HUMS 2613 World Religions Syllabus W01 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
38.0201
Course Meeting Time

Online

Course Description
An introductory survey of selected teachings, practices and institutions of major Eastern and Western religions. May include the role of history; appreciation for forms of expressions; and criticism of their origins, rituals and forms of religious knowledge and destiny. IAI: H5 904N.
Prerequisites
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
H5-904N
IAI Title
Comparative Religions
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Responsibility

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kenneth West
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
8158028734
Faculty Office Number
L319
Faculty Student Support Hours

T, Th 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Faculty Information

Kenneth West

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Describe basic religious responses and the questions they address
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the world’s major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
  3. Identify key moments in the development of religious movements, including founders, basic principles, lifestyles, theologies, and worldviews
  4. Articulate an understanding of the philosophical and practical implications of various religious perspectives
  5. Articulate an appreciation for the varieties of religious expression and a respect for the accomplishments of multiple perspectives
Textbook/s and Course Materials

John Hick, An Interpretation of Religion, 2nd ed., (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2004).

World Religions: Spark Charts (Toronto, ON: Spark Publishing, 2005).

Methods of Evaluation

Examinations

Discussions

Small group projects

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

1. Late work need not be accepted for submission.
2. Make up examinations will be deducted 15 points.
3. Sleeping is unacceptable behavior in a college classroom. Don't do it. If you fall asleep, I'll ask you to
leave. If you're tired, stay home.
4. Class citizenship involves more than simply showing up for class. It also means participating actively in
discussions, asking questions, preparing for class, and respectfully engaging with others in creating a
healthy learning environment.
5. Unless otherwise stated, the use of laptops, smart phones, and watches is not permitted during class
sessions or examinations.

Course Calendar
WeekReading
January 12John Hick, An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 1-2, pp. 1-35.
January 18An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 3-4, pp. 36-69
January 25An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 5, pp.73-95
February 1An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 6-7, pp. 96-125
February 8An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 8-9, pp. 129-152
February 15An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 10-11, pp. 153-209
February 22An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 12-13, pp. 210-230
March 1An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 14, pp. 233-251
March 8Spring Break
March 15An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 15, pp. 252-277
March 22An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 16, pp. 278-296
March 29An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 17, pp. 299-315
April 5An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 18, pp. 316-342
April 12An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 19, pp. 343-361
April 19An Interpretation of Religion, Ch. 20, pp. 362-376
April 26An Interpretation of Religion, “Preface to the First Edition,” pp. xiii-xv and “Introduction to the Second Edition,” pp. xvii-xlii
May 3An Interpretation of Religion, “Epilogue: The Future”, pp. 377-380

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.