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World Religions

A comparative survey of the major traditions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam — their texts, beliefs and practices.

Course by Prof. Helen CrawfordVerified creator
6 chapters18 lessons2 hr 31 min18 quick checks
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The chapters and lessons below are the fixed course structure. When you start, LearnLive teaches each lesson interactively and adapts examples, pacing, and questions to you.

Complete syllabus

Every chapter and lesson

  1. 01

    Chapter 1 · 3 lessons

    Studying Religion

    1. 1.1

      What is religion?

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define religion and identify its key components.

      • Understand the definition of religion.
      • Identify the components that make up a religion.
      • Explore the significance of belief systems in religion.
    2. 1.2

      Approaches to studying it

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe various approaches to studying religion.

      • Identify different methodologies used in the study of religion.
      • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
      • Explore how these approaches impact our understanding of religious phenomena.
    3. 1.3

      Myth, ritual & the sacred

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the concepts of myth, ritual, and the sacred in religion.

      • Define myth and its role in religious traditions.
      • Understand the significance of rituals in expressing beliefs.
      • Explore the concept of the sacred and its implications in various religions.
  2. 02

    Chapter 2 · 3 lessons

    Indian Traditions

    1. 2.1

      Hinduism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define Hinduism and identify its core beliefs and practices.

      • Understand the concept of Dharma and its significance in Hinduism.
      • Identify the major deities in Hinduism and their roles.
      • Explore the practices of yoga and meditation in Hinduism.
    2. 2.2

      Buddhism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define Buddhism and explain its fundamental teachings.

      • Understand the Four Noble Truths and their implications.
      • Identify the Eightfold Path and its components.
      • Explore the concept of Nirvana and its significance in Buddhism.
    3. 2.3

      Jainism & Sikhism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can define Jainism and Sikhism and compare their core beliefs.

      • Understand the principle of Ahimsa in Jainism.
      • Identify the key tenets of Sikhism, including the concept of the Guru.
      • Explore the practices and rituals in both Jainism and Sikhism.
  3. 03

    Chapter 3 · 3 lessons

    East Asian Traditions

    1. 3.1

      Confucianism

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the core principles of Confucianism and its impact on East Asian societies.

      • Define Confucianism and its historical context.
      • Identify key concepts such as Ren (benevolence) and Li (ritual propriety).
      • Discuss the role of Confucianism in shaping social relationships and governance.
    2. 3.2

      Daoism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the fundamental beliefs of Daoism and its significance in East Asian culture.

      • Define Daoism and its philosophical foundations.
      • Explain the concept of the Dao (the Way) and its implications for living.
      • Discuss the relationship between Daoism and nature, including the idea of Wu Wei (non-action).
    3. 3.3

      Shinto & folk religion

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the beliefs and practices of Shinto and folk religion in East Asia.

      • Define Shinto and its connection to Japanese culture and identity.
      • Identify key rituals and practices associated with Shinto.
      • Discuss the role of kami (spirits) in Shinto and folk religion.
  4. 04

    Chapter 4 · 3 lessons

    Judaism

    1. 4.1

      History & covenant

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the historical context of Judaism and the significance of the covenant.

      • Define the historical origins of Judaism.
      • Describe the concept of covenant in Judaism.
      • Identify key figures in Jewish history related to the covenant.
    2. 4.2

      Texts & law

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the central texts and laws of Judaism.

      • Define the Torah and its role in Jewish law.
      • Identify other important texts in Judaism, such as the Talmud.
      • Explain how Jewish law influences daily life and religious practice.
    3. 4.3

      Practice & modern Judaism

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can evaluate the practices of modern Judaism and their significance.

      • Define key practices in modern Judaism, such as prayer and dietary laws.
      • Identify different denominations within modern Judaism.
      • Discuss the role of community and tradition in contemporary Jewish life.
  5. 05

    Chapter 5 · 3 lessons

    Christianity

    1. 5.1

      Origins & Jesus

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the origins of Christianity and the significance of Jesus.

      • Define the historical context of the emergence of Christianity.
      • Identify key events in the life of Jesus.
      • Discuss the impact of Jesus' teachings on early followers.
    2. 5.2

      Beliefs & traditions

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can describe the core beliefs and traditions of Christianity.

      • Define the main beliefs of Christianity, including the concepts of the Trinity and salvation.
      • Identify important Christian traditions and rituals.
      • Discuss the role of the Bible in Christian faith.
    3. 5.3

      Christianity in the world

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the influence of Christianity in various cultures around the world.

      • Define the global distribution of Christianity.
      • Identify key cultural adaptations of Christianity in different regions.
      • Discuss the role of Christianity in social and political contexts worldwide.
  6. 06

    Chapter 6 · 3 lessons

    Islam

    1. 6.1

      The Prophet & the Qur’an

      9 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can explain the significance of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an in Islam.

      • Define the role of the Prophet Muhammad in Islam.
      • Describe the contents and structure of the Qur'an.
      • Explain the concept of revelation in Islam.
    2. 6.2

      The Five Pillars

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can identify and describe the Five Pillars of Islam.

      • Define each of the Five Pillars: Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.
      • Explain the importance of each Pillar in a Muslim's life.
      • Discuss how the Five Pillars unify the Muslim community.
    3. 6.3

      Branches & global spread

      8 min · Quick check

      Lesson goal: By the end you can analyze the branches of Islam and their global spread.

      • Identify the major branches of Islam: Sunni and Shia.
      • Discuss the historical context of the split between Sunni and Shia.
      • Examine the global distribution of Muslims today.

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