Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and cultural significance of religions around the world. Students will explore key topics such as religious texts, rituals, ethics, and the role of religion in society. The major emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and critical analysis to prepare students for careers in academia, interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, and community leadership. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental principles of religious studies and their role in analyzing diverse religious traditions. - Develop skills in interpreting religious texts, rituals, and practices. - Learn techniques for comparing and contrasting different religious traditions and their cultural contexts. - Explore the principles of religious ethics and their application in contemporary issues. - Understand the impact of religion on society, politics, and culture. - Analyze the challenges and opportunities of working in the field of religious studies. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address global religious and cultural challenges. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Religious Studies** - Overview of religious studies, its scope, and its significance in understanding human cultures and societies. 2. **World Religions** - Study of major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others. - Techniques for understanding the beliefs, practices, and histories of different religious traditions. 3. **Religious Texts and Interpretation** - Fundamentals of interpreting religious texts, including scriptures, commentaries, and oral traditions. - Techniques for analyzing the literary and theological aspects of religious texts. 4. **Religious Rituals and Practices** - Exploration of religious rituals, ceremonies, and practices across different traditions. - Techniques for understanding the symbolic and social significance of religious practices. 5. **Religious Ethics and Philosophy** - Study of religious ethics and philosophical thought within various traditions. - Techniques for applying religious ethical principles to contemporary moral issues. 6. **Religion and Society** - Analysis of the role of religion in shaping societies, cultures, and political systems. - Techniques for understanding the interplay between religion and social change. 7. **Comparative Religion** - Fundamentals of comparative religion, including the study of similarities and differences between religious traditions. - Techniques for conducting cross-cultural and interfaith analysis. 8. **Emerging Trends in Religious Studies** - Impact of emerging trends, such as globalization, secularization, and digital media, on religious practices and studies. - Techniques for addressing contemporary issues in the field of religious studies. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers and projects to evaluate understanding of religious traditions and practices. - Written assignments and presentations to assess knowledge of religious texts and ethics. - Participation in group discussions and debates on contemporary religious issues. - Case studies and fieldwork to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world religious contexts. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith. - "Religious Studies: The Key Concepts" by Carl Olson. - "A History of God" by Karen Armstrong. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of history, philosophy, and cultural studies is recommended. This major is suitable for students in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically, this major runs for four academic years, with a combination of lectures, research projects, and seminars. **Certification:** Upon successful completion, students may receive a degree in Religious Studies, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in religious studies, anthropology, sociology, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of religious traditions and their cultural significance. This major prepares students and professionals to critically analyze and address the complexities of religious traditions, leveraging theoretical knowledge, cultural insights, and contemporary perspectives to contribute to interfaith dialogue, cultural preservation, and global understanding.