The Sacred Journey:
Religions of the World
ISEM 101
Learning Outcomes
Several learning outcomes are sought in this seminar, each of which is linked to the appropriate Learning Outcomes of the University of Idaho. Not all University Learning Outcomes will be addressed in this seminar. When you reach the summit of your pilgrimage (at the end of spring semester), you should be better competent to apply the following skills and understandings, and address the Guiding Questions posed at the start of the journey.
A. Learning Objectives Specific to this Course:
1. Religious Diversity. You will have gained a heightened understanding of and appreciation for the many of the great religious traditions of the world, along with their quintessential teachings and truths, as well as their cultural, aesthetic (art and architecture), literary, and philosophical expressions. Each religious tradition is to be appreciated for its special uniqueness and individuality. We have attempted to view the world from the perspectives of those we have studied. University Learning Outcome 1. Learn and Integrate.
2. Your Own, as well as Our Shared Religiosity. By juxtaposing that which is culturally and religiously distinct along side that which is immediate though often veiled, the contours of the landscape of one’s own culture and religious world view becomes clearer. You will have gained a heightened understanding of your own unique cultural traditions and religious world view, as well as realize the common threads of our shared humanity and religiosity, as well as sacred truths transcending our cultural and religious differences. University Learning Outcomes 1. Learn and Integrate. 4. Clarify Purpose and Perspective.
3. Application - Cooperating with Others. In our religiously pluralistic world it is critical that we develop a tolerance of and respect for the varied religions of other peoples. An appreciation and understanding of the varied religious traditions in this seminar was an essential first step in facilitating an heightened ability to effectively communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with those who may differ from ourselves. University Learning Outcomes 3. Communicate. 4. Clarify Purpose and Perspective. 5 Practice Citizenship.
4. Application - Serving Others. You have explored within yourself and articulated how you can apply the knowledge and skills gained from this seminar to "make a difference" and provide a positive contribution to the quality of life of others within your own family and community. University Learning Outcomes 3. Communicate. 4. Clarify Purpose and Perspective. 5 Practice Citizenship.
5. Integrative and Interpretative Methodology. You will have gained an academic methodology for interpreting, appreciating, and understanding differing ways of viewing and knowing the religions of the world, and of expressing divergent cultural, religious, and aesthetic values. As an interpretative method you will have gained an ability to develop your skills in reflexivity and reflectivity. In turn, you will also have gained a methodology to re-connecting, synthesizing and integrating diverse ways of knowing and doing, to help reveal what is shared among all religions and in all of humanity. University Learning Outcomes 1. Learn and Integrate 2. Think and create. 3. Communicate.
B. Learning Objectives Shared in All ISEM Seminars:
1. Academic Skills.
enhance note-taking abilities
practice active reading
develop a working knowledge of university library resources
develop successful time management skills
enhance computer skills
2. Communication Skills.
develop the ability to convey ideas coherently and effectively in written and oral form
develop interpersonal skills including participating in class discussions, posing thoughtful questions, listening and responding to others
accomplish tasks through group work
3. Critical Thinking Skills.
learn how to identify and evaluate arguments
develop the ability to assess multiple perspectives on a single issue/topic
4. Methods of Inquiry.
practice gathering data from a variety of sources, e.g., texts, public documents, interviews, panels, surveys observation, internet sites
develop the ability to synthesize insights and information from various disciplines