Cultural and Religious Diversity

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Individual work	-	-
Making a table overviewing sociological features of religion and culture. Preparing discussion questions on topical issues for modern society in the context of religion.

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Examination	-	-
Conduct a group discussion on a freely chosen topic, but in connection with the current affairs of contemporary society in the context of cultures/religions.
2. Examination	-	-
Ability to provide arguments in discussion on the latest developments in modern religious context. Critically evaluate and distinguish the positive influence of religion from the destructive.

Educational excursion (at the students' choice) to one of the traditional denominations in Latvia or to an organization of other religions (synagogue, Buddhist center, Krishnaite community). In an authentic environment, students are introduced to the history of the tradition, the most important rituals, the inclusion of the community in today's current events, and time is allocated for free discussion.

Understanding diversity as an element of professional competence. Interrelationships of culture and religion, their influence in the development of civilizations and personality. Religion in a holistic worldview and role in modern society.

Monotheistic religions. Judaism – the religion of the history and hopes of the Jewish people. Judaism's doctrines, rituals, holidays, cultural traditions. Kabbalah - religion, science or philosophy? Judaism in modern history.

How to recognize sects? Why do people fall into cults? The most typical features and types of manipulations of sects found in Latvia.

Islam - key word - law. The Qur'an and its interpretations. Basic postulates of daily Islamic life: Sharia, Ramadan, zakat, pilgrimage to Mecca. Fundamentalism in religion and politics - myths and truth. Sufism is a deviation of asceticism and mysticism in Islam. Contribution of Arab culture and science to mankind.

Christianity as a builder of European civilization. From the united Old Church to the confessional division. Human creation and identity formation in Christianity. Traditions in different Christian denominations – the common and the different. What has and what has not changed in the interpretation of Christian teaching - diversity of opinions. The relationship between the Latvians' ancient proto-religion and Christianity.

Educational excursion (at the students' choice) to one of the traditional denominations in Latvia or to organizations of other religions (synagogue, Buddhist center, Krishnaite community). In an authentic environment, students are introduced to the history of the tradition, the most important rituals, the inclusion of the community in today's current events, and time is allocated for free discussion.

Buddhism as a way of life. Meditation – the path to enlightenment and expansion of consciousness. Reincarnation and the Law of Karma. Zen Buddhism. Shamanism. Origin of Hinduism. Influence of Vedic culture. Rituals of Hinduism in history and today. Krishnaite movement in Latvia. An insight into the ancient religion of China - Taoism. Universalism and harmony of opposites. Confucian moral philosophy and public administration ethics.

Christianity as a builder of European civilization. From the united Old Church to the confessional division. Human creation and identity formation in Christianity. Traditions in different Christian denominations – the common and the different. What has and what has not changed in the interpretation of Christian teaching - diversity of opinions. The relationship between the Latvians' ancient proto-religion and Christianity.

Islam - key word - law. The Qur'an and its interpretations. Basic postulates of daily Islamic life: Sharia, Ramadan, zakat, pilgrimage to Mecca. Fundamentalism in religion and politics - myths and truth. Sufism is a deviation of asceticism and mysticism in Islam. Contribution of Arab culture and science to mankind.

Educational excursion (at the students' choice) to one of the traditional denominations in Latvia or to organizations of other religions (synagogue, Buddhist center, Krishnaite community). In an authentic environment, students are introduced to the history of the tradition, the most important rituals, the inclusion of the community in today's current events, and time is allocated for free discussion.

Buddhism as a way of life. Meditation – the path to enlightenment and expansion of consciousness. Reincarnation and the Law of Karma. Zen Buddhism. Shamanism. Origin of Hinduism. Influence of Vedic culture. Rituals of Hinduism in history and today. Krishnaite movement in Latvia. An insight into the ancient religion of China - Taoism. Universalism and harmony of opposites. Confucian moral philosophy and public administration ethics.

How to recognize sects? Why do people fall into cults? The most typical features and types of manipulations of sects found in Latvia.

Educational excursion (at the students' choice) to one of the traditional denominations in Latvia or to an organization of other religions (synagogue, Buddhist center, Krishnaite community). In an authentic environment, students are introduced to the history of the tradition, the most important rituals, the inclusion of the community in today's current events, and time is allocated for free discussion.

Understanding diversity as an element of professional competence. Interrelationships of culture and religion, their influence in the development of civilizations and personality. Religion in a holistic worldview and role in modern society.

Monotheistic religions. Judaism – the religion of the history and hopes of the Jewish people. Judaism's doctrines, rituals, holidays, cultural traditions. Kabbalah - religion, science or philosophy? Judaism in modern history.