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Course Description Course Name : An General Survey of the History of Religions Course Code : FDB 739 Course Type : Optional Level of Course : Second Cycle Year of Study : 1 Course Semester : Fall (16 Weeks) ECTS : 6 Name of Lecturer(s) : Assoc.Prof.Dr. KADİR ALBAYRAK Learning Outcomes of the Course : Discerns the historical development and methodology of comparative religion history. Absorbs key figures in comparative religion history and their approaches and contributions to this field. Has the ability to make comparisons of similar, different and identical aspects of religions. Classifies religious beliefs and practices as theoretical, practical and societal ones. Discerns the unifying and peaceful aspect of religion with reference to common moral codes between religions. Approaches societal and academic matters more comprehensively and objectively as he knows the other religious traditions Mode of Delivery : Face-to-Face Prerequisites and Co-Prerequisites : None Recommended Optional Programme Components : None Aim(s) of Course : The aim of the course is to provide the students with profound information about the meaning and function of religions by making comparisons between main themes of religions such as the understanding of God, the revelation, the scripture, the other world, environment, women, etc., and thus to enable the students to see religion as a fact that contributes peace intra and inter society. Course Contents : The course covers the belief in God in religions (such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.), the idea of scripture in world religions, understanding prophethood in various religions and the religious ethics. Language of Instruction : Turkish Work Place : Classroom   Course Outline /Schedule (Weekly) Planned Learning Activities Week Subject Student's Preliminary Work Learning Activities and Teaching Methods 1 Definition of terms ´Religion´ and ´History´ Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 2 Debates about source and root of ´religion´ and unwritten religions of tribes. Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 3 Importance of History of Religion in Social Studies and other disciplines related to it. Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 4 Ethnic Religions, Religions of Far East and Indian Religions Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 5 Near East Religions Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 6 Traditional (Ancient) Turkish Religions Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 7 Religions of Ancient Europe and America Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 8 Midterm Exam Revising the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Written Exam 9 Judaism in the Past and Present Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 10 Christianity in the Past and Present Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 11 Sects of Christianity Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 12 Islam and Contemporary Islamic World Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 13 New Religious Movement Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 14 Interfaith Dialogue and Missionary Activities Reading the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Lecture, question and answer, discussion 15 General Evaluation and Conclusion General Revision of All Subjects Brainstorming, Discussion 16/17 Final Exam Revising the relevant parts in the textbook and suggested sources Written Exam   Required Course Resources Resource Type Resource Name Recommended Course Material(s)  Abdurrahman Küçük-Günay Tümer, Dinler Tarihi, Mircea Eliade, Dinler Tarihine Giriş, Annemarie Schimmel, Dinler Tarihine Giriş, Moojen Momen, The Phenomenon of Religion, Yaşayan Dünya Dinleri.  Warren Matthews - World Religions; Cengage Learning; 6 edition (December 22, 2008)   Allan Menzies - History of Religion: A Sketch of Primitive Religious Beliefs and Practices, and of the Origin and Character of the Great Systems; Adamant Media Corporation (November 30, 2005).   Karen Armstrong - A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam; Ballantine Books (August 9, 1994).  John Bowker - World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored & Explained; DK ADULT; Reprint edition (February 20, 2006).   William Hopper - The Heathen´s Guide to World Religions: A Secular History of the One True Faiths; Eris Publications; Revised edition (February 15, 2011)   Eric J. Sharpe - Comparative Religion; Bristol Classical Press; 0002-New edition (August 11, 1994). Required Course Material(s)   Assessment Methods and Assessment Criteria Semester/Year Assessments Number Contribution Percentage     Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) 1 60     Homeworks/Projects/Others 2 40 Total 100 Rate of Semester/Year Assessments to Success 40   Final Assessments 100 Rate of Final Assessments to Success 60 Total 100   Contribution of the Course to Key Learning Outcomes # Key Learning Outcome Contribution* 1 Explains the effects of phenomenon of religion to formation, change and development of human and social structure. 4 2 Explains that religions can contribute to the maintenance of the atmosphere of peace and the development of coexistence culture in today´s world. 4 3 Has the necessary information about scientific research methods and techniques 4 4 Follows the impacts and the consequences of religion on social and scientific developments by using the main sources 5 5 Recognizes the key issues in the field and develops ways of solution related to them. 4 6 Has the necessary qualifications to provide the expected service for the students who will work as researchers, educators and religious officials in public and private institutions and organizations. 4 7 Has the capability of reaching accurate religious information by means of scientific research, and is able to evaluate, interpret and use the information obtained . 5 8 Recognizes main literature about the field and is able to have access to them. 5 9 Conducts scientific research on key issues relating to religion and community relations independently and draws conclusions. 5 10 Defends the results which are obtained in accordance with objective and scientific criteria. 5 11 Prepares research report in accordance with scientific criteria. 5 12 Realizes the necessity to think that religion, science, philosophy and morality complete each other and in order to explain the meaning of human life, they should be considered all together. 4 13 Realizies the necessity to respect faith and values which are attributed to holiness. 5 * Contribution levels are between 0 (not) and 5 (maximum).   Student Workload - ECTS Works Number Time (Hour) Total Workload (Hour) Course Related Works     Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) 14 3 42     Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) 14 5 70 Assesment Related Works     Homeworks, Projects, Others 2 12 24     Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) 1 10 10     Final Exam 1 10 10 Total Workload: 156 Total Workload / 25 (h): 6.24 ECTS Credit: 6