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Diane L. Moore
and
Anna Mudd
The study of religion is the study of a rich and fascinating dimension of human experience that includes but goes well beyond beliefs and ritual practices. In this religion course, learners explore case studies about how religions are internally diverse, how they evolve and change through time, and how religions are embedded in all dimensions of human experience. We’ll explore these tenets through the lens of scripture and through themes such as gender and sexuality, art, violence and peace, science, and power and authority.
Read more
The study of religion is the study of a rich and fascinating dimension of human experience that includes but goes well beyond beliefs and ritual practices. In this religion course, learners explore case studies about how religions are internally diverse, how they evolve and change through time, and how religions are embedded in all dimensions of human experience. We’ll explore these tenets through the lens of scripture and through themes such as gender and sexuality, art, violence and peace, science, and power and authority.
Read more
The study of religion is the study of a rich and fascinating dimension of human experience that includes but goes well beyond beliefs and ritual practices. In this religion course, learners explore case studies about how religions are internally diverse, how they evolve and change through time, and how religions are embedded in all dimensions of human experience. We’ll explore these tenets through the lens of scripture and through themes such as gender and sexuality, art, violence and peace, science, and power and authority.
Join peers from around the world to embark on this journey to better understand religion in human affairs.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9uarg8/religious
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- Tools for how to interpret the roles religions play in contemporary and historic contexts;
- How religions are internally diverse
- How religions evolve and change
- How religions are embedded in all human cultures
- The strengths and limitations of learning about religions through their scriptures.
- Tools for how to interpret the roles religions play in contemporary and historic contexts;
- How religions are internally diverse
- How religions evolve and change
- How religions are embedded in all human cultures
- The strengths and limitations of learning about religions through their scriptures.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the multifaceted nature of religion, focusing on its diversity, evolution, and cultural significance
Examines the complex interplay between religion, society, and human experience
Offers a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from history, sociology, and anthropology
Facilitated by experienced instructors Diane L. Moore and Anna Mudd
Provides opportunities for peer interaction and discussion
Requires a solid foundation in religious studies or related fields
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Save Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Knowledge expansion via religious studies
According to students, Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures is an enjoyable and academically challenging course that can help you expand your knowledge base. The topics covered in the course are relevant and well-organized, and the course allows for diverse perspectives when examining religious studies. Students also noted that the instructors for the course did an amazing job.
Course provides insights into a variety of religious traditions.
"by Prashant Subhashchandra Salunke completed this course."
"It's funny that it covers top four religions and then the sixth religion. How about the fifth largest religion Sikhism?"
"This course added richly to my personal development and to my knowledge base. I appreciated the world wide connections, the rich content and the freedom that the cultural studies approach allowed me in better critiquing and appreciating religion and conflict in particular"
Course offers a high level of academic rigor with challenging topics.
"The topics were academically challenging, perfectly relevant, and well-organized."
"Prepare to be challenged and blessed at the same time."
Instructors are knowledgeable and provide excellent support.
"Dr. Moore and the staff did an amazing job."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures with these
activities:
Review key concepts related to religion
Show steps
Prepare yourself to better grasp the fundamentals of the study of religion by reviewing the core concepts.
Browse courses on
Religion
Show steps
-
Read scholarly articles to strengthen your conceptual foundation in the study of religion.
-
Engage in discussions with peers or experts to clarify your understanding of key concepts.
Follow online tutorials on specific aspects of the study of religion
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge and skills in different aspects of the study of religion through guided online tutorials.
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials that cover specific areas of the study of religion that you want to learn more about.
-
Follow the tutorials carefully, taking notes and completing any exercises or assignments.
Read and summarize a classic work on the study of religion
Show steps
Gain insights from a seminal work in the field of religious studies to deepen your understanding of the nature and function of religion.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book carefully, paying attention to the author's arguments and evidence.
-
Summarize the main points of the book in your own words.
-
Discuss the book with others to gain different perspectives and interpretations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Analyze religious texts for central themes and interpretations
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in interpreting religious texts to enhance your understanding of diverse perspectives and beliefs.
Browse courses on
Religious Texts
Show steps
-
Select a religious text of your interest (e.g., Bible, Quran, Bhagavad Gita).
-
Read the text carefully, paying attention to its language, structure, and context.
-
Identify the central themes and key ideas presented in the text.
-
Consider different interpretations and perspectives on the text by consulting commentaries or engaging in discussions.
Engage in discussions with peers on current events related to religion
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the role of religion in contemporary society by engaging in discussions with peers.
Browse courses on
Religion and Society
Show steps
-
Find a peer group or discussion forum where you can discuss current events related to religion.
-
Participate in discussions, share your perspectives, and listen to the views of others.
Create a collection of resources on a specific topic in the study of religion
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge by compiling resources on a specific topic, allowing you to explore diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on
Comparative Religion
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic in the study of religion that you are interested in.
-
Conduct research to identify relevant resources, such as books, articles, websites, and videos.
-
Organize the resources into a coherent collection, considering their different perspectives and contributions to the topic.
Create a visual representation of the evolution of a particular religion
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the historical development of religions by creating a visual representation of its evolution.
Browse courses on
History of Religion
Show steps
-
Choose a specific religion that you want to focus on.
-
Research the history of the religion, including its origins, major events, and key figures.
-
Create a visual representation of the religion's evolution, such as a timeline, a map, or a diagram.
-
Present your visual representation to others and explain the key changes and developments that you have identified.
Organize and review materials covered in the course
Show steps
Maximize your learning by organizing and reviewing the materials covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Gather and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from the course.
-
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
-
Identify areas where you need further clarification and seek assistance from the instructor or peers.
Review key concepts related to religion
Show steps
Prepare yourself to better grasp the fundamentals of the study of religion by reviewing the core concepts.
Browse courses on
Religion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read scholarly articles to strengthen your conceptual foundation in the study of religion.
- Engage in discussions with peers or experts to clarify your understanding of key concepts.
Follow online tutorials on specific aspects of the study of religion
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge and skills in different aspects of the study of religion through guided online tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials that cover specific areas of the study of religion that you want to learn more about.
- Follow the tutorials carefully, taking notes and completing any exercises or assignments.
Read and summarize a classic work on the study of religion
Show steps
Gain insights from a seminal work in the field of religious studies to deepen your understanding of the nature and function of religion.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book carefully, paying attention to the author's arguments and evidence.
- Summarize the main points of the book in your own words.
- Discuss the book with others to gain different perspectives and interpretations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Analyze religious texts for central themes and interpretations
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in interpreting religious texts to enhance your understanding of diverse perspectives and beliefs.
Browse courses on
Religious Texts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a religious text of your interest (e.g., Bible, Quran, Bhagavad Gita).
- Read the text carefully, paying attention to its language, structure, and context.
- Identify the central themes and key ideas presented in the text.
- Consider different interpretations and perspectives on the text by consulting commentaries or engaging in discussions.
Engage in discussions with peers on current events related to religion
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the role of religion in contemporary society by engaging in discussions with peers.
Browse courses on
Religion and Society
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer group or discussion forum where you can discuss current events related to religion.
- Participate in discussions, share your perspectives, and listen to the views of others.
Create a collection of resources on a specific topic in the study of religion
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge by compiling resources on a specific topic, allowing you to explore diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on
Comparative Religion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic in the study of religion that you are interested in.
- Conduct research to identify relevant resources, such as books, articles, websites, and videos.
- Organize the resources into a coherent collection, considering their different perspectives and contributions to the topic.
Create a visual representation of the evolution of a particular religion
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the historical development of religions by creating a visual representation of its evolution.
Browse courses on
History of Religion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific religion that you want to focus on.
- Research the history of the religion, including its origins, major events, and key figures.
- Create a visual representation of the religion's evolution, such as a timeline, a map, or a diagram.
- Present your visual representation to others and explain the key changes and developments that you have identified.
Organize and review materials covered in the course
Show steps
Maximize your learning by organizing and reviewing the materials covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams from the course.
- Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
- Identify areas where you need further clarification and seek assistance from the instructor or peers.
Career center
Learners who complete Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Theologian
Theologian
Theology is the study of religion and its doctrines. To be a successful Theologian, you'll need a strong understanding of different religious traditions and scriptures. This course can help you develop the skills you need to interpret religious texts, understand the development of religious thought, and explore the relationship between religion and culture.
Religious Director
Religious Director
As a Religious Director, you would be responsible for developing and leading religious programming and services. This course can help you develop the skills needed to interpret religious texts and traditions, as well as an understanding of the role of religion in society.
Professor
Professor
With knowledge of religious evolution and strong scriptural interpretation skills, you could have an advantage over other candidates applying for the position of Professor. This course will help you build a foundation in religious literacy and the ability to make connections between religion, culture, and society.
Historian
Historian
History is the study of the past. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills needed to understand the role of religion in history.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills needed to understand the role of religion in different cultures and societies.
Educator
Educator
In today's globalized world, educators need to be aware of the diverse religious backgrounds of their students. This course can help educators develop the skills they need to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociology is the study of social relationships and institutions. This course may be useful in helping you to develop the skills needed to understand the role of religion in society.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Understanding the relationship between society and religion, as well as being able to interpret religious texts, would be helpful in approaching your work with clients.
Counselor
Counselor
Counselors may benefit from taking this course to broaden their understanding of religion, which would aid in providing more holistic care to clients with religious backgrounds.
Journalist
Journalist
Understanding the role of religion in society and culture would be useful in a career in Journalism, particularly for investigative or op-ed pieces.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Understanding the role of religion in society can help you lead more effectively in the Nonprofit sector.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
To make effective policy decisions, Policy Analysts need to understand the role of religion in society.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Understanding the role of religion in society and culture would be useful in a career in Human Resources, particularly for international organizations.
Lawyer
Lawyer
The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, so lawyers could benefit from taking this class to understand the boundaries of religious freedom and its relationship with the law.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Understanding how to interpret religious scriptures can help a Museum Curator understand works depicting or created due to religious influences. This course may be useful in helping you develop the knowledge you need.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9uarg8/religious
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures.
This website free, peer-reviewed encyclopedia of philosophy. It contains a wealth of information on religion, including its history, concepts, and debates. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about religion.
Is an excellent resource for understanding the differences between the world's religions. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history, beliefs, and practices of each religion. This book helpful way to gain a deeper understanding of the role that religion plays in human affairs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the academic study of religion. It covers a range of topics, including the history, methods, and theories of religious studies. This book valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the study of religion.
Save
Classic introduction to the academic study of religion. It covers a range of topics, including the history, methods, and theories of religious studies. It provides a great overview of the field and is commonly used as a textbook in many universities.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the academic study of religion. It covers a range of topics, including the history, methods, and theories of religious studies. valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the study of religion.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Buddhism. It covers a range of topics, including the history, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism. This book valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Buddhism.
Explores the issue of religious pluralism. It examines the history, concepts, and contemporary debates surrounding religious pluralism. This book is helpful for understanding the role that religion plays in contemporary society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Hinduism. It covers a range of topics, including the history, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism. This book valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Hinduism.
Save
Examines the relationship between religion and the digital age. It explores the ways in which technology is changing the way that people practice and experience religion. This book valuable resource for understanding the role that religion plays in the modern world.
Explores the relationship between religion and ethics. It examines the ways in which religion has shaped moral values and ethical decision-making. This book valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the intersection of religion and ethics.
Explores the relationship between religion and violence. It examines the history, causes, and consequences of religious violence. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role that religion plays in the world today.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of positive psychology. It includes chapters on a variety of topics, including the science of happiness, flourishing, and well-being. valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the positive aspects of religion.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9uarg8/religious
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Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Diane L. Moore
Anna Mudd
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
World Religions Through Their Scriptures. It's comprised of seven courses:
- Christianity Through Its Scriptures
- Buddhism Through Its Scriptures
- Sikhism Through Its Scriptures
- Hinduism Through Its Scriptures
- Judaism Through Its Scriptures
- Islam Through Its Scriptures
- Religious Literacy: Traditions and Scriptures (viewing)
Good to know
Explores the multifaceted nature of religion, focusing on its diversity, evolution, and cultural significance
Examines the complex interplay between religion, society, and human experience
Offers a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from history, sociology, and anthropology
Facilitated by experienced instructors Diane L. Moore and Anna Mudd
Provides opportunities for peer interaction and discussion
Requires a solid foundation in religious studies or related fields
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