INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
50:840:103:01
M/W 3:45 pm – 5:05 pm
Professor Gilmore-Clough
GEN ED:  GCM (Global Communities), G (Global Studies)

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
Professor Wall
GEN ED:  D (Diversity), EAV (Ethics and Values)

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
T/TH 2:00 pm – 3:20 pm
Professor Wall
GEN ED:  C (Civilization & Heritages), G (Global Studies), HAC (Heritage & Civilizations)

Historical and literary exploration of portions of the Tanach (Old Testament) and New Testament that have had the most lasting influence on Western culture. Focus on the meaning of key terms like covenant and evil, biblical authorship, and different ways the text may be interpreted today.

ASIAN RELIGIONS
50:840:111:01
W 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm
Professor McCauley
Gen Ed:  C (Civilization & Heritages), GCM (Global Communities)

A historical and comparative study of the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto and their expressions in the cultures of India, China, and Japan.

JEWS, CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS
50:840:112:01
T/TH 8:00 am – 9:20 am
Professor Banner
GEN ED:  HAC (Heritages and Civilizations)

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
Professor Salyer
GEN ED:  AAI (Art, Aesthetics, and Theories of Interpretation)

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.

PAUL AND THE FOUNDING 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.

ISLAM AND THE MODERN WORLD 
50:840:235:01
W 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm 
Professor Salyer
GEN ED:  GCM (Global Communities)

An exploration of the diverse manifestations of Islam in the twenty-first century around the globe. Includes study of Islam in relation to such issues as modernity, globalization, women’s rights, fundamentalism, war, and culture.

RELIGION AND HEALTH
50:840:240:01
M 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm 
Professor Walker

course description will be updated as it becomes available.

HAPPINESS
50:840:276:01
Cross listed with 50:499:456:02

M 6:00 pm – 8:50 pm 
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.

ANTI-SEMITISM AND THE HOLOCAUST
50:840:332:91
Hybrid – some meeting on line

M 12:30 pm – 1:50 pm 
Professor Charme

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.

CULTS NEW RELIGION MOVEMENTS
50:840:366:01
M 9:35 am – 10:55 am 
Hybrid – some meetings online
Professor Karapanagiotis

This course examines religious groups in the United States that have been labeled in the public as “cults.”  We investigate their beliefs and practices, as well as their histories, social dynamics, recruitment strategies, and relationships with the public.  Focus will be on building a scholarly toolkit by which to understand these religious groups in an objective and critical manner.

Independent Studies in Religion

Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper. 

INDEPENDENT STUDY
50:840:389:03 

Professor Karapanagiotis

INDEPENDENT STUDY
50:840:389:03 

Professor Wall