DSST Introduction to World Religions Exam Syllabus

I. Definition and Origins of Religion – 5%
a. Basic dimensions of religion (e.g. ethics, ritual, doctrine)
b. Approaches to religion (e.g. natural and revealed theology, descriptive, historical)

II. Indigenous Religions – 5%
a. Native North American traditions (e.g. Aztec, Inuit, Lakota; Hopi, Cherokee)
b. Native South American traditions (e.g. Incan, Mapuche)
c. Native West African traditions (e.g. Yoruba, Dogon, BaVenda)
d. Native Middle Eastern traditions (e.g. Mesopotamian, Canaanite)
e. Central Asian and Siberian Traditions

III. Hinduism – 11%
a. Historical development (e.g. Vedic, Classical, Medieval and Modern periods)
b. Major traditions (e.g. Theistic paths)
c. Doctrine and practice (e.g. major philosophical systems, spiritual disciplines, yoga, moksha, festivals)

IV. Buddhism – 11%
a. Historical development (e.g. life of Buddha)
b. Major traditions (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana)
c. Doctrine and practice (e.g. Four Noble Truths, Noble Eight-Fold Path, Three Jewels, rituals, symbols, festivals)

V. Confucianism – 5%
a. Historical development (e.g. ancient Chinese tradition, life of Confucius, classical Confucianism)
b. Doctrine and practice (e.g. ritual, filial piety, loyalty, humaneness, genteel behavior, festivals)

VI. Daoism – 4%
a. Historical development (e.g. ancient Chinese tradition, Lao Tzu)
b. Doctrine and practice (e.g. Dao, wu wei, rituals)

VII. Shintoism – 4%
a. Historical development (e.g. influence on Buddhism, influence within Japanese culture, WWII)
b. Doctrine and practice (e.g. three forms of Shinto, Kami, festivals)

VIII. Judaism – 11%
a. Historical development (e.g. ancient Israelites, First Temple period, Second Temple period, modern Judaism, The Holocaust, Kabbalah)
b. Denominations (e.g. Orthodox, Conservative [Masorti], Reform [Liberal/Progressive]; Reconstructionist)
c. Doctrine and practice (e.g. Torah, Talmud, covenant, rituals, symbols, festivals)

IX. Christianity – 18%
a. Historical development (e.g. life of Jesus, early church, medieval church, The Reformation, modern church)
b. Major traditions (e.g. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)
c. Doctrine and practice (e.g. Old and New Testaments, crucifixion and resurrection, Trinity, Creeds, rituals, symbols, liturgical calendar)

X. Islam – 18%
a. Historical development (e.g., life of Muhammad, rise of Empire, Golden Age, Ottomans/Mughals, modern Islam)
b. Major traditions (e.g. Sunni, Shi’a, and Sufi)
c. Doctrine and practice (e.g. Allāh, Qur’an, Five Pillars of Islam, resurrection and judgment; predestination, Sharia/Fiqh; jihad, festivals)

XI. Religious Movements and Syncretism – 8%
a. Before 1000 C.E. (e.g. Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Mystery Cults)
b. After 1000 C.E. (e.g. Baha’l, Sikhism)
c. Contemporary Religious Movements (e.g. Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, New Age, etc.)