Comparative Religions

COURSE OBJECTIVE

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COURSE FORMAT

The class meets 90 minutes twice a week (M/W or T/Th) for 20 weeks.  Like all other courses in our curriculum, Honors English II consists of two components:  asynchronous and synchronous learning.

1. The asynchronous flipped classroom portion of the course makes up 30% of your overall grade. It is based on the Religion 101: Intro to World Religions course developed by Study.com, which we have supplemented with content from their broader General Religious Studies course.

2. Your academy instructor will facilitate the virtual in-person synchronous portion of the course. This makes up 50% of your overall grade.

Asynchronous Learning

Both the Religion 101: Intro to World Religions and the General Religious Studies courses developed by Study.com were created by panels of expert instructors who break down concepts with bite-sized, animated video lessons organized into topical chapters that improve comprehension and retention, making learning fun and engaging.  Each video is approximately 5-8 minutes long and comes with a quick quiz to help you measure your "first exposure learning" during the pre-work phase before the actual class. At the end of each chapter, you will complete a chapter test to see if you're ready to move on or have some material to review.

You should expect to spend 50-70 minutes per week on these homework assignments. The academy intentionally schedules no classes on Fridays to provide dedicated time for homework assignments and out-of-class projects.

Synchronous Learning

Our academy instructor, who will also serve as your Gamemaster, will facilitate the live, virtual classroom sessions, which will supplement and build upon the content introduced in the asynchronous portion of the course. Additionally, they will answer any questions you may have about the asynchronous material.

Our in-person sessions are designed to make learning fun and interactive! Here's what you can expect:

• Interactive discussions:  We will delve deeper into key concepts from the asynchronous material and address any common misconceptions.

• Game-based activities:   Earn points and badges, and climb the leaderboard as you embark on edventures through grammar and !

  
  

Exams

There are four units; one for each quarter. Every quarter, there will be a comprehensive exam over all content covered that quarter. Each of these four exams is weighted equally, and the combined average will make up 20% of your course grade.

ALIGNMENT WITH ACADEMIC STANDARDS

The Honors Comparative Religions course is designed to develop critical academic skills—such as analysis, interpretation, and argumentation—through the in-depth study of world religions. By aligning with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), this course ensures that students not only gain a comprehensive understanding of religious traditions but also develop the essential skills needed for advanced academic work and respectful, informed engagement with diverse belief systems.

COURSE TOPICS

Chapters: 23: Lessons: 340

UNIT 1:  Origins of Religion

In this foundational unit, you'll embark on a journey through humanity's early search for spiritual meaning and connection to the divine by exploring rituals, myths, and the evolution from storytelling to structured religion. You’ll discover how ancient cultures—from Mesopotamia to Egypt, India, and beyond—developed beliefs and practices that not only shaped their own societies but also influenced the religions we recognize today. Along the way, you’ll see how the polytheistic pantheons of Mesopotamia and Egypt, the monotheistic traditions of Zoroastrianism and Judaism, and the philosophical and spiritual traditions of Hinduism laid the groundwork for later religious systems.

We’ll also explore religious syncretism—the blending of different religious traditions—and examine how beliefs have influenced and shaped each other over time. This will help you critically analyze contemporary cultural and religious expressions, deepening your understanding of diverse faiths and enhancing your appreciation of your own.

UNIT 2:  Ancient Beliefs, Modern Impact

In this unit, we’ll continue our journey through the mythologies, philosophies, and religions of early civilizations, exploring how they’ve shaped later societies. Along the way, we’ll dive into religious syncretism—the blending of different religious beliefs and practices—and look at how elements of these ancient traditions influenced later religions, including Christianity. From the polytheistic pantheons of ancient Greece and Rome to the heroic Norse sagas, and from the spiritual teachings of Eastern religions to the earth-centered traditions of Native American cultures, we’ll examine how these beliefs not only defined their cultures but also left a lasting mark on art, literature, music, popular culture, and even our holidays.

UNIT 3:  Christian and Islamic Faiths

In this unit, we’ll explore the histories and foundational beliefs of Christianity and Islam, two major Abrahamic religions that together encompass over half of the world’s population. From the life of Jesus Christ to the revelations of the Prophet Muhammad, we’ll examine the pivotal events, figures, and sacred texts that have profoundly shaped these faiths and influenced the broader course of history. Through a comparative lens, we’ll examine each religion’s key teachings, practices, and beliefs, highlighting both their shared roots and unique perspectives.

We’ll also trace the evolution of Christianity, from its early foundations to the development of Catholicism and Protestantism, as well as the distinctions within Islam, especially between the Sunni and Shia traditions. Along the way, we’ll investigate how ancient Jewish and pagan influences have shaped the development of these faiths. By the end of this unit, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how Christianity and Islam have impacted various cultures, societies, and politics around the world.

UNIT 4:

INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION BOARD

Each module features an interactive discussion board powered by Discussion Hero, a gamified platform developed by Northwestern University. Students choose between "hero" and "villain" roles and avatars, earning points for their contributions. This fosters a sense of competition and engagement, making discussions even more rewarding.

Benefits of Participating in Discussions:

1. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills:  Go beyond memorization and passive learning by analyzing information, evaluating different perspectives, and forming your own conclusions.

2. Enhance communication skills:  Practice clear communication, learn to articulate your ideas effectively, and develop respectful listening and rebuttal skills.

3. Fosters a collaborative learning environment:  Learn from each other, share knowledge, and collaborate on problem-solving, creating a dynamic and enriching learning community.

4. Deepen your understanding of the content:  Actively engaging with the course material through discussion solidifies and expands your understanding beyond lectures and readings.

5. Provides diverse perspectives:  Discussions expose you to different viewpoints and interpretations, encouraging critical thinking and broadening your understanding of the subject matter.

6. Offers opportunities for self-reflection:  Examining your own thoughts and arguments in response to prompts and engaging with others' perspectives helps solidify your learning and identify areas for further exploration.

7. Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios:  Apply course concepts to real-world situations through discussions, enhancing the material's relevance.

8. Build a digital learning portfolio:  Discussions serve as a reference for your learning journey, allowing you to revisit key concepts and track your progress.

9. Develop digital literacy:  Discussions provide a platform to practice online communication etiquette, including respectful disagreement, constructive argumentation, and responsible information sharing.

To actively engage in meaningful learning and reap the benefits mentioned above, participation in each module's discussion board is expected and will contribute to your overall grade. Your instructor will provide a clear rubric within Discussion Hero outlining the expectations for participation and how your contributions will be evaluated. This ensures consistent and transparent assessment while allowing you to showcase your understanding and critical thinking skills throughout the course.

COURSE OUTCOMES

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Religious Syncretism:  Describe the process of religious syncretism and assess its impact on the development of religious traditions.

• Comparative Analysis:  Compare and contrast the religious beliefs, practices, and ethical teachings of diverse religious traditions.

• Critical Thinking:  Apply critical thinking skills to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate evidence, and form informed conclusions about religious beliefs and practices.

• Analyze the role of religion in contemporary global issues, such as politics, social justice, and conflict resolution.

• Cultural Sensitivity:  Demonstrate respect and understanding for diverse religious traditions and worldviews.

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites. However, this course was designed to supplement World History and Human Geography. Therefore it is advised to either take it with or following one of these core courses.