World Relgions: World Practice Peter Carey Episcopal Adademy, Philadelphia Course Description This course takes seriously the idea that to be religious involves not only faith or belief, but also practice. Just as an athlete trains his or herbody, religious people train their spirits and their hearts. This course studies the major religious traditions of the world to understand how and why those who follow these traditions train their spirits the way they do. Students will not only learn from an excellent text book, but will also have a chance in class to actively ask how the practices of the world's religions (their own included) could strengthen their own spiritual lives. Specifically the course will examine the Hindu Traditions and various Yogas, Buddhism and Meditation (or the interpretation of a Koan), Taoism and Tai Chi, Islam and Prayer, Christianity and Worship, as well as Judaism and the study of the Torah. Course Objectives 1. To teach a knowledge of the belief structure, world view, and ethos (the manner in which one views oneself in relation to the world) of the world's major religious traditions. 2. To give students an experiential understanding of the spiritual disciplines practiced by members of the world's major religious traditions. 3. To encourage students to use other religions as prompts to help them re-evaluate their own relation to God, themselves, and the world around them. 4. To engage students in conversation with other cultures and religions. Texts and Materials Smith, Huston. The World's Religions. (Illustrated edition) Supplemental Primary Sources. Excerpts from: Tao te Ching The Koran The Bible Analects of Confucius Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, Suzuki The Dalai Lama at Harvard Tao of Pooh, Hoff Sacred Hoops, Phil Jackson The Essential Rumi, Barks Autobiography of Malcolm X Zen in the Art of Archery, Herrigel The Way to Freedom, Dalai Lama One Three Ring Binder for handouts and returned work. Assignments Weekly reflection papers demonstrate the student's understanding and appropriation of the course reading. Take home tests are given at the end of each unit. Students write a short research paper on a focused topic in the field of world religions. Evaluation Reflection papers, Class Presentations, Tests, and a Short Research Project. email: <carey@ea1785.org> Return to RSiSS Syllabi