Introduction to Religious Studies, 50:840:102:91, Hybrid W 9:35 am – 10:55 am (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 class M/W 3:45 pm – 5:05 pm (Gen Ed: GCM)
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 & 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.
Introduction to the Bible, 50:840:110:01, In class T/TH 11:10 am – 12:30 pm (Gen Ed: GCM)
Professor Wall
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.
Jews, Christians, Muslims, 50:840:112:90, On line (Gen Ed: HAC)
Professor Ken Banner
The effects of American enslavement on the religious and social institutions of the African people and the development of religious beliefs and institutions within the African-American community. The relationship between black and white religious institutions and the role of religion in the development of black political consciousness.
Myth and Symbol, 50:840:123:90, Online (Gen Ed: AAI)
Professor Greg 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 Ken Banner
Who was the Jewish teacher named Jesus? This course will explore how scholars use historical methods 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, 50:840:220:91, Hybrid M 9:35 am – 10:55 am (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, 50:840:276:90, Hybrid M 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm (Gen Ed: EAV)
Professor Walker
Happiness 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 coursesurveys empirical research in the sciences, such as positive psychology, neuroscience, and biology. The content of what will be studied mirrors how it will be taught by drawing upon teaching methods used in resiliency education. Ultimately, the courseis a study of how humans organize themselves, their internal lives, their relationships, and their environments—communally and globally.
Philosophical and Religious Perspectives on Childhood, 50:840:284:90, Online (Gen Ed: HAC)
Professor Walker
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.
Magic and Ritual Power, 50:840:363:01, In Class T/TH 9:35 am – 10:55 am (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.