World Religion

Religious practice is how people all over the globe look to find answers to the same fundamental, existential questions. However, the genius - and the fun - is in the details. As such, the class approaches each religion from the compassionate point of view that they are ALL rooted in truth. It is VITAL that students learn to keep an open mind, for it is critical that our future global citizens can empathize with each other through understanding and tolerance.

This class is an opportunity for students to really practice learning by discovery as so much of what we do in this course takes place outside of the classroom. What better way to learn than from the diverse selection practitioners available to us throughout San Diego! Exploration and reflection are key components of what makes this class tick, like an introduction to ethnography course.The semester is broken down into the following instruction units, all with their own assignments and opportunities for expeditionary learning:

• Unit 1: The Religious Response and Indigenous Sacred Ways

• Unit 2: Roots in India

  • Hinduism

  • Jainism

  • Buddhism

• Unit 3: Roots in China and Japan (Optional)

  • Taoism

  • Confucianism

  • Shinto

• Unit 4: Roots in the Middle East

  • Zoroastrianism

  • Judaism

  • Christianity

  • Islam

• Unit 5: New Faith Roots

  • Sikhism

  • Baha’i

• Unit 6: New Religious Movements and Religion at the Turn of the Century
  
  

Students have a lot of freedom to really explore what religion means to them personally and academically. We will be using Google Classroom to share notes, assign work, and the submit work. 

You can read about the class's Grading Policies HERE.