HRF3O: World Religions & Belief Traditions in Daily Life (Open Level)

Course Description

This course introduces students to the range and diversity of world religions, and examines how systems of belief affect individual lives and social relationships. Students learn about a variety of religious beliefs, teachings, traditions, and practices. Through this discovery students develop their awareness of the place of religion in the lives of their neighbours as well as a more authentic understanding and a deeper commitment to their own faith tradition. This course helps break down misconceptions and prejudices regarding the other religious traditions. Students develop skills used in researching and investigating topics related to world religions. This course draws on expectations outlined in both the Social Sciences and Humanities and the Institute for Catholic Education policy document. This Open course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society.

Connection to our Catholic Faith

This course provides a basis for understanding the world’s great religious traditions from the perspective of our Catholic Faith Tradition. Emphasis is on inter-religious and ecumenical dialogue as we deepen an awareness and appreciation for our Catholic Faith Tradition.

HRT3M: World Religions & Belief Traditions

Course Description

This course introduces students to the range and diversity of world religions, and examines how systems of belief affect individual lives and social relationships. Students learn about a variety of religious beliefs, teachings, traditions, and practices. Through this discovery students develop their awareness of the place of religion in the lives of their neighbours as well as a more authentic understanding and a deeper commitment to their own faith tradition. This course helps break down misconceptions and prejudices regarding the other religious traditions. Students develop skills used in researching and investigating topics related to world religions. This course draws on expectations outlined in both the Social Sciences and Humanities and the Institute for Catholic Education policy document. This course is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society by entering into a greater understanding of the impacts of historical events and systemic structures that have led to misunderstanding, misrepresentation and discrimination of communities and their religious beliefs and traditions.

Connection to our Catholic Faith

This course provides a basis for understanding the world’s great religious traditions from the perspective of the Catholic Faith Tradition. Emphasis is on interreligious and ecumenical dialogue as we deepen an awareness and appreciation for the traditions and beliefs of communities all around the world and how we as individuals can create societies of harmony and respect.

FOSTERING RESPECT & LOVE FOR ALL

The World Religions Course introduces students to the incredible diversity of beliefs and faith traditions of communities all around the world. Students will explore the intersectionality of anthropology, development of civilizations, ancient and contemporary history as well as the impact of culture and politics on the religious practices of diverse faith communities. By fostering greater awareness of the spiritual beliefs and moral codes of other communities, students are encouraged to develop a capacity for uncovering diverse narratives and understanding multiple perspectives in order to create a mindset of respect for all.

LEARNING FOR JUSTICE

An important element of the course involves critical examination and inquiry into human rights and justice issues that impact religious communities around the world and here in Canada. Students learn about the factors that have led to contemporary examples of discrimination, racism and injustice impacting diverse communities and how a greater understanding of the authentic religious principles and moral codes can be used to stand up against injustice in all its forms.