The History of Religions, based on the comparative method, is open by vocation to the universality of religious facts. Alien as it is, by particularisms axiological evaluations, this discipline represent in the age of globalization an essential instrument of education to pluralism and the recognition of otherness. Starting from this methodological structure, the course aims to analyze some key concepts concerning the study of religions and some concrete cases.
The aim of the course is the acquisition of adequate methodological, historical and theoretical understanding, and of a heuristic and judgment autonomy. A closely related aim is to promote a correct and mature evaluation of the religious issues of our globalized and interreligious time, as well as orient in the peculiar problems concerning personal and collective life.
To develop the ability to engage in constructive dialogue regarding questions of religious faith and values as they are encountered in local and global cultures.
The lectures will hopefully be held in person, with the possibility for students to follow them remotely via the Teams platform (code ffk822b).
Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course:
Part I: Introduction to the History of Religions
The first part introduce the method and object proper to the History of religions, as well as the most peculiar themes of historical-religious research. Finally, it aims to offer a critical and problematic view of the religious phonomenon in itself and in its historical dimension.
Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course:
Part II: “No man should be harassed because of his religion”: the India of the Mughal ruler Akbar.
The second module intends deals with the multireligious climate that was breathed in the court of the Mughal sovereign Akbar, who reigned in India from 1556 to 1605. This court was configured as an authentic crossroads of scholars, philosophers, mystics, artists, members belonging to different ethnic groups and religious communities, who discussed the contents of the different faiths. The political, philosophical, theological and mystical presuppositions that constitute it will be analyzed in this context.
Bibliography for students who are taking the 6-CFU course:
G. Filoramo, Storia antologica delle religioni, Morcelliana 2019.
G. Filoramo, Religione e religioni, Egea, Milano 2014.
Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course:
Y. Martini, Akbar e i Gesuiti. Missionari cristiani alla corte del Gran Moghul, Il pozzo di Giacobbe, Trapani 2018.
Ricevimento: The reception of students will take place by appointment
ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (President)
FRANCESCO CAMERA
ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)
GERARDO CUNICO (Substitute)
February 21, 2022
HISTORY OF RELIGIONS
Oral exam
The exam consists of an interview aimed at assessing the candidates’ knowledge of the contents and the bibliography list of the course. Attending students can write and present a short paper in class that will be taken into account for the overall mark.
Attendance is recommended.
