Introduction

What This Course Is About
This elective course provides an opportunity to study various faiths in relationship to the three families of faith—Primal, Asian, and Monotheistic. The spiritual messages inherent in each faith will be investigated. The course will allow the students to discover the similarities found in each faith with Unity teachings. The course is designed for students who want a better understanding of various faiths, desire an ability to be effective seekers in an interfaith environment, and who want to deepen their understanding of God.  Through an awakening and honoring of other faiths, we are able to better understand our evolving consciousness of God. Join us for a dynamic and growth oriented series of lessons that will make other religions come alive as they speak to your soul.  By honoring other faiths, we become more aware of our own religious heritage and how it shapes who we are.

How the Course Is Presented
The instructor will prepare a Learning Guide for each week's work. The Learning Guide will include comments about the topic to be studied during the week plus suggestions about what to look for in the assigned readings.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define the three families of faith.
• Discuss various world religions in relationship to the three families of faith from which each religion emerged.
• Explain the background of the developmental leaders (for each faith if applicable).

Required Texts

• The Illustrated World’s Religions (Houston Smith)

Requirements for Students
The time required for this course is approximately three hours each week to:

• Read assigned chapters in the book.
• Respond to each item in the Learning Guide.
• Participate in a one-hour telephone discussion forum weekly.
• Write a reflection paper. Students are expected to summarize the three concepts which impact them the most from this course and how the integration of these concepts has impacted their lives. While students may seek assistance with editing, the reflections should be their own personal work. The paper should be typed and double spaced, in a 12-point font, and four to five pages (8 ½" x 11") in length. This will be the final project of the class and is due two weeks after the final class session.

Papers may be sent via e-mail directly to the instructor. Those wishing to mail the papers via postal service should address the envelope to:

Unity Institute
Attn: SEE Secretary
1901 NW Blue Parkway
Unity Village, MO 64065-0001

Student Evaluation (Grading)

• The following grading scale will be used: S (Satisfactory); NC (No credit); IN (Incomplete)
• Breakdown of required assignments:

Preparation for each weekly discussion: 35%
Participation in each weekly discussion: 35%
Final paper submitted on time: 30%

• Number of course credits: (e.g., 10 credits for a 10-hour course)
• Students will be asked to complete a course evaluation form.  Thank you in advance for your feedback.

See class schedule or register now.
Tuition is moderately priced.

Sign up for information on new courses as they become available.

We invite you to explore our other study programs, including online self-study, telebridge, or the Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) programs held at the Unity Institute campus.