Instructor(s):
Debra J. Macking, LMT, MA
Achievinglife@gmail.com

Course Time / Format:
18 hours over 9 weeks
Monday nights 6pm-8pm
September 13th to November 8th
HCC District Offices Davis Island
http://www.hcccontinuinged.com/

Online Course Snippet:
Introduction and basic survey of various religions with their impact on societies around the world today.

Course Description:
In today’s modern society it is common for us to encounter personally or read about people of varying Religious traditions. By understanding a bit about world religions with a glimpse at the past and focus on the present the ability to better understand the people we meet is improved.

This course will give students a broad and general overview of the major religious traditions of the world along with an understanding of defining religion, religious discussion, and the roots of religious expression. Topics include: Primal and Archaic Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, other Asian religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and New Religious Movements. Focus will be on gaining a basic understanding individually of these traditions not on comparisons and contrasts.

Learning Objectives:
*Obtain working knowledge of definition and forms of Religion including some of its history.
*Understand the importance of Dialogue.
*Know key terms, dates, and understandings in a number of different religious traditions.
*Be able to discuss role of Religion today.

Included Reference Materials:
World Religions Today by Esposito, Fasching, & Lewis
Experiencing the World’s Religions by Michael Molloy
The Illustrated World Religions: A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions by Huston Smith
Additional websites will be referenced and used in handouts.

General Course Outline:
Class/Hour – Topic
9/13/10: Religion: Defining, discussing, and what it does. Hinduism
9/20/10: Hinduism
9:27/10: Buddhism
10/4/10: Other Asian Religions
10/11/10: Judaism
10/18/10: Christianity
10/25/10: Islam
11/1/10: Other Religious Movements
11/8:10: New Religious Movements

Grading Scale:
While a non-credit course the class will offer a grading of Surpassed, Passed, and Unsatisfactory. Grading will be based on utilization of course interaction, pass/fail on assignments, and final discussion with class and/or instructor.
Above 80%: Surpassed
Above 60%: Passed
Below 60%: Unsatisfactory