2023 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences3:Religion
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Tatsuya Yumiyama
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Wed (M-374(H131))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S403
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2023
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 8, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course deals with the basic concepts and principles of religious studies. Emphasis is placed on the definition of religion and religious functions in contemporary society. Topics include (1) cult troubles, (2) regular annual events, and (3) spirituality.
Course description and aims
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Obtain basic knowledge about contemporary religions and their function in society.
2) Explain religious possibilities and dangers.
3) Express their views of religion.
Keywords
Religion, cult, spirituality
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Students must respond to the question from a teacher through the discussions or short reports. And they should reach the same degree of understanding as they exchange their points of view.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction: What is religion? | Write a short report on how you regard religion. |
| Class 2 | Definition of religion | |
| Class 3 | Religious functions | |
| Class 4 | Is there a clear distinction between cult and regular religion? | Discuss about this subject. |
| Class 5 | Is New Year's visit to a shrine religious? | Discuss about this subject. |
| Class 6 | Religion vs. spirituality | Discuss about this subject |
| Class 7 | Conclusion |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None required.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Course materials are provided during class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Discussion: 35%, Short report: 35%, Quiz: 30%
Related courses
- LAH.H106 ： Religion A
- LAH.H206 ： Religion B
- LAH.H306 ： Religion C
- SHS.U444 ： Graduate Lecture in Culture and Arts F1B
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.