Course Description

This course investigates the central myths and beliefs surrounding four of the most influential figures in human history: Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad. The approach will be both historical (examining the myths and biographies within socio-political contexts) and phenomenological (comparing the beliefs attributed to each).  While each figure will be studied independently, the course will also have a strong comparative component.

This course meets the Inquiry (IH) core criteria. Students will become global citizens by investigating the original myths and beliefs of the four ‘founders’ and how these have been re-imagined by people and institutions throughout history. Students will be thinkers and problem solvers by formulating interpretations based on an academic, objective analysis rather than on myths and beliefs that characterize theological approaches. 

Meeting Place and Times

Online

Instructor(s)

Holly Grether, Ph.D.

Holly Grether earned her Ph.D. in Religious Studies (South Asia emphasis) in 2010 from University of California, Santa Barbara. She has been teaching courses at MSU in Religious Studies, History and CLS First Year Seminar since 2007. Dr. Grether has studied both Sanskrit and Hindi and her academic specializations include Asian Religions, Women in India, Ritual Studies, and History of Religions.

Tuition and Fees

If you are accepted into a qualified online program, see the appropriate MSU Online Only Tuition and Fee table.

If you are also taking a face-to-face course, please refer to the MSU Fee Schedules.

Required Books/Materials

  • Confucius: The Analects, transl. by DC Lau, (Penguin Books)
  • The Dhammapada, transl. by Juan Mascaro (Penguin Books)
  • Approaching the Qur'an: The Early Revelations, (M. Sells), 2007
  • Rivers of Paradise: Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus and Muhammad as Religious Founders (Freedman and McClymond), 2001

Computer Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • A device and browser that pass the system check for Brightspace LE, MSU's learning management system.

 

This course uses a learning management system. You will learn more closer to the course start date.

For More Information

For course information: Please contact the instructor, Holly Grether at hgrether@montana.edu.

 

How to Register

You must be accepted as a student to Montana State University to take this course.

Learn how to apply.

After your application has been accepted, you will register via MSU's online registration system, MyInfo.

Registration requires a PIN number. Learn how to find your PIN.

Once you have your PIN, learn how to register through MyInfo.