By the end of the course, the student will be able to explain—orally or in writing—the issues addressed in the course and the ideas of the authors studied in relation to those themes; to compare the various theories; and to express a personal, critical perspective on the themes and authors covered.
Academic training requires a deepening of religious knowledge to avoid any disconnect between scientific education and reflection on the fundamental questions of existence. In this regard, the course will offer an exploration of various religions—such as shamanism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—focusing specifically on how each relates to suffering and death.
The course will trace a historical path through various types of religions (shamanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), presenting them within their historical and cultural contexts. The relationship of these religions to the issues of suffering and death—and the responses they offer in this regard—will be examined from a comparative and critical perspective.
Meaning, objectives, and limitations of a comparative religion course
Death and suffering: key issues
Shamanism
Buddhism
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Lecture, note-taking, PowerPoint
Depending on the number of registered students, a written exam with open-ended questions or an oral exam with a randomly drawn question.
Useful references can be found on Webcampus.
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| List of cross-disciplinary teaching units | 1 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences | 2 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Economics and Management | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Political Sciences : General | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Information and Communication | 3 | 3 | No |
| Bachelor in Business Engineering | 3 | 3 | No |