Great Religious Traditions (20020)

Degree/study: Degree in Humanities
Year: 3rd.
Term: 1st.
Number of ECTS credits: 5 credits
Hours of studi dedication: 125 hours
Teaching language or languages: Catalan (group 1), Spanish (group 2)
Teaching Staff: Raquel Bouso

1. Presentation of the subject

Knowledge and familiarization about the history, the main doctrinal corps and the main documents of the great religious traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Introduction to the relationships established among these traditions through history 

2. Competences to be attained

Transferable skills

Specific competences

1. Knowing and locating the great religious traditions. Achieve a good understanding of the main ideas and religious beliefs developed by these traditions. 2. Have a better understanding of the formation and dynamics of the religious basic concepts. 3. Become familiar with the suggested texts, learn how to carefully interpret them, study the principal questions in depth and the problems and necessities they obey.

1. Understanding the sense and using the technical terms and key concepts correctly in the basic vocabulary of the texts which have been studied. 2. Ability to explain both verbally (seminar discussions) and in writing what has been understood from the texts. 3. Knowing and gaining access to the materials and reference tools of the subject: to consult and use the essential critical bibliography using bibliographic research skills.

3. Contents

 

1 - Introduction to the course. The scientific study of religions and different approach methods to religious phenomena. Attempt to define religion and religions. Classification of religions.

2 - Hinduism. Origin and meaning of the term. Classical, medieval and modern Hinduism. From the Vedic literature (the Vedas, the Brahmins and upanisad) to the great medieval epics. Main rituals and devotional and ascetic practices.

3 - Buddhisme. The life and words of the Buddha. Formation and difusion of buddhisme: Theravada traditiona, Mahayana and Vajrayana. The Pali canon, the great sutra and tantra. Main precepts and doctrines. Buddhist meditation techniques.

4 - Judaism. From the origins and the patriarchs to the exile and diaspora. The Hebrew Bible: the Torah, the prophets and writings. The rabbinic literature: the Midrash, the Targum, the Mishna and the Talmud. The Cabala and hassidism. Aspects of modern Judaism: Zionism and the Holocaust; reformism and orthodoxy.

5 - Christianity. Activity and significance of Jesus. The early Christian communities and the establishment of the Christian canon. The birth of monasticism, the conversion of Constantine and the formation of Christianity. The schism between the churches of East and West. Mysticism and theology. The reform movements and wars of religion. Christian beliefs and practices today.

6 - Islam. Life of Mohammed and the Koranic revelation. The division and expansion of the Islamic community. The pillars of faith and practice. Islamic law. Philosophy (falsafa) and theology (Kalam). Spiritual paths of Islam: Sufism and Shiite prophetology. Islam and the modern world.

 

*The full version with the sections: 4. Assessment, 5. Bibliography and teaching resources, 6. Methodology, and 7. Planning of activities is available in the original version.

 

4. Assessment

*

5. Bibliography and teaching resources

5.1. Basic bibliography

*

5.2. Complementary bibliography

*

5.3. Teaching resources

*

6. Metodology

*

7. Planning of activities

*