Religion in Contemporary Societies

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Religion in Contemporary Societies (HBC251)

Synopsis

Religion remains a mainstay of contemporary societies, serving to organize social life and interaction among people. Here, we trace the historical origins of various religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Taoism, and indigenous religions – and use a comparative approach in our discussion of the philosophical, ritualistic, and institutional aspects of the religions. We also take a closer look at how these religions have evolved in the Asian context.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Overview of the academic study of religion
Approaches to the study of religion
Survey of religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism
Survey of religions (cont'd): Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Shinto, Indigenous religions, New Religious Movements
Religion and society
Religion and society (cont'd)

Learning Outcome

Distinguish between normative understandings and truth claims about religion(s) and the aims of the academic study of religion in the social sciences.
Explain different scholarly approaches to religion and some definitions of religion that flow from these.
Demonstrate familiarity with a range of forms of religious life (i.e. traditions, institutions etc.) and their historical and cultural contexts.
Examine the relationship between religion and other forms of social life (including identity, gender roles, nation states, globalisation).
Question the universal applicability of categories and terms employed in the study of religion and critically discuss key topics and issues involving religions today.
Apply cultural relativism, methodological and theoretical pluralism, and think cross-culturally and comparatively about religions.
Sketch religious diversity in the contemporary world.