Overview of Course

Survey of several major world religions in terms of historical development, worldviews, and practices. In particular, we will focus on the major religions found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, traditional African religions, and Catholicism. We will learn the founding myths of each tradition, along with its major practices and ideals. We will read about and discuss the histories and contemporary developments within these religions resulting from globalization and postcolonialism. Utilizing primary and secondary sources, personal reflections from field study, art and documentaries, we will explore some ways these religions have adapted in new locales. Finally, the course will emphasize empathetic engagement--learning from the perspective of the believing community, a critical component of the Semester at Sea experience.