PHIL 174 World Religions

Overview of Course

This course is an introductory survey of some of the major religious traditions of the world as they are encountered in our Semester at Sea voyage itinerary—including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Indigenous Religions (e.g., Afro-Brazilian), Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism, along with others if there is time. With deep respect and empathy for religious, spiritual, and cultural traditions and the experiences of each other in class, we explore a diverse range of sacred texts, accounts of human nature, sacred views and practices, and ethical guidance found in these traditions. Our visits to different countries during our voyage provide a unique opportunity to understand the cultural and interpretive similarities and differences that occur within and among so-called single religious traditions.
A central focus of the course is the question: “What constitutes the sacred views and practices of diverse, and sometimes overlapping, major religious traditions of the world?” In the course, students learn about the teachings, major historical developments, and ways of life of major religious traditions of the world. Students consider religious and spiritual claims, assumptions, and rituals within a global comparative context and, in so doing, gain experience in thinking critically, and speaking and writing thoughtfully and empathetically, about matters of faith. It is a rare opportunity to study and experience world religions during a Semester at Sea voyage that takes us to the heart of numerous belief settings.