Goals and Learning Objectives

Learning Goal 1
Majors will be able to describe religions' historical contexts [Knowledge]

Objectives
a) Majors will describe periods of the history of at least three different religious traditions
b) Majors will relate knowledge of religions' histories to other aspects such as rituals, texts, ethics, or beliefs

Learning Goal 2
Majors will be to differentiate major theoretical approaches to the study of religion [Comprehension]

Objectives
a) Majors will interrogate the term "religion"
b) Majors will narrate a general history of the study of religion
c) Majors will demonstrate use of at least three approaches to religion

Learning Goal 3
Majors will be able to analyze the social implications of religion [Analysis]

Objectives
a) Majors will explain the inseparability of religion and its social context
b) Majors will give examples of the links between religion and other dimensions of social life (gender, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, politics, economics, science, technology etc.)

Learning Goal 4
Majors will be able to interpret a variety of religious texts [Application]

Objectives
a) Majors will demonstrate an acquaintance with texts of at least three different religious traditions
b) Majors will read religious texts critically
c) Majors will compare and contrast critical and confessional ways of reading texts

Learning Goal 5
Majors will be able to evaluate religious phenomena [Evaluation]

Objectives
a) Majors will describe differences within religious traditions (e.g. conservative vs. reform movements), among different traditions (e.g. Catholic vs. Confucian) or between religions and movements not normally thought of as religious (e.g. science, nationalism, sport, gardening etc)
b) Majors will express informed opinions about those differences