Goals and Learning Objectives

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

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

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

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

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

Objectives
a) Students will explain the inseparability of religion and its social context
b) Students 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
Students will be able to interpret a variety of religious texts [Application]

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

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

Objectives
a) Students 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) Students will express informed opinions about those differences