Introduction to Religious Studies
50:840:101, hybrid, Wednesdays 2:05-03:25 pm (Gen Ed: GCM)
Professor Karapanagiotis
This course introduces students to major academic methods for the study of religion and theories about religious belief and practice. It draws on diverse materials from the world’s religions and multiple disciplinary approaches. Topics may include belief systems, morality, sacred literature, myth, ritual, history, gender, ethnicity, and debates about the roles of religion in contemporary life.
Introduction to World Religions
50:840:103:01, In Person (Gen Ed: GCM) M/W 3:45 pm – 5:05 pm
Professor Gilmore-Clough
A general introduction to the basic religious concerns of humanity, and the ways in which religions have developed in Eastern and Western history, giving intellectual, moral, and institutional expression to the meaning of human existence.
Introduction to Religion and Contemporary Culture
50:840:108:90, Online (Gen Ed: EAV)
Professor Walker
A study of the ways that religion may or may not have significance for our world today, examining issues such as the meaning of religious experience, evil and goodness, the purposes of ritual, roles of religion in society and culture, the impact of science and technology on religion, and issues in ethics.
Jews, Christian, Muslims
50:840:112:91, In Person, Tu 9:35 am – 10:55 am
Professor Banner
The historical development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam from the earliest roots in the myths and rituals of the ancient world to their modern forms. The interaction between each tradition and the cultural context in which it emerges and develops. The popular expression of each religion’s beliefs in its holidays, rituals, and legends.
Myth and Symbol
50:840:123:90, Online (Gen Ed: AAI)
Professor Salyer
Comparative studies of the creation myths and hero myths of selected Eastern, Middle Eastern, European, Native American, and African cultures. Attention given to the religious worldview, the psychological and social implications, and the symbolic forms of expression of each. Various methodologies for the study of myth investigated.
The Historical Jesus
50:840:208:90, Online (Gen Ed: HAC)
Professor Banner
Who was the Jewish teacher named Jesus? This course will explore how scholars use historical method to reconstruct the life of an ancient figure as well as how ideas and beliefs about a religious leader develop over time. It will examine the original sources for the historical Jesus and the major issues under debate in current scholarship.
Hinduism
50:840:220, hybrid, W 9:35-10:55 (Gen Ed: GCM)
Professor Karapanagiotis
An in-depth examination into the Hindu traditions, including their histories, philosophies and texts, rituals, contemporary expressions, material cultures, politics of representation, and presence in the diaspora.
Race, Politics, and Religion
50:840:266:90, Online (Gen Ed: EAV)
Professor Johnson
This course examines how religion shaped the political and racial priorities of American History. Topics include the role and definition of civil religion, the struggle George Washington had with defining the role of religion in a new republic, the impact of slavery, and the social construction of whiteness.
Happiness
50:840:276:01, In Person, M 12:30 pm – 3:20 pm (Gen Ed: EAV)
Professor Walker
This course is a multidisciplinary exploration of human flourishing. The course draws from the academic study of happiness as explored in the humanities, specifically psychology, philosophy, religious studies, cultural studies, history, and law. The course surveys empirical research in the sciences, such as positive psychology, neuroscience, and biology. The content of what is studied mirrors how it is taught by drawing upon teaching methods used in resiliency education. Ultimately, the course is a study of how humans organize themselves, their internal lives, their relationships, and their environments, communally and globally.
Religion and Law
50:840:318, Online (Gen Ed: EAV)
Professor Walker
This course explores the history of religious liberty across five eras: Colonizing America, Constituting America, Reconstructing America, Incorporating America, and Diversifying America.
Magic and Ritual Power
50:840:363:91, hybrid, T 11:10-12:30 pm (Gen Ed: HAC)
Professor Banner
An examination of magic throughout history and today in ritual, community, literature, film, television, and personal spirituality. Is magic a form of religion? Are religious rituals forms of magic? How can magic be defined? What is its power? Such questions are asked across diverse practices and beliefs such as in Judaism, Christianity, Wicca, and paganism.
Independent Study in Religion
50:840:389 or 390
Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper.