OVERVIEW

The History of Religions, based on the comparative method, is open by vocation to the universality of religious facts. Alien as it is, to particularisms axiological evaluations, this discipline represents 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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

TEACHING METHODS

Lessons will be held in presence. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. Only those who attend lessons in presence will be deemed attending students. The teacher, upon specific request by single students, could allow them to access the recordings of the lessons via Teams at the end of the teaching.

Those who request lessons are considered not attending-students, therefore they are asked to contact the teacher in order to arrange a different program.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course:

Part I: Introduction to the History of Religions

The first part introduces 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 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.

Part II: Non-violence and culture of peace in Gandhi

The second module will outline the Gandhian idea of non-violence, which represents for the Mahatma the fundamental law of human nature, and its contribution to the culture of peace in the twentieth century. The subject of analysis will also be the peculiar Gandhian religiosity, pluralist and at the same time inclusive.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for students who are taking the 6-CFU course:

- G. Filoramo, M. Massenzio, M. Raveri, P. Scarpi, Manuale di storia delle religioni, Laterza 1998, 

      1) pp. 5-137; 161-269 

                       or

      2) pp. 173-269; 291-436 

- G. Filoramo, Religione e religioni, Egea, Milano 2014.

Bibliography for students who are taking the 9-CFU course:

- G. Filoramo, M. Massenzio, M. Raveri, P. Scarpi, Manuale di storia delle religioni, Laterza 1998, 

      1) pp. 5-137; 161-269 

                       or

      2) pp. 173-269; 291-436 

- G. Filoramo, Religione e religioni, Egea, Milano 2014.

- F.C. Manara, Una forza che dà vita. Ricominciare con Gandhi in un'età di terrorismi, Unicopli 2006.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (President)

FRANCESCO CAMERA

ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)

GERARDO CUNICO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 20, 2023

Class schedule

HISTORY OF RELIGIONS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is recommended.