100 LEVEL The Basic Ideas and Concepts of Religion
REL 100 Introduction to Religion
This is the foundational course of the program. It introduces in detail fundamental concepts of the human religious experience. Here are the course goals as indicated in the syllabus for the class—
“The human religious experience carries with it a peculiar language and "conceptual horizon." This language takes on a peculiar vocabulary within each religious tradition, but this specific vocabulary points to similar human experiences that stand behind it. An English speaking person may say "thank you," a French person "Merci," and a German "Danke." But all three are trying to communicate appreciation for some act of kindness by another. The situation is analogous in religious experience. A Christian may say one thing, a Buddhist another, and a Muslim a third--all three pointing to common concepts and experiences. As the introductory course in the religious studies concentration, the goal of this class is to understand the basic "language" of religious experience and the ways that it plays out within a number of different traditions. This "sets the table" for more advanced courses in the concentration. The major textbook for the class, Nancy Ring, et.al., Introduction to the Study of Religion, provides the general framework for our study. A second more personal, autobiographical text is integrated into Ring. The idea here is for you to integrate conceptual and personal aspects of religion in this introductory course.”
In order to flesh out the “language” of religion, the course has 6 modular conceptual units which are studied in detail: (1) What is religion? (2) myth and the religious imagination; (3) the nature of religious transformation; (4) ritual and the ethical life; (5) sacred texts and writings; and (6) religious differences. In addition to two primary texts that weave together concept and story, the student is given additional supplementary material that introduces them to “sub-topics” in the field of religious studies, such as “the American religious experience,” “race and religion,” “new religious movements,” and the like. This course fulfills a core requirement for the REL minors and concentration.
REL 150 World Religious Tradition
This second-level beginning course in religious studies builds on the general framework established above. Once the basic “language” and conceptual field is established in the beginning course, the student now has an opportunity to study the manifestation of these ideas embedded in the great religious traditions. Here are the course goals stated in the syllabus—
“This course introduces the student to the major ideas, events, concepts and practices of the primary religious traditions of the world, especially as these take place within the context of the natural and social environments in which they operate. Special attention is given to the issue of relevant political systems and economic life that shape and condition these religious expressions.”
The six modules of the class address six major religious traditions: (1) Judaism; (2) Christianity; (3) Islam; (4) religions of India (except Buddhism); (5) religions of China (except Buddhism); (6) Buddhism. In addition to being grounded in the classic ideas and key specific concepts of each of these traditions, the expression of these religions in the modern world is a primary focus of the class. At the conclusion of the class, the student reads a primary resource grounded in the issue of interreligious dialogue and given the opportunity to relate these great religious traditions to one another conceptually in an imaginative way. This course fulfills a core requirement for the REL minors and concentration, as well as a general education requirement for the university (global).
200 LEVEL The Concrete Expressions of Religion
REL 201 Introduction to Sacred Texts
The 200 level of study takes a key idea of the 100 level introduction course—the sacred texts and writings of the human religious experience—and builds a more detailed study and analysis. This is a companion course that facilitates the detailed study of various religious traditions, such as Judaism and Islam (Christianity to be added), that “flesh out” the World Religious Traditions course at the 200 level. Here the openness of the various traditions to dialogue among themselves and society in general is emphasized. In future years, it is hoped that this 200 level will explore in a detailed way other aspects of the introductory course, e.g., the religious imagination, religious ritual and ethics, and like topics. Here are the course goals stated in the syllabus—
“At the conclusion of this class you will have a basic understanding of the role of sacred texts and scripture in the world religious community. You will gain first-hand knowledge of the content of the sacred texts of the six major historic religions traditions: Indian religion (not including Buddhism), Chinese religion (not including Buddhism), Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; including specific vocabulary associated with each tradition. You will have a fundamental grasp of the larger core ideas to which these texts point, as well as increased sensitivity to the way cultural values are embedded in these texts “set apart” by religious traditions.”
A major focus of this class is to have the students read the primary sources themselves, rather than just “about” them. Religious illiteracy in America today indicates that so-called “religious people” actually read and reread only a few selected texts from their own traditions, and remain ignorant of the broader scope and possibilities already contained therein. This course intends to work toward rectifying this phenomenon in significant ways.
300 LEVEL Religion in Society and Critical Reflection
REL 351 Religion in the Modern World
The upper level of the study of religion at Oakland University facilitates the ability of students to address general questions of history, culture, and society from the standpoint of the human religious experience. This course introduces the student to the more general questions and issues associated with religion, e.g., women and religion, religion and science, fundamentalism, and religious terrorism. Here are the course goals stated in the syllabus—
“This course enables the student to gain a basic knowledge of the foundational values, key terms and concepts of the formative religious traditions impacting Western civilization, especially as those living traditions continue to evolve within the context of this civilization. It facilitates a fundamental grasp of foundational issues facing the modern expression of Western civilization; specifically religious fundamentalism, religiously-inspired terrorism, the environmental crisis, and the struggle for women’s equality. It will also explore resources from these religious traditions as expressed in seminal texts addressing the issues enumerated above.
It analyzes the interplay of religious teaching and behavior on the one hand, and political and economic realities that always accompany them on the other. Finally, the course critically engages the thought of those in the West who argue that the old religious traditions are incapable of meaningfully addressing contemporary societal issues.”
The issues discussed in this class emanate from the broader culture and intend to give students the “tools” by which they can make a meaningful contribution to the public discourse about values, ethics, and the deeper spiritual insights of “the public,” including but not limited to formative thinkers, artists, and scholars who frame the contemporary discourse about the common problems facing humanity in the 21st century. This course fulfills a general education requirement for the university (Western civilization).