Outlines the course goals and objectives, and focuses on the benefits of examining major beliefs and worldviews. . Students gain the analytical skills needed to appreciate religious diversity and understand religious paths. The class emphasizes the difference between teaching religion and teaching about religion.
This series provides a comprehensive look at the nature and function of the religions and secular beliefs that comprise today’s major "world views". Established beliefs covered in the telecourse include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Also included are belief systems outside the scope of mainstream religious institutions, such as "New Age" religion, neo-paganism, and "Civil Religion". These world views are explored in-depth using six dimensions of study: mythical, experiential, doctrinal, ritual, ethical and social. Viewers receive an introduction to diverse belief systems and gain a balanced perspective on how differing belief systems affect us on a global scale and in our own backyards.
