RELIGN M50
Origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Description: (Same as Ancient Near East M50B and Middle Eastern Studies M50B.) Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Examination of three major monotheisms of Western cultures--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--historically and comparatively. Development, teachings, and ritual practices of each tradition up to and including medieval period. Composition and development of various sacred texts, highlighting key themes and ideas within different historical and literary strata of traditions, such as mechanisms of revelation, struggle for religious authority, and common theological issues such as origin of evil and status of nonbelievers. Letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
1 of 2
AD
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2025 - If you are looking for an easy GE, DO NOT take this class. The workload is very manageable as your participation grade comes from attendance, participation in discussion, and a short quiz during your discussion section. There aren't any outside assignments. However, this means most of your grade comes from the two tests, each worth 30%. Some reviews will tell you there is no final exam for this class, but the first exam is basically a midterm and the second exam is basically a final, just with less time since it's during a class period. Prof. Bakhos gives a study guide of terms to know for each exam, but the fill in the blank and essay questions on the exams are extremely niche and random, so the exams end up being difficult. There is a final essay worth 25% of your grade but it is pretty doable if you put a little effort (unlike the tests). In terms of her teaching, Prof. Bakhos sucks. She just yaps all class about random stuff and has a rule against having devices out during class, so lecture is pretty unbearable. I went to almost all the lectures but there was no way to know what was important for the exams and what were tangents. Plus, she doesn't post any lecture slides, so you have to take notes on paper. Overall, unless you have a strong background in one of these religions, especially christianity or islam, don't take this class. Prof Bakhos doesn't teach well and the exams are unnecessarily difficult.
Winter 2025 - If you are looking for an easy GE, DO NOT take this class. The workload is very manageable as your participation grade comes from attendance, participation in discussion, and a short quiz during your discussion section. There aren't any outside assignments. However, this means most of your grade comes from the two tests, each worth 30%. Some reviews will tell you there is no final exam for this class, but the first exam is basically a midterm and the second exam is basically a final, just with less time since it's during a class period. Prof. Bakhos gives a study guide of terms to know for each exam, but the fill in the blank and essay questions on the exams are extremely niche and random, so the exams end up being difficult. There is a final essay worth 25% of your grade but it is pretty doable if you put a little effort (unlike the tests). In terms of her teaching, Prof. Bakhos sucks. She just yaps all class about random stuff and has a rule against having devices out during class, so lecture is pretty unbearable. I went to almost all the lectures but there was no way to know what was important for the exams and what were tangents. Plus, she doesn't post any lecture slides, so you have to take notes on paper. Overall, unless you have a strong background in one of these religions, especially christianity or islam, don't take this class. Prof Bakhos doesn't teach well and the exams are unnecessarily difficult.
AD
1 of 2
