Module #1 Introduction to Comparative Religion An overview of the field of comparative religion, its importance, and its methodologies.
Module #2 Defining Religion Exploring the challenges and complexities of defining religion, including its various components and expressions.
Module #3 Theories of Religion Examining the major theoretical approaches to understanding religion, including functionalism, structuralism, and Marxism.
Module #4 The Cultural Context of Religion How cultural factors shape religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, and vice versa.
Module #5 The History of Comparative Religion A survey of the development of comparative religion as a field of study, including its key figures and milestones.
Module #6 Hinduism:An Introduction An overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, including its diverse traditions and texts.
Module #7 The Vedas and Upanishads A deeper exploration of the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, and the Upanishads, which form the foundation of Hindu philosophy.
Module #8 Buddhism:An Introduction An overview of the life of the Buddha, the development of Buddhism, and its core teachings and practices.
Module #9 Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism A comparison of the two main branches of Buddhism, including their differences in doctrine, practice, and cultural context.
Module #10 Judaism:An Introduction An overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, including its central texts and traditions.
Module #11 The Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic Judaism A closer look at the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, and the development of Rabbinic Judaism.
Module #12 Christianity:An Introduction An overview of the life of Jesus, the development of Christianity, and its core teachings and practices.
Module #13 Catholic and Protestant Christianity A comparison of the two main branches of Christianity, including their differences in doctrine, practice, and cultural context.
Module #14 Islam:An Introduction An overview of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the development of Islam, and its core teachings and practices.
Module #15 Sunni and Shia Islam A comparison of the two main branches of Islam, including their differences in doctrine, practice, and cultural context.
Module #16 Indigenous Religions:An Introduction An overview of the diverse religious traditions of indigenous peoples around the world, including their commonalities and differences.
Module #17 Religion and Violence An examination of the complex relationship between religion and violence, including its causes, consequences, and possible solutions.
Module #18 Religion and Gender An exploration of the ways in which religion intersects with gender, including its impact on womens roles, identities, and experiences.
Module #19 Religion and Science A discussion of the historical and contemporary interactions between religion and science, including their conflicts and complementarities.
Module #20 Religion and Politics An analysis of the complex relationships between religion and politics, including their impact on public policy and social justice.
Module #21 Religion and Art An exploration of the ways in which religion has inspired and influenced art throughout history, including its symbolism, iconography, and aesthetics.
Module #22 Religion and Ritual A comparative analysis of religious rituals and their functions, including their social, psychological, and spiritual significance.
Module #23 Religion and Ethics An examination of the role of religion in shaping moral values and ethical principles, including their implications for personal and public life.
Module #24 Comparative Religious Ethics A comparison of the ethical teachings and principles of different religions, including their commonalities and differences.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Comparative Religion career
