Unit 5: Overview

Introduction

In this unit we move to a different part of the world which gave rise to four major religions:  Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  You’ve never heard of Zoroastrianism?  It is regarded as the forerunner, and in some ways the very foundation, of all the others.  We will look briefly at Zoroastrianism before moving to our main consideration for the week, Judaism.

Unit Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the unit, the learner will be able to:

1. Demonstrate mastery of many terms and concepts of Zoroastrianism and Judaism.
2. Relate the development of Zoroastrianism to both Hinduism in the east, and particularly to Judaism in the west.
3. Discuss the basic history and ideas of Judaism, as well as some of the significant events, symbols and places.
4. Locate the religions discussed on the world map, both in historical emergence and contemporary experience.
5. Discuss the importance of Israel on the world stage.

Reading Objectives

After reading the assigned portion of Chapter 10, the student should be able to do the following:

• Describe the emergence of Zoroastrianism
• Explain the key beliefs and values of the Sikhs
• Discuss similarities and differences among Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam

After reading Chapter 8, the student should be able to do the following:

• Discuss developments in the four general periods of Jewish history
• Describe the three parts of the Hebrew Bible
• Retell some of the major stories in the Hebrew scriptures
• Describe Jewish religious practices
• Explain the characteristics of the major divisions within Judaism
• Discuss the history of persecution that culminated in the Holocaust
• Discuss challenges Judaism faces in the modern world

Readings and Materials

Textbooks:

• Author: Molloy - Chapter 10: Zoroastrianism (pp. 438-439)
• Author: Molloy - Chapter 8: Judaism

Websites:

• The Abrahamic Faiths: A Comparison - How do Judaism, Christianity, and Islam differ? Links to an external site.

Lecture/Chapter Overview/Unit Highlights:

• Unit 5 Lecture - Zoroastrianism
• Unit 5 Lecture - Judaism

Assignments

• Discussion (40 points) - First post due 11:59 p.m., Thursday, CT.  Respond substantively to two or more classmates or instructor in different threads by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, CT.
• Quiz (45 points) - Submit by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, CT.
• Religion Chart (20 points) - Submit by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, CT.
• Writing Assignment with topic chosen from suggested list (three additional papers required during term). Due by 11:59 PM, Sunday, Central Time.

 

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