- This course closed on May 4, 2025.
Ebed-Melech University Syllabus
CUL 301 – Cultural Perspectives on Religion
Course Duration: 4 Weeks
Instructor: Dr. Roxanne Kemp
Contact: faculty@ebedmelech.ac
Assignment Due Date: Sunday at midnight each week
Grading Scale: 4.0 GPA scale
Welcome to CUL 301!
We’re thrilled to have you join us for Cultural Perspectives on Religion at Ebed-Melech University! This course is designed to be an enriching and thought-provoking journey into how religion and culture intersect in diverse ways across societies. Together, we’ll explore different world religions, ethical perspectives, and interfaith relationships, fostering a greater understanding of the role of faith in a multicultural world. Our goal is to create an engaging and interactive learning space where you can share insights, challenge perspectives, and grow in your academic and personal understanding of religious diversity. Let’s make the most of these four weeks by engaging in meaningful discussions, exploring new ideas, and expanding our cultural awareness!
Course Description
This course explores the diverse ways in which religion influences and is influenced by culture across different societies. Through a comparative study of major world religions, indigenous traditions, and emerging spiritual movements, students will examine how religious beliefs shape social norms, ethical values, art, politics, and daily life. Special attention will be given to the role of faith in multicultural settings and interreligious dialogue.
Learning Outcomes
| Learning Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Understanding Religion and Culture | Analyze the cultural impact of religious traditions and practices. |
| Comparative Religious Traditions | Compare and contrast religious perspectives from various cultures. |
| Ethical and Social Perspectives | Evaluate the role of religion in shaping moral and ethical beliefs. |
| Interfaith Engagement | Examine interfaith relationships and their influence on global communities. |
| Final Cultural Analysis | Develop a final project showcasing a deep understanding of religion’s cultural impact. |
Course Schedule and Weekly Breakdown
| Week | Topics | Assignments |
| Week 1 | Introduction to Religion and Culture | – Reflection: How religious beliefs shape cultural identity. |
| Week 2 | Comparative Religious Traditions | – Analysis: Compare two religious traditions. |
| Week 3 | Religion and Social Issues | – Essay: The role of faith in contemporary social movements. |
| Week 4 | Interfaith Relations and Global Trends | – Final Project: Cultural analysis of a religious tradition. |
Course Policies
Assignment Deadlines: All assignments are due by Sunday at midnight. Late submissions may impact grades unless prior arrangements are made.
Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Proper citations must be used.
Grading Scale:
| Grade | Percentage |
| A | 90-100% (4.0) |
| B | 80-89% (3.0) |
| C | 70-79% (2.0) |
| D | 60-69% (1.0) |
| F | Below 60% (0.0) |
Communication and Support
Faculty are available for academic guidance via email at faculty@ebedmelech.ac. Students are encouraged to participate in weekly discussion sessions in the Lion’s Den, EMU’s discussion space on Discord.
Inspirational Scripture for the Course
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6
We look forward to an enriching journey together! Welcome to CUL 301: Cultural Perspectives on Religion.
