Religion (REL)

Introduction to the Study of Religion - REL 100

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL100-IntroductiontotheStudyofReligion

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Explores the idea of religion (as a general category), how to study religion in an academic context, and common elements across most religions such as beliefs, practices, values, community, spiritual experience, symbolism, and narrative. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 100 introduces the student to the general terminology, the recurring themes, and issues common to the religious outlook. Students examine basic ideas common to all religions and look carefully at the religious experience itself from a variety of perspectives.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 100

Religions of the World - REL 230

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL230-ReligionsoftheWorld

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Introduces the major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Focuses on origins, history, basic beliefs, values, ethics, and practices. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 230 introduces students to the world's major religious traditions. The course is designed to enhance student's global awareness of peoples and cultures. Students will explore diverse religious philosophies and practices in an effort to understand how they shed light on the nature, meaning, and struggle of human existence and current world events.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 230

Introduction to Islam - REL 233

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL233-IntroductiontoIslam

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Studies Islam in its historical, religious and political dimensions and assists in the understanding of its contemporary vitality and attraction as a faith, a culture and a way of life. Provides exposure to Muslim culture and religious practices through an experiential element.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 233 provides students the opportunity to learn the basics of Islamic beliefs and major practices, become familiar with the main sources of knowledge and laws, identify diversity within Islamic practice including Sunni and Shia, contextualize contemporary topics relating to Islam and Muslims including jihad, global political movements, gender, culture, and dress, and understand the history and culture of Muslims in a variety of global contexts

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 233

Religions of the East - REL 237

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL237-ReligionsoftheEast

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Studies major religious traditions originating in India and East Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism and Shinto. Examines origins, values, ethics, teachings, and practices. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 237 introduces students to the origins, teachings, organization, and practices of Eastern religious traditions with an emphasis on their role in motivating, shaping and inspiring their adherents through myths, rituals, symbols, ethical teachings, and religious experiences.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 237

Religions of the West - REL 238

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL238-ReligionsoftheWest

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Studies major religious traditions originating in the Near East, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Examines origins, values, ethics, teachings, and practices.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 238 introduces students to the history, teachings, organization, and practices of Western religious traditions with an emphasis on their role in motivating, shaping and inspiring their adherents through myths, rituals, symbols, ethical teachings, and religious experiences.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 238

Religions in the U.S. - REL 240

https://courses.vccs.edu./courses/REL240-ReligionsintheUS

Effective: 2022-05-01

Course Description

Surveys various manifestations of religion in the American experience. Emphasizes concepts, problems, and issues of religious diversity and character of U.S. religious life. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

REL 240 introduces students to major religious traditions practiced in the U.S. The course is designed to enhance awareness of peoples and cultures. Students will explore practices and lived experiences as well as diverse religious philosophies.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

<- Back to REL 240