INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
DSST PREP Study Journal cover DSST Introduction to World Religions exam outline PRIMARY SOURCES: HippoCampus: Religions of the World Experiencing the World's Religions - the companion site for a textbook; can be used alone. (There are summaries, key terms, flashcards, and quizzes.) BBC - Religions ThinkSpot - World Religions - additional textbook companion site also with flashcards, summaries, and quizzes. ADDITIONAL SOURCES: ReligiousTolerance.org - information on major religions presented in a non-biased way Religious World - portal website with links to information on world religions Religion Facts Origins of Major Religions - includes links to sacred texts Encyclopedia of Religion and Society |
Help, if you need it:
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EXAM OUTLINE OF STUDY
I. Definition and Origins of Religion – 6%
Some defintions of "religion"
Origins of Religion Theories
A. Basic dimensions of religion
B. Approaches to religion
II. Indigenous Religions – 6% - Indigenous World Religions - (broken down by continent/area)
A. Native North American traditions
B. Native South American traditions
C. Native West African traditions
D. Native Middle Eastern traditions
E. Hellenic and Roman traditions
F. Shintoism
III. Hinduism – 10% - Religion of Hinduism
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
IV. Buddhism – 10% - Religion of Buddhism
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
V. Confucianism – 6% - Religion of Confucianism*
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
VI. Taoism – 4% - The Religion of Taoism
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
VII. Judaism – 16% - Religion of Judaism
A. Historical development
B. Denominations
C. Doctrine and practice
VIII. Christianity – 18% - Religion of Christianity
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
IX. Islam – 16% - Religion of Islam
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
X. Religious Movements – 8%
A. Before 1000 A.D.
B. After 1000 A.D.
*Confucianism is more accurately described as a behavioral or ethical system than a religion as it does not have any form of deity at its core. However, as it is frequently taught within world religion studies, it is referred to here as a religion.
TEST PRACTICE AND FINAL EXAM:
The textbook companion sites have individual chapter exams that can be used for practice.
Study Flashcards and Final Exam - Note: Click on the "TEST" link for an exam. The "regenerate test" link creates new questions; the test can be taken multiple times.
Additional Flashcards and Tests
Recommended Course of Study:
Begin by printing the course outline. Create sections in your study journal for each major topic. (The 10 points of the outline.) Watch the video lessons at the HippoCampus website, taking notes in the appropriate section of your journal. Visit the Experiencing the World's Religions website and study the flashcards, copy key terms to your study journal, and take the chapter quizzes.
Visit the BBC website for more information on the individual religions. Use the additional resources to study more about specific topics, such as "native South American traditions." Finish the course with the Individual Religions quizzes, then study the exam flashcards and take the final exam at least 3 times.
Visit your local library for more information on world religions, if needed.
I. Definition and Origins of Religion – 6%
Some defintions of "religion"
Origins of Religion Theories
A. Basic dimensions of religion
B. Approaches to religion
II. Indigenous Religions – 6% - Indigenous World Religions - (broken down by continent/area)
A. Native North American traditions
B. Native South American traditions
C. Native West African traditions
D. Native Middle Eastern traditions
E. Hellenic and Roman traditions
F. Shintoism
III. Hinduism – 10% - Religion of Hinduism
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
IV. Buddhism – 10% - Religion of Buddhism
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
V. Confucianism – 6% - Religion of Confucianism*
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
VI. Taoism – 4% - The Religion of Taoism
A. Historical development
B. Doctrine and practice
VII. Judaism – 16% - Religion of Judaism
A. Historical development
B. Denominations
C. Doctrine and practice
VIII. Christianity – 18% - Religion of Christianity
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
IX. Islam – 16% - Religion of Islam
A. Historical development
B. Major traditions
C. Doctrine and practice
X. Religious Movements – 8%
A. Before 1000 A.D.
B. After 1000 A.D.
*Confucianism is more accurately described as a behavioral or ethical system than a religion as it does not have any form of deity at its core. However, as it is frequently taught within world religion studies, it is referred to here as a religion.
TEST PRACTICE AND FINAL EXAM:
The textbook companion sites have individual chapter exams that can be used for practice.
Study Flashcards and Final Exam - Note: Click on the "TEST" link for an exam. The "regenerate test" link creates new questions; the test can be taken multiple times.
Additional Flashcards and Tests
Recommended Course of Study:
Begin by printing the course outline. Create sections in your study journal for each major topic. (The 10 points of the outline.) Watch the video lessons at the HippoCampus website, taking notes in the appropriate section of your journal. Visit the Experiencing the World's Religions website and study the flashcards, copy key terms to your study journal, and take the chapter quizzes.
Visit the BBC website for more information on the individual religions. Use the additional resources to study more about specific topics, such as "native South American traditions." Finish the course with the Individual Religions quizzes, then study the exam flashcards and take the final exam at least 3 times.
Visit your local library for more information on world religions, if needed.