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.
Introduction to World Religion
50:840:103:01
M/W 9:35 am – 10:55 am
Professor Karapanagiotis
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Heritages and Civilizations (HAC).
Jews, Christians, 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
by arrangement
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.
Myth and Symbol
50:840:123:90
by arrangement
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.
Religion and Film
50:840:130:01
M/W 12:30 pm – 3:20 pm
Professor Charme
This course examines the use of mythical and religious images and symbols in contemporary films. The cinematic representation of issues of ultimate meaning and ethical values, spiritual quests, hopelessness and despair are analyzed. Fulfills new general education requirement in Art and Aesthetic Interpretation (AAI).
Paul and the Founding of Christianity
50:840:210:90
$100 Online Course Fee
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).
Justice, Forgiveness, and Reparation
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 requirement in Ethics and Values (EAV).
Justice, Forgiveness, and Reparation
50:840:267:H1 (Honors Only)
T/TH 6:00 pm – 7:50 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 requirement in Ethics and Values (EAV).
Seeking and Selling God Online
50:840:351:01
M/W 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm
Professor Karapanagiotis
course description will be updated as it becomes available.
Magic and Ritual Power
50:840:363:01
T/TH 9:35 am – 10:55 am
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. Fulfills new general education requirement in Heritages and Civilizations (HAC).
Independent Study in Religion
50:840:389:01, 390:01
Staff
Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper. Permission of instructor required.