RST H450E ST: Exploring Asian Religions

Asian religions have become increasingly popular on a global scale. This course will begin by exploring the Asian roots of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism - their rituals, texts, beliefs, ethics, and institutional structures and how life is experienced by their participants. It will then examine the contemporary manifestations of each religion in Asia and around the globe with a particular focus on the United States. The course will also address lesser known Asian religions such as Jainism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and indigenous shamanistic practice. Prerequisite: RST-112