Online Religion Courses Overview

The role of religion in society can be studied as part of philosophical, sociological and psychological academic disciplines. Students with an interest in learning about various world religions, training for a religious vocation or simply seeking elective humanities or liberal arts credits may benefit from online religion courses.

Overview of Online Religion Courses

Online courses in religion are available through several colleges at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels. They can be taken as electives for liberal arts programs or as core courses in theological programs. Courses typically seek to compare diverse religions, follow the historical development of a religious movement or provide an in-depth view of a particular religious perspective.

Course Requirements

Students who are new to taking online courses may be asked to attend an online orientation class prior to beginning their coursework. Basic computer skills and a working knowledge of Internet research may be helpful. Students also need regular access to an Internet-ready computer with standard software and an e-mail address for completing and submitting assignments.

List of Online Religion Courses

Comparative Western Religions Course

This is an introductory course designed to give students a broad view of the role religion has played in past and current Western societies, with a look at the differences and similarities between varying religious theories and viewpoints. Class topics include an exploration of the foundation, historical accounts and key beliefs surrounding the practices of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This course may be taken as an elective within undergraduate humanities or liberal arts programs.

Comparative Eastern Religions Course

An in-depth study of the origin, development and current practice of religions that began in Eastern countries, including India, Japan, China and parts of Southeast Asia, is the focus of this online course. The roots of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and several Eastern folk religions are reviewed, along with a look at their roles in shaping Eastern societies.

Religion, Science and Magic Course

In this elective lower division course, religion is studied as one of many belief systems influencing how various cultures view their world and form their societies. Classes include discussions on witchcraft, cults, animism, shamanism, religious myths and folklore. The role of science and metaphysics in shaping modern-day religious concepts is also reviewed.

The Role of Religion in America Course

This course investigates religion's role in the founding and growth of the United States, including its contribution, whether positively or negatively, to American cultural perspectives on pluralism, race, politics and gender. An introductory Western religion course may be required prior to taking this class.

Introduction to Islam Course

This course gives an introduction to the birth and historical development of Islam as a Western religion. Students examine the core beliefs, literature, ceremonies and festivals inherent in its current-day practice.

Women and Religion Course

The historical role of women in religious traditions past and present, including witchcraft, goddess worship and gender biases, is explored in this online course. Coursework includes a look at the religious legends and symbols that are used to create, sustain and assert gender roles within many religious practices.

Introductory World Religions Course

Both Western and Eastern religions are the focus of this historical and comparative analysis. The various origins, core beliefs and principal practices of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are discussed. This introductory online course may be taken early in a degree program.

Native American Religions Course

This course offers an historical overview of Native American religions. While many courses of this type focus on tribes within the mainland United States, there are a few courses that also study the religious practices of Canadian First Nation tribes, Alaskan and Inuit tribes, Mexican and Central American cultures and their religious perspectives.