B. A. General Degree Examination Syllabus (Internal)

First Year

• RSF 101- IntroductiontoReligions Studies
• RSF 102- Asian Religious Studies

Second Year

• RSG 201 -Philosophy and Religion
• RSG 202- Western Religious Traditions

Third Year

• RSG 301- Modern Religious Thoughts and Contemporary Issues
• RSG 302- Comparative Study of Religion

RSF 101 Introduction to Religious Studies

Objectives

The aim of this course unit is to make a survey of religion in general and to make an introductory study of all key religious traditions of the world.

The study is basically doctrinal and conceptual, historical or comparative aspects will be brought in only in so far as they are necessary to understand the phenomenon of religion.

Course Contents

What is Religion? value of religious studies in present day context, origin of religion, origin of religion in early India, China, Greece, Egypt Africa and Latin America, main characteristics of religion, characteristics at its early initial stage and subsequent advanced stages (eg. Pre axial and post axial stage) expansion of main religious traditions, how each religion has spread in different geographical areas and reason behind it, religions in, the modem world, nature of modem religion, modem features of ancient religions, role of religion in the contemporary human life.

Recommended Reading

• The World's Religion, Beaver R. Pierce, Lion Publishing Plc. Oxford, En1gland, 1992.
• Buddhist and Freudian Psychology, De Silva Padmasiri , Lake House, Colombo. 1973.
• Fundamentals of Buddhist Ethics,Dharmasiri Gunapala, The Buddhist Research Society, Singapore, 1986.
• The Introduction to the Study of Religion, Hall T. William, Harper & Raw Publishers. New
  York, 1978
• An Introduction to Buddhism, Harvey Peter, Munshiram Manoliaralal Publishers (Pvt) Ltd., New Delhi 1990
• Religious of the Ancient World, Raw linson George, Amaru Publishing House, New Delhi 1980.
• The Concept of Mind, Ryle Gilbert, Barnes and Noble Books, New York. 1949.
• The World's Religions, Smart Ninian. Cambridge University Press, 1992.

Method of Teaching

• Lectures and discussions.

Method of Evaluation

• End of the academic year written examination.
• Written Examination - 80 marks
• 2 Assignments (10 marks each) -20 marks
• Total - 100 marks