Comparative World Religion is an interdisciplinary course that explores and compares the origins, beliefs, rituals, and ideals of the world’s major religious traditions. Students will examine Eastern and Western religions—such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—as well as additional traditions like Shinto, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Greek, Roman, and indigenous faiths. Through historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives, the course investigates how these religions address universal questions about creation, morality, the nature of the divine, and the meaning of life.
Emphasis is placed on understanding both the similarities and differences among religious traditions, their sacred texts, ethical systems, rituals, symbols, and their roles in shaping societies and cultures. Students will develop skills in critical analysis, comparative reasoning, and interfaith dialogue, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with religious diversity in an interconnected world.
The course includes lectures, tutorial discussions, research write-up, tests and exam to deepen understanding of religious practices in real-world contexts.