Information Package / Course Catalogue
History of Religions
Course Code: İL307
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 4
Prt.: 0
Credit: 4
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to offer a thorough perspective on the history of religions. Students will study the historical development of the concept of religion and the shifting dynamics of religion–society interaction; trace the origins and core ritual practices of major world faiths (primitive belief systems, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.); and become acquainted with the methodological tools used in the scholarly study of religion.

Course Content

This course examines the historical trajectory of religious traditions through a holistic lens that integrates their geographical and social contexts. Covering a broad range—from the ancient beliefs of Mesopotamia and the religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent, to Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto in East Asia, and finally Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—the course explores belief practices and their transformative impacts on society and culture. Throughout the semester, case studies supported by historical evidence and methodological readings are employed to cultivate a comprehensive perspective on the history of religions.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Grasp the geographical and historical diversity of world religions—from ancient Mesopotamia through Iranian-origin sects to East Asian practices.
2.Critically analyze the formation processes of sacred texts and the social functions of ritual practices.
3.Compare and select appropriate methodological approaches in the scholarly study of the history of religions.
4.Interpret and debate the interactions between religion and society and between religion and culture through case studies.
5.Present their academic findings effectively in clear, coherent, and persuasive written reports and oral presentations.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Şinasi Gündüz (ed.), World Religions, MilelNihal, Istanbul 2020.
2.Baki Adam (ed.), History of Religions, Grafiker, Ankara 2017.
3.Ali Osman Kurt, Dursun Ali Aykıt, History of Religions, Bilay, Ankara 2019.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction & Methodology – Concepts of religion and history of religions, methodological approaches, the relationship of the History of Religions with other fields of theology
Week 1 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 2 - Theoretical
Mythology and Ancient Religions – Core concepts of mythology; Ancient Egyptian religion
Week 2 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 3 - Theoretical
Mesopotamian Religions – Deities, cosmogony, temples, afterlife beliefs , Pre-Islamic Arabian Religions – Arabian polytheism, pagan practices
Week 3 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 4 - Theoretical
Judaism I – Historical development and core beliefs
Week 4 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 5 - Theoretical
Judaism II – Sacred literature
Week 5 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 6 - Theoretical
Judaism III – Ritual practices, and sects
Week 6 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 7 - Theoretical
Christianity I – Historical development and core doctrines
Week 7 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 8 - Theoretical
Christianity II – Sacred writings
Week 8 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 9 - Theoretical
Christianity III – Liturgical practices, and institutional structure
Week 9 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 10 - Theoretical
Islam – Pre-Islamic Arabian beliefs and early historical context, The Qur’an, core beliefs, and ritual practices
Week 10 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 11 - Theoretical
Indian Religions – Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Buddha Dharma (Buddhism), Sikhism and Jainism
Week 11 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 12 - Theoretical
Chinese Religions – Confucianism, Taoism, and the Chinese expression of Buddhism, Japanese Religions – Jainism, Shinto, and the evolution of Buddhism in Japan
Week 12 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 13 - Theoretical
Iranian-Origin & New Religious Movements – Zoroastrianism, ?abi?ism, Manichaeism and contemporary NRMs
Week 13 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Week 14 - Theoretical
Overall Assessment
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Book, Internet, and Literature Review
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143498
Midterm Examination1112
Final Examination1112
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)102
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
PÇ-19
PÇ-20
OÇ-1
4
4
5
5
5
4
4
5
OÇ-2
5
5
5
OÇ-3
4
4
5
4
5
4
5
OÇ-4
4
5
3
4
5
5
OÇ-5
5
5
5
4
4
5
5
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026