Spring 2014/Fuller Online
TH550
Rosner
TH550: WORLD RELIGIONS IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE (4 Units). Jennifer Rosner.
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this course is twofold. First, it will provide an overview of the world's major religions--Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, with a briefer look at Judaism --focusing on their emergence and history, core beliefs and practices, religious texts and interpretations, as well as contemporary influence and expressions. Second, this course introduces various approaches on how Christianity relates to other religions and religious pluralisms, technically known as the "theology of religions." We will critically discuss Catholic and Protestant proposals and responses and attempt an outline of an Evangelical approach and briefly touch on the nature of interfaith dialogue. Explorations in comparative theology will also be attempted.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By completing this course, the student will (1) gain a workable knowledge of selected world religions focusing on origins, core beliefs, and practices; (2) develop skills in learning how to empathetically understand the religious and spiritual attitudes, thoughts, beliefs, decisions, and practices of the Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Jews in their own contexts; (3) become sensitive and discerning both concerning similarities and differences among religious beliefs and identities as well as various interreligious approaches and proposals; (4) learn some basics as to how to relate to other religions and representatives of religions as well as facilitate dialogue from a Christian perspective.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING: [1,200 pages]
D’Costa, G. Christianity and World Religions: Disputed Questions in the Theology of Religions. Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. ISBN: 978-1405176736, Pub. Price $35.00 [248 pp.]
Ludwig, T. The Sacred Paths. 4th ed. Prentice Hall, 2006. ISBN: 978-0131539037, Pub. Price $104.99. E-textbook version $42.90 [selected pp.].
Knitter, P.F. Introducing Theologies of Religions. Orbis, 2007. ISBN: 978-1570754197, Pub. Price $25.00 [246 pp.].
Original texts: Reading of short portions of sacred texts of religions in key documents such as Hindu Vedas or Upanishads, Buddhist Dhammapada or Heart Sutra (Prajna Paramita) or the Muslim Quran (readings will be made available by the professor).
Selected essays and articles (to be provided by the professor).
Students will also be required to choose two books (with professor approval) for critical analysis.
RECOMMENDED READING: Further readings on specific topics are provided in course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Weekly online interaction and assignments (30%) [Learning outcomes #1, 3, 4]
Two critical reading analyses, 10 pages total (30%) [Learning outcomes #1, 2]
Visit to a religious site and reflective report, 3 pages (15%) [Learning outcomes #2, 3]
FINAL research paper of 8-10 pages on a topic of your choice (25%) [Learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets requirement for World Religions (WREL) in cultural literacy or the requirement in Globalization (GLBL) in MA programs. Serves as a course substitute for MB501.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.