Across the Indus River to Valhalla- Goddesses, Rituals, Saints and More.

Exploring the World's Belief Systems: A Thematic Journey Through Religion and Culture  

A 15-hour exploration of humanity’s diverse belief systems. We will uncover how geography, history, human fears, desires, and cultural exchanges have shaped religious thought. Together, we’ll examine the universal questions every belief system seeks to answer: 
How did the world begin? 
Why do good and evil exist? 
What is humanity's role in the grand design of life and the divine?  


This course invites students to discover the common threads and unique aspects of religions from around the globe, fostering an understanding of how shared human experiences connect us all.  

 What to Expect  

Thematic Approach
Each session focuses on a specific theme, offering two hours of in-depth discussion and analysis:  
1. Creation Myths: How cultures envision the universe's origins and humanity.  

2. Goddesses and the Role of Women: Celebrating the divine feminine and exploring gender roles.  

3. Gods and the Role of Men: The divine masculine across religions and its implications. 

 4. Rituals: The practices that unite communities and connect them to the sacred.  

5. Moral Rules: Codes of conduct that guide behavior and ethics.  

6. Founders of Religions: Insights into the lives and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, and Confucius.  

7. Women in Religion: Exploring the roles of nuns, priests, shamans, and saints.  

A Global Perspective 
Themes will draw from a wide range of religious traditions, including: 

- Ancient religions: Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Norse beliefs.  

- Monotheistic faiths: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  

- Eastern traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Japanese religion.
  
- Indigenous spirituality: Native beliefs from Africa, the Americas, northern Asia, and Australia.  


Layered Assignments: Weekly assignments will become increasingly challenging, culminating in a final research project in which students compare, analyze, and draw parallels to contemporary issues.  


 Course Requirements  
Students should have a foundational understanding of geography and history and be comfortable taking notes during class discussions to succeed.  

Whether you’re curious about the world's religions or eager to explore how belief systems have shaped human history and culture, this course offers a thought-provoking journey that connects the past to our present. Let’s explore the world’s belief systems together!