Philosophy and Religious Studies
Introducing Religious Studies
Coordinator:Assoc. Prof. Harry Oldmeadow
An introduction to the academic and comparative study of religion, religions and religious phenomena. The unit starts with (a) an introduction to some general theoretical and methodological issues, proceeding to (b) a consideration of sacred texts and the difficulties entailed in their study, (c) the study of primal, mythological religions, particularly those of the Lakota Indians of the Plains of North America, and of the Australian Aborigines, and (d) an introduction to Buddhist doctrine and practice. The unit introduces some of the themes and concerns which are studied in greater depth later in the Philosophy and Religious Studies sequence. Illustrative material will be drawn from primal cultures and the religious traditions of both East and West.
Assessment
Class test (20%); essay (40%);examination (30%);tutorial participation (10%)
Classes
• 1 x 2 hour lecture
• 1 x 1 hour lecture
• 1 x 1 hour tutorial.
Text
Introducing Religious Studies: Anthology
Recommended Reading
Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane
Huston Smith, The World’s Religions
John Neihardt, Black Elk Speaks The I Ching
Karen Armstrong, Buddha
|
