Introduction to Religious Studies
50:840:101:01
M/W 2:05 pm – 3:25 pm
Professor Gilmore-Clough
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Global Community (GCM).
Jews, Christians, and Muslims
50:840:112:01
T/TH 8:00 am – 9:20 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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Heritages and Civilizations (HAC).
Myth and Symbol
50:840:123:90
Online
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Art, Aesthetics, and Theories of Interpretation (AAI).
Paul and the Founding of Christianity
50:840:210:90
Online
Professor Banner
This course will explore the writings of Paul, arguably the most influential author in Christianity, as well as those who reacted to him and even directly opposed him. It will also consider Paul’s relationship to Judaism, the historical Jesus and the early followers of Jesus as well as his contribution to what would eventually become the new religion of Christianity. Fulfills new general education requirement in Heritages and Civilizations (HAC).
Hinduism
50:840:220:01
M/W 9:35 am – 10:55 am
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Global Community (GCM).
Race, Politics, and Religion
50:840:266:01
T/TH 9:35 am – 10:55 am
Professor Miller
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Ethics and Values (EAV).
Justice, Forgiveness, and Reparations
50:840:267:01
T/TH 3:35 pm – 4:55 pm
Professor Ziyad
The course attempts to focus understanding on the relation between the concepts of justice, and its sub-elements of forgiveness and reparations, in the context of recent domestic and international approaches to the righting of historical and intergenerational social wrongs, including enslavement, war crimes, crimes against humanity, apartheid and genocide. Fulfills new general education requirements in Diversity (D), Ethics and Values (EAV), and Multicultural Diversity in the US (DIV).
Philosophical and Religious Perspectives on Childhood
50:840:284:01
M/W 3:45 pm – 5:05 pm
Professor Yang
This course explores the meaning and significance of childhood in society from a variety of philosophical and religious perspectives. The first half of the course critically examines some of the most influential writings on childhood in history from antiquity to modernity. We ask how these classic texts respond to such questions as the nature of childhood, the aims of child rearing, and responsibilities to and of children. The second half investigates some of the central philosophical and religious issues concerning childhood today. It examines such issues as the changing purposes of families, children’s relations to culture, and children’s rights and political participation. Fulfills new general education requirement in Heritages and Civilizations (HAC).
Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust
50:840:332:01
M/W 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm
Professor Charmé
An investigation into the nature and historical development of anti-Semitism in general and Nazism in particular. Examination of specific stages of Nazi genocide as well as implications for modem religion, theories of human nature, and situations we may confront in the future. Integrates material from history, psychology, ethics, theology, and literature in order to evaluate possible responses.
Evil
50:840:333:01
T/TH 2:00 pm. – 3:20 pm
Professor Wall
Examines the phenomenon and meaning of evil, especially “moral” evil. Key questions pursued are how evil may be explained, why humanity is capable of it in the first place, whether it belongs to some or all people, how to differentiate its perpetrators and its victims, whether evil is compatible with the existence of a good God, and how one may judge the difference between evil and good. These and other fundamental questions are pursued through a range of classic, historical, and contemporary texts and in relation to examples of evil in today’s world. Fulfills new general education requirements in Civilizations and Heritages (C) and Ethics and Values (EAV).
Selling God in the Digital Age
50:840:351:01
M/W 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm
Professor Karapanagiotis
The goals of the course are 1) to learn techniques of “netnographic” research on online religious communities in the U.S. and abroad, 2) to critically analyze digital religion and the questions it raises about the different components of religion, 3) to explore how religious leaders and groups use the internet and technology to brand and market their religious products to wide audience of potential customer-converts, and 4) to understand the power of “new media” as a marketing tool for religion and spirituality in the U.S. and globally. Fulfills new general education requirements in Experiential Learning (XPL) and United States in the World (USW).
Independent Study in Religion
50:840:389:01
Hours by arrangement
Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper. Fulfills new general education requirement in Writing Course (W).
Independent Study in Religion
50:840:390:01
Hours by arrangement
Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper. Fulfills new general education requirement in Writing Course (W).