Comparative Religion
Senior Seminar 2008/09 Fr. Michael G. Brunner O.S.B.
This course explores the great religious traditions of the world in historic order. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Orthodox Christianity, & Islam are examined through their beliefs, their scriptures, their worship & prayer, and how these faiths impact the lives of believers & their society. The course particularly considers how the faiths intersect in their mystical dimensions and how they highlight aspects of our Catholic tradition. The course is a seminar, with assigned readings, discussions, video’s & field trips; weekly reflection papers are required & reading of the novel Siddhartha.
Texts: Course Pack
Recommended: The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions
2nd Edition
by Huston Smith
Harper San Francisco, 1991
Students Guide to "The Long Search
Course Requirements
1.Attendance is required at all scheduled classes, as well as discussion & participation.
2.Text readings are expected to be completed for classes as indicated on the outline.
3.The novel Siddhartha (by Hermann Hesse) is to be read by the date indicated and comprehension of it to be demonstrated ( either by discussion in class, in a paper or by passing a quiz).
4.Either a Weekly Reflection Paper or Worksheet/Quiz is required.
What is a reflection paper: a synthesized reflection on what you have learned that significantly resonates with your experience and/or that has expanded your consciousness. Refer to the 24 Significant Questions in the course pack.
Technical requirements: at least two typed pages, 1 inch margins, no more than a 12 pt font, double spaced.
The generally required papers/work sheets are on the following subjects:
Doctrine, Myth & Mysticism
The Hindu Traditions
Buddhism
Siddhartha
Daoism/Confucianism
Zoroasterianism & Judaism
Islam
5.Field Trips: there will be two field trips as indicated on the outline. Respectful attendance is required at the Hindu Temple, Buddhist Monastery, Synagogue. Mosque.
6.Movies: Time permitting, there will be two full length movies shown (Kundun on Buddhism and The Message on Islam) during this seminar.
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