OVERVIEW

The discipline of History of Religions, guided by the comparative method, is inherently inclined towards the universality of religious phenomena. Detached from specific value judgments, this field of study serves as a crucial tool for fostering pluralism and promoting the acknowledgment of diversity in the age of globalization. Building upon this methodological framework, the course seeks to explore fundamental concepts related to the study of religions and examine specific case studies.

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

Teaching objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of major religions, including their origins, beliefs, practices, and historical developments.
• Analyze and interpret religious symbols, practices, and texts within their specific historical and social contexts.
• Explore the complexities of religious diversity and its implications in ancient and contemporary societies.
• Foster critical thinking skills in approaching the discipline and understanding the role of religions in shaping global societies, politics, and cultures.
• Encourage interdisciplinary approaches in the study of religious phenomena.
• Cultivate the ability to engage in constructive dialogue regarding questions of faith and religious values encountered in local and global cultures.
• Foster independent research skills and the ability to critically analyze and evaluate sources related to the study of religions.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a solid knowledge of major religious traditions in their historical development.
• Analyze and interpret religious symbols, practices, and texts, recognizing their significance within specific religious contexts.
• Compare different religious traditions, identifying similarities, differences, and influences among them.
• Exercise critical thinking skills to analyze religious phenomena.
• Recognize and reflect on the impact of religions on political, social, and global issues.
• Utilize interdisciplinary approaches to deepen the understanding of religious phenomena.
• Conduct independent research on topics related to the study of religions, employing appropriate research methods and critically analyzing sources.

Transversal skills:

• Advanced functional literacy skills
• Advanced social skills
• Advanced personal skills
• Planning skills

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional frontal lectures are complemented by presentations from experts and scholars specialized in specific religious traditions, as well as a guided visit to a religious site. A portion of the lectures will be dedicated to actively involving students in the organization of a workshop, both in terms of logistics and content, where they can take on the roles of presenter, moderator, and coordinator.

The lectures will be held in person. While attendance is not mandatory, it is recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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

Part I: Introduction to the History of Religions

The initial section of the course provides an introduction to the methods and subjects inherent to the field of History of Religions, along with an exploration of its distinctive themes in historical-religious research. Ultimately, it seeks to present a critical and nuanced understanding of the religious phenomenon, both in its inherent nature and within its historical context.

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

Part I: Introduction to the History of Religions

The initial section of the course provides an introduction to the methods and subjects inherent to the field of History of Religions, along with an exploration of its distinctive themes in historical-religious research. Ultimately, it seeks to present a critical and nuanced understanding of the religious phenomenon, both in its inherent nature and within its historical context.

Part II: Monotheisms under scrutiny: Unraveling the roots of religious violence

The second module aims to delve into the origins of religious violence and explore pathways to overcome it within the context of pluralism, drawing upon the groundbreaking research of renowned Egyptologist Jan Assmann on monotheisms.

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 

- J. Assmann, Il disagio dei monoteismi. Sentieri teorici e autobiografici, a cura di E. Colagrossi, Morcelliana, Brescia 2016.

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 

- J. Assmann, Il disagio dei monoteismi. Sentieri teorici e autobiografici, a cura di E. Colagrossi, Morcelliana, 2016.

- J. Assmann, Religione totale. Origini e forme dell’inasprimento puritano, a cura di E. Colagrossi, Lorenzo de’ Medici Press, 2017.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (President)

FRANCESCO CAMERA

ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)

GERARDO CUNICO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 19, 2024

Class schedule

HISTORY OF RELIGIONS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is conducted orally and consists of assessing the knowledge of the exam syllabus, including the content of the prescribed texts. Attending students have the opportunity to participate in the organization of a workshop on a selected topic discussed in class, taking on the roles of presenter, moderator, or coordinator. This work will be taken into account during the exam and will substitute a portion of the syllabus.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam assesses the understanding of the course content, the quality, mastery, and confidence in the presentation, as well as the ability for critical thinking and argumentation. For attending students who choose to participate in the organization of the joint workshop, the evaluation will take into account this practical experience and their ability to collaborate and work effectively in a group.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is recommended.