.