PHIL 15 - Major World Religions | | Mt. San Antonio College

PHIL 15 - Major World Religions

Course Outline

Semester:

Days: TTh

Times: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Location: Building 26D, Room 2044

Professor: Charles T. McGruder, Ph.D.

Office: Building 26B, Room 2551K

Office Hours: MWTTh 8:45am - 9:45am

Telephone: (909) 274-4595

Email: cmcgruder@mtsac.edu

Web Address: https://faculty.mtsac.edu/cmcgruder/

Textbook

Religions of the World 8th edition by Lewis M. Hopfe

Handouts

Writing, Meditate, Cultural Differences

Enchanted Land

Course Description

An examination of the salient features of the world’s major and enduring religions. Religion is approached as the expression of man’s ultimate concern as a means of understanding the historic and ideological foundations and aspirations of the peoples of the world. The following religions are presented and examined both appreciatively and critically Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to "do philosophy." Wonder is central to philosophy, not only as the starting point but also as a principle and foundation from which everything else proceeds. Philosophy is radicalization of wonder in all directions. But radicalization is a slow process and we are obliged to work the same ground over and over again. Only in this way can the process continue and only thus can it realize its total potential.

To do philosophy is to conscientiously immerse ourselves in the process and product of seeking meaning in the world. Our primary concern is for the personal dimension which plays/works in the creation and criticism of all claims to knowledge and understanding. We will use "content" and "information" however; our concern is the context for transformation.

Goals

An enhanced self/social understanding

An enhanced capacity to be philosophical – to grapple with issues in religion and

Other dimensions of experience a disciplined engagement with contemporary

Themes and issues in religion

An enlargement of communication and critical thinking skills use of visual/analytical methods

Grading

I run a straight point system. You can compute your grade at anytime by dividing your points earned by the total points possible.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory in all my classes.

The deadline to withdraw from the Spring Semester is March 22. It is your responsibility to drop the class; I will not do it for you.

Make up policy

No make ups allowed. I will accept work early, but not late.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Date	Discussion Topic and Reading
Jan 8 T	Introduction – Goals and Assignments participant/observer role Read: Introduction/Overview
10 TH	A Definition of Religion Read: Basic Religions
15 T	Basic Religions Read: Basic Religions

17 TH	Basic Religions Read: Native American Religions
22 T	Native American Religions Read:African Religions
24 TH	African Religions Read: Religions Originating in India
29 T	Hinduism, origins & The Vedic Area Read: Hinduism; Postclassical & Modern
31 TH	Hinduism Read:Jainism; Jain Sects & Festivals & Today
Feb 5	Jainism Read: Buddhism; The Life of Gauntama & Teachings
7TH	Buddhism Read: Development & Theravada
	Buddhism Read: Buddhism;
	Buddhism; Mahayana & Teachings Read: Sikhism
	Sikhism Read: Religions Originating In China and Japan
	Chinese Religion; Basic Concepts & Taoism
	Chinese Religions Read: Chinese Religions; Confucianism
	Religions Originating In China and Japan Read: Shinto
	Shinto Read: Religions Originating In the Middle East
	Zoroastrianism Read: Judaism; Sinai, Post, & Religion
	Judaism Read: Judaism; Exile, Diaspora, & Medieval
	Judaism Read: Judaism; Modern, Festivals, & Today
	Judaism Read: Christianity; World, Life, & Early
	Christianity Read: Christianity Growth, Medieval, & Protestant Reformation
	Christianity Read: Islam; Pre-, Life, & The Qur’an
	Islam Read: Islam; Institutions, Spread, & Caliphate
	Islam Read: Bahai
	*Bahai* Read: Calendar & Today
	Bahai
	Final