Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to Religion
   A. Definition
   B. Approaches
   C. The Nature of Religious Experience
II. Primal Religions: Africa, the Americas, Australia
   A. Religion of Indigenous Peoples
   B. Shamanism
III. Religions of the Ancient World: Europe and Persia
   A. Religion in Prehistoric Cultures
   B. Egypt and the Near East; Greece and Rome
   C. Religion of Persia: Zoroastrianism
IV. Hinduism: India
   A. Pre-Vedic India
   B. The Vedas and Brahmanism
   C. Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
   D. Spiritual Disciplines: Yogas and Gurus
V. Buddhism: Southeast Asia, China and Japan
   A. The Life of the Buddha
   B. The Dharma: Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana Buddhism
   C. Devotional Buddhism: Pure Land Buddhism
   D. The Spread of Buddhism: China and Tibet: Vajrayana Buddhism
   E. The Spread of Buddhism: Japan: Zen Buddhism
VI. Confucianism: China
   A. Master Kung’s (Confucius) Life
   B. The Analects
   C. Neo-Confucianism
VII. Taoism: China
   A. Indigenous Chinese Religion
   B. Lao-Tzu and the Tao Te Ching
   C. Immortals Taoism
VIII. Judaism: The Middle East and Eastern Europe
   A. Jewish History and the Tanakh
   B. Covenant and Prophesy
   C. Rabbinical Judaism: The Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, Talmud
   D. The Holocaust and Contemporary Judaism
IX. Christianity: Europe and the West
   A. The Life and Times of Jesus: The Gospels
   B. The Apostolic Age: Acts and the Letters of Paul
   C. The Early Churches: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
   D. The Protestant Reformation
   E. Contemporary Trends in Christianity
X. Islam: the Middle East
   A. The Prophet Muhammad: the Qur’an
   B. The Five Pillars of Islam
   C. Sunni and Shi’ite sects; Sufism
   D. The Spread of Islam
XI. New Religious Movements
   A. Protodox Religions – Fundamentalism and Sectarian Movements
   B. Ectodox Religions – Imported Religious Traditions
   C. Neodox Religions – 19th and 20th Century Experiments
   D. Mystical Subjectivism – Contemporary Religious
Movements
 

Student grades will be based on a minimum of three examinations which
will constitute 50% to 75% of the final grade. In addition to these
examinations, 20% to 30% of the final grade will consist of other grading
methods which may include supplemental examinations, writing assignments,
research papers, class presentations, or field trips. The remaining
percentage will be left to the instructor’s discretion for such items as
attendance, participation in class discussion, or the like.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Basic Issues and Methodologies

A. Identify and compare the uses of the terms “religion” and “religious.”

B. State the basic concepts used in religious studies.

C. Distinguish between and compare the major methodologies used in religious studies.

D. Distinguish between religious doctrine and religious practices.

II. Distinctive Features of Asian and Western Religious Traditions

A. Compare and contrast the major similarities and differences between Asian and Western religions.

B. Distinguish religions arising in India from those arising in China.

C. Trace the pan-Asian patterns of religious diffusion.

III. Early Vedic Religion and Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism

A. Describe the Vedic religious beliefs and practices of ancient India.

1. State the Aryan hypothesis and describe its basis.

2. List the Four Vedas and state their purposes.

3. Identify the Vedic deities.

4. Compare the various Vedic creation myths.

5. Discuss the origins of varna and its religious and social significance.

6. Relate the significance of the Vedic rituals for the deities, the cosmos and ancestors.

B. Describe the religious revolution that ultimately transformed the Vedic religion into Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism

1. Analyze the historical and geographical reasons for this revolution.

a. Identify and analyze the components of the internalization of Vedic sacrifice that produced yoga.

b. Discuss the concept of karma.

2. List the effects of this revolution on the Upanishads.

3. Describe Jainism and its basic beliefs and practices.

IV. The Origins and Rise of Buddhism

A. Restate the results of the religious revolution and show how it prepared the way for the career of the historic Buddha Siddhartha Gautama.

B. Discuss the life of Siddhartha.

C. Explain the significance of his enlightenment.

D. List the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

E. Describe and evaluate Buddhist concepts of the self and the law of dependent co-arising.

F. Describe and evaluate the Buddhist concept of dharma.

G. Discuss the development of the Sangha, Vinaya, and monastic training.

H. Show the role of royal and lay patrons in the success of Buddhism, especially the Emperor Ashoka.

I. Describe the division of Buddhism into schools, and identify the differences between Theravada, Mahayana, and Tantric Buddhism.

J. Identify the characteristics and roles of the bodhisattvas in Mahyana Buddhism.

K. Discuss the formation of the Buddhist scriptural canon.

L. Trace the rise of Buddhist architecture and iconography.

M. Describe the significance of relics and pilgrimages in Buddhist practice.

N. Explain the decline of Buddhism in India.

V. The Development of Hinduism

A. Restate the results of the religious revolution and show how it prepared the way for the rise of Hinduism.

B. Cite and evaluate the Bhagavad Gita and show how they are a response to Buddhism.

C. Discuss the main teachings of yoga.

D. List the four stages of life and show how they attempt to reconcile the Brahmanic householder tradition with the ascetic.

E. Discuss and evaluate the code of life laid down in the Law of Manu and the Dharmasutras.

F. Identify the major deities:

1. Vishnu and his major avatars, especially Rama and Krishna

2. Shiva

3. The forms of the Goddess

G. Trace the range of Hindu iconography and architecture.

H. Discuss the major components of Tantra.

I. Discuss the bhakti devotionalism, and its rituals and devotional poetry.

J. Explain how British imperialism aided the Hindu revival of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and list its major figures.

K. Discuss the exportation of Hinduism to the West.

L. Identify the major doctrines of late-twentieth century Hindu fundamentalism.

1. Demonstrate and understanding of how it is a product of ethnic strife and post-independence nationalism

2. Evaluate its current impact on Indian politics and society.

VI. The Historical Background, Tenets and Practices of Sikhism

A. Describe the cultural background of sixteenth-century India.

B. Trace the career of Guru Nanak.

C. Outline and evaluate the major teachings of the Adi Granth.

D. Describe the early history and subsequent persecution of the Sikhs under the subsequent nine human gurus and their replacement by the Adi Granth.

E. Describe major Sikh temples, rituals, and community practices-

F. Compare and contrast Sikh beliefs and practices with those of Hinduism, describe the place of the Sikhs in contemporary Indian society.

G. Trace the Sikh diaspora through Southeast Asia, and into Europe and North America.

VII. The Spread of Theravada Buddhism 

A. Cite the reasons for Buddhism spread to these Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

B. Review the major differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.

C. Characterize the ideal of the Dharmaraja or bodhisattva ruler and his role is Southeast Asian countries.

D. Discuss how merit-making binds householders and rulers to monasteries.

E. Examine the syncretistic nature of the rituals and festivals of these countries.

F. Evaluate the role of British imperialism in the creation of “Protestant Buddhism” in Sri Lanka.

G. Examine the various strands of Buddhist revival in twentieth-century Southeast Asia.

VIII. The Background to the Religions of China

A. Review the difference in outlook between Indian and Chinese cultures.

B. Examine the traditional religious rituals, cosmic beliefs, divinatory practices, and deities of the Chinese peoples.

C. Give an overview of how Chinese religions have blended.

D. Describe the Christian missionaries’ inadvertent inspiration of the Taiping Rebellion, based on a syncretistic blend of Chinese values and Christianity.

IX. The Teachings of Confucius 

A. Outline the life of Confucius and the context in which he developed his philosophy.

B. List and evaluate his major teachings transmitted in The Analects.

C. List and evaluate the later contributions of Mencius and Xunzi.

D. Describe the institutionalization of Confucian teachings during the Han Dynasty, the deification of Confucius, and the governmental role of Confucianism in Chinese religion.

E. Characterize the Neoconfucian synthesis during the Sung Dynasty.

F. Examine the recent development of New Confucianism in China and the United States.

X.  Daoist Philosophy

A. Show the obscure origins of the Daoist traditions.

B. List and evaluate the major teachings of Laozi.

C. List and evaluate the major teachings of Zhuangzi.

D. Trace the origins of the religious Daoism, and its schools and canon, and its competition with Chinese Buddhism.

E. Show the interpenetration of Daoist and religious practices in popular religion.

F. Discuss Daoist geography, temples, deities, iconography, rituals, and festivals.

XI. The Importation of Buddhism into China

A. Trace Buddhism’s importation into China, the translation and production of its canon, and its competition with Daoism for royal patronage.

B. Describe how Buddhism found a role among the other religions of China, especially the adjustments Buddhism made to Chinese family values.

C. Discuss Buddhist iconography, geography, monasteries, and temples.

D. Name and differentiate among the Esoteric, Pure Land, and Chan schools of Chinese Buddhism, and evaluate their theological positions.

E. State the reasons for the imperial attack on Buddhism in 845 C.E. and indicate Buddhism’s status thereafter.

F. Describe the persecutions of Chinese religions during the regime of Mao Zedong and state the reasons for their revival since the 1980’s.

XII.The Tantric (Vajrayana) Tradition

A. Describe and evaluate the Tantric beliefs and rituals

1. Define mudra and mandala and describe their roles in Tantric practices.

2. Trace the rise of Tantrism in Hindu Shavism and its influence upon Buddhism.

B. List the components of traditional Tibetan religion prior to the arrival of Buddhism, especially those that survive in practice today.

C. Trace the first diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet.

1. Discuss the competition between Indian and Chinese Chan Schools among early Tibetan Buddhists.

2. Show how a combination of Buddhist and traditional Tibetan religions led to Bon.

D. Trace the second diffusion of Buddhism in India and the creation of  further schools of Buddhism.

1. Explain the development and role of the Gelug.

2. Explain the rise and contributions of powerful monasteries, and universities in Tibetan Buddhism.

E. Describe the role of lamas in Tibetan religion and how concept of “tulku” evolved as a means of selecting new lamas.

F. Summarize the relations between Tibet and its powerful neighbors, the Mongols and the Chinese and how these have influenced Tibetan religion.

G. Outline the role of the Dalai Lama as both religious and spiritual leader and the politico-religious role of the Dalai Lama since his flight from Tibet in 1959.

XIII. Japanese Religious Practices

A. Examine Shinto and Japanese folk religion.

1. Describe the mythology and the major ritual practices and festivals of Shinto.

a. Define “kami.” 

b. Discuss the idea that a religion can be more aesthetic than ethical.

c. Describe the practice and role of ancestral rites in Japanese religion.

2. Describe the practices of Japanese folk religion and shugendo, and their intermingling with Shinto.

3. Discuss the creation of State Shinto during the Meiji Restoration; examine its political role in supporting the imperial throne and Japanese nationalist ambitions, and its destruction after World War II.

B. Examine Buddhism in Japan.

1. Describe the introduction of Buddhism into Japan and the imperial patronage of monasteries, temples, and art.

2. Characterize the Buddhist, Daoist, and folk origins of shugendo.

3. Account for the later arrivals of missionaries returning from China proclaiming new Buddhist schools.

4. Briefly review the Esoteric, Pure Land, and Chan Schools of Buddhism and their practices.

5. Discuss and evaluate the distinctively Japanese additions to these Chinese schools.

6. Trace the political roles of Buddhist monasteries from the Heian to the Momoyama periods of Japanese history.

7. Show how Tokogawa Ieyesu tamed and utilized Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism to support his shogunate.

C. Discuss the new religions created by the Japanese during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

D. Show how Shinto, Daoist, and Confucian ideas and practiced have blended in Japanese religion.

E. Outline the history of Christian missions in Japan.

F. Characterize and evaluate the popularity of Zen among Westerners

G. Discuss and evaluate the seemingly diminished role of Japanese religions today.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Define the basic terminology, concepts, and issues of religious
studies.
   A. Discuss the variety of ways in which we apply the terms
“religion” and “religious.”
   B. Define basic terminology, e.g., myth, ritual, and symbol.
   C. Distinguish and compare some basic methodologies, e.g.,
structuralism, functionalism, and phenomenalism.
   D. Recognize the distinctions between “doctrine” and
“practice.”

II. Describe and analyze the beliefs and ritual practices of indigenous
traditions of North America and Africa.
   A. Cite parallels and differences between the mythological narratives
of various indigenous traditions of Native America and Africa.
   B. Explore the profound significance of “place” and “location”
in the mythological narratives of indigenous traditions of Native America
and Africa.
   C. Examine and discuss the importance of ritual enactment as a
rehearsal of the mythology that is intrinsic to the cultural foundation of
a given indigenous tradition.
   D. Explain the significance of the term “indigenous” in the context
of religion.
   E. Describe the nature and purpose of shamanism in indigenous
religions.
   F. Explain what it means to emphasize “place” over “time” in
indigenous religions.
   G. Explain what it means to emphasize “orality” over “text” in
indigenous religions.

III. Identify and compare the artistic traditions of the indigenous
religions of Native America and Africa.
   A. Describe the nature and function of the mask in indigenous ritual
practice.
   B. Identify and describe the significance of other visual
iconic/artistic expressions in indigenous ritual practice.

IV. Describe the historical context, central individuals, and cultural
development of Judaism.
   A. Explain the centrality of linear history.
   B. Describe the cultural influences of ancient Mesopotamian, Canaanite,
and Persian/Zoroastrian religions on Judaism.
   C. Describe the early development of the Hebrew religion and Judaism;
specifically:
      1. The “patriarchal history” 
      2. Mosaic Yahwism
      3. The rise and fall of the Israelite monarchy
      4. The exile and diaspora
      5. The effects of hellenization
      6. The development of the synagogue system
      7. The Eastern European Hassidic movement of the 18th-19th century 
      8. The origins of the basic sects of contemporary Judaism, i.e.,
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, as well as the mystical tradition of
Judaism (“Kabbalah”).
   D. Identify and explain the socio-political issues that are faced by
contemporary Jews in:
      1. Israel, and
      2. The United States

V. Identify and compare the major texts and literary traditions of
Judaism.
   A. Cite parallels between Hebrew mythological narrative and that of
earlier Mesopotamian cultures.
   B. Explain the similarities between Hammurabic law and Hebrew
covenantal law.
   C. Describe how early Mesopotamian suzerainty treaty forms served as
models for the Hebrew covenantal form.
   D. Identify the content and origins of the textual/literary components
of the Hebrew Tanakh (the Torah, the Nevi’im, the Khetuvim).
   E. Identify essential elements of later Judaic religious literature
(i.e., Talmud, Mishnah).
   F.  Identify and discuss the writings of some of the contemporary/20th
century figures in Jewish thought, e.g., Martin Buber, Elie Wiesel.

VI. Describe and identify the doctrines and ritual practices of Judaism.
   A. Explain the nature of ethical monotheism.
   B. Identify the origins, components, and imperatives of the Hebrew
covenant.
   C. Describe the significant ritual practices of the Jewish synagogue
and home. 
   D. Explain the centrality of ritual practice as an expression of Jewish
identity.

VII. Identify and compare the artistic traditions of Judaism.
   A. Identify and discuss examples of both traditional and contemporary
literary works and authors.
   B. Describe the architectural and spatial configurations of the
synagogue in its respective sectarian forms.

VIII. Describe the historical context, important individuals, and cultural
development of Christianity.
   A. Describe the cultural milieu of 1st century CE Palestine.
   B. Describe the content and significance of the “mystery religions”
of the 1st century CE cultural milieu.
   C. Describe what is meant by the terms “Jesus of History” and
“Christ of Faith,” as well as the historical problems that they
present.
   D. Outline the development of the Christian church; specifically:
      1. The “Jewish Christians” in Jerusalem
      2. Paul and the gentiles
      3. The church of Constantine
      4. The split between East and West
      5. The medieval papacy
      6. The Protestant Reformation
      7. The Roman Counter-Reformation
      8. The cultural characteristics of European and American
Protestantism, e.g., denominational schisms, the 18th century Great
Awakening, 19th century Fundamentalism, Darwinian theory vs. creationism.
   E. Identify and explain the socio-political issues that are faced by
contemporary Christianity.

IX. Identify and compare the major texts and literary traditions of
Christianity.
   A. Identify and describe the literary/textual components of the
Christian canon, i.e., the “New Testament.”
   B. Identify and describe examples of the extracanonical literature of
the Christian tradition.
   C. Identify and discuss the writings of some of the primary figures in
medieval Christian theology, e.g.
      1. Augustine
      2. Anselm
      3. Thomas Aquinas
   D. Identify and discuss the writings of some of the contemporary/20th
century figures in Christian thought, e.g., Rudolf Bultmann, Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, Paul Tillich, Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology.

X. Describe and identify the essential doctrines and ritual practices of
Christianity.
   A. Identify and explain the basic teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
   B. Compare and contrast the teachings of Paul with those of the
gospels.
   C. Define the nature and meaning of “sacraments” and explain their
centrality in Christian ritual practice.
   D. Identify and explain the essential doctrinal differences between
Christian sects, e.g., Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy,
Protestantism, and Messianic Judaism. 

XI. Identify and compare the artistic traditions of Christianity.
   A. Identify the traditional iconographies of Roman and Orthodox
churches.
   B. Describe the traditional architectural and spatial configurations of
Roman, Orthodox and Protestant churches.

XII. Describe the historical context, important individuals, and cultural
development of Islam.
   A. Identify the common root of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  
   B. Describe the cultural milieu of the 7th century CE Arabian
Peninsula.
   C. Outline the early historical development of Islam; specifically:
      1. The life and call of the Prophet Muhammed
      2. The development of the primary sects of Islam (Shiite, Sunni,
Sufi)
      3. The migration of Islam into Africa, Spain, and South Asia, and
Southeast Asia
      4. The effects of medieval European Christendom.
   D. Cite the major scientific and philosophical contributions of Muslim
culture.
   E. Identify examples of modern Islamic revivalist movements.
   F. Identify and explain the socio-political issues that are faced by
contemporary Islam.
   G. Outline the history and characteristics of the Black Muslim movement
and the Nation of Islam in the United States.

XIII. Identify and compare the major texts and literary traditions of
Islam.
   A. Describe the literary content and character of the Quran.
   B. Describe the literary content and character of Hadith.
   C. Contrast Quranic teaching with that of Hadith.
   D. Identify and discuss the writings of some of the contemporary/20th
century figures and/or movements in Islamic thought.  

XIV. Describe and identify the doctrines and ritual practices of Islam.
   A. Define and explain the Five Pillars of Faith.
   B. Identify and explain some of the major doctrinal elements and
perspectives of Islam: e.g., the nature of God; the nature of the self;
gender issues, jihad.
   C. Identify the doctrinal differences between the Shiite, the Sunni,
and the Sufi.

XV. Identify and compare the artistic traditions of Islam.
   A. Describe the traditional architectural and spatial configurations of
the mosque.
   B. Identify the graphic design forms that have been developed and
utilized by Muslim cultures. 
   C. Identify examples of narrative and poetic literary forms that have
been produced by Muslim cultures.

XVI. Describe and analyze some examples of the development, doctrines, and
ritual practices of “Alternative Religions” in modern/contemporary
Western culture.
   A. Define and explain the term “Alternative Religions.”
   B. Describe the cultural contexts and circumstances that led to the
development of alternative religions.
   C. Define the families or categories in which alternative religions may
be classified. 
   D. Cite some parallels between the doctrines and ritual practices of
mainline Western religions and those of alternative religions.

Examinations  50 % of grade (student writing will constitute at least
25% of each exam)
 
Projects/Assignments 50% of grade (to include student writing assignments)
 

Grade Criteria:
 A = 90 - 100%  
 B = 80 -  89%  
 C = 70 -  79%   
 D = 60 -  69%   
 F =  0 -  59%   

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Arabian Peninsula 500-700 CE

A. Explain the imperial and religious power struggles that ensued in the Near East during the early Common Era.

B. Describe the centrality of the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

C. Identify and analyze the basic teachings and practices of Islam.

D. Evaluate the importance of the Qur’an and other sacred traditions in the development of Islamic culture and law.

II. Expansion and Classical Period, 700 – 1258 CE

A. Describe the Islamic conquests of North Africa, Spain, Persia, and regions beyond.

B. Compare the doctrinal differences that emerged between the various branches of Islam.

C. Analyze the significance of Islamic aesthetics in art, literature and architecture.

D. Evaluate the accomplishments of Islamic civilization in law, science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy.

E. Explain the challenges to Islamic rule posed by western Christianity, the Mongols, and others.

III. Thought, Practices, and Government, 14th century to the present

A. Describe the formation and collapse of the Islamic gunpowder empires.

B. Analyze the challenges Islam has faced as it has grown into a global religion.

C. Explain the ways that western imperialism has influenced developments in the Middle East.

D. Evaluate the extent to which Islam has adjusted to the rise of modern nation-states over the last two centuries.

IV. Primary and Secondary Sources

A. Analyze primary sources.

B. Examine secondary sources to determine historical arguments.

C. Create historical arguments using primary and secondary sources.

D. Assess change over time using primary and secondary sources.

Content Outline and Competencies:

Because of the nature of a Special Topics course, the course Content Outline and Competencies will vary, depending on the Special Topic being offered. The Special Topics course outlines must be designed in the standard format for all JCCC-approved courses and must include the standard course objectives for a Special Topics class. The course Content Outline and Competencies must be written in outcome-based language. In order to maintain course consistency, rigor, and uniqueness, each section of this course first must be reviewed and approved by the Philosophy and Religion faculty prior to its being offered. The Arts & Design, Humanities & Social Science Division Curriculum Committee and the Division Dean will review each Special Topics course to be offered and approve the course content. The ADHSS Division will also determine when and if the course may be taught.