A first course in religious studies, designed both to introduce students to ways of understanding religion as a phenomenon in human culture and history and also to survey a wide variety of the religions of the world.

Credits: 3

An introduction to some of the foundational scriptures of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) from traditional and modern perspectives, including the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita.

Credits: 3

Prereq: None. Not open to nondegree students.

A literary and historical approach to the study of the Hebrew Bible in the light of recent scholarship.

Credits: 3

An introduction to the literature of the New Testament from a historical perspective.

Credits: 3

An interdisciplinary study of the social, religious and historical dimensions of contemporary issues and events which make this cultural and geographic region a crucible of global tensions.

Credits: 3

Cross-list: HIST-2190, SOC-2190

An introduction to the main types of ethical thought in the history of religion (with special attention to current approaches) and the relation of religious ethics to contemporary moral problems.

Credits: 3

An introduction to the main types of ethical thought in the history of Judaism (with special attention to contemporary approaches) and the relation of Jewish ethics to other religious and non-religious moral systems. The following issues will be examined: truth-telling, self-sacrifice, political ethics, sexual ethics, abortion, suicide, euthanasia and others.

Credits: 3

The role of religion in American culture, seen in the interaction between the inherited religious traditions and the crucial events in American experience and how this affects American identity - past and present.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Sophomore or permission of instructor.

A seminar considering the various attempts to define religion and the various specialties and methodologies which comprise the field of Religious Studies. Multiple faculty from the religion subject areas will participate in the seminar. The course is intended for majors and minors in Religion and others with high interest in the field of Religious Studies.

Credits: 3

Prereq: 9 hours in Religion and junior standing or above, or permission of instructor.

Study of the sacred stories, symbols, ceremonies, and belief systems of selected Native American peoples, representing the major cultural regions of North America.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, or NAMS 1100, or three hours in religion.

Study of the forms and techniques of shamanic experience from its Paleolithic and Neolithic origins to its contemporary practice among indigenous peoples, including its role in the development of human religious traditions and systems of healing.

Credits: 3

A study of the major religions which considers their histories and contemporary forms. Included are the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shintoism.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

A study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with an introduction to their ancient predecessors.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

A critical survey of the messages and roles of the Hebrew prophets in light of their historical, cultural and theological background in Israel and the Ancient Near East. The course will include an examination of prophecy in the Biblical literature.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior or three hours in religion.

A survey of the female characters of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, a critical analysis of Biblical imagery of and teachings concerning women, and an examination of the impact of Biblical interpretations on women in society.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in Religion or Women's Studies, or permission.

Cross-list: WGST-3120

A study of the Judaic understanding of God, man and world in three stages: (1) The early Hebraic understanding of law and history; (2) The Rabbinical tradition and development of Jewish mysticism and philosophy; and (3) Contemporary Judaism and movements such as Hasidism, reconstructionism and Zionism.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior or RELI 1010, 2300, 2150 or permission.

The development of Christian theological, ritual, and social practice from the beginnings of Christianity through the Reformation.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

The history of Christian thought from the Enlightenment to Vatican II.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

A study of history, beliefs, and practices of Islam, including both Sunni and Shi'i traditions as well as the role of Sufism and contemporary movements.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

A critical study of the dialogue between philosophical reason and religious belief. Reason is seen historically in the various roles of enemy, ally and servant of religion. Consideration of contemporary options for applying intellect to faith.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

The course will acquaint students with (1) the images of the feminine in the earliest strata of human culture, (2) the symbols of the feminine in the myths of the primary religious traditions of the world, and (3) the role of feminine image-making within contemporary religious consciousness.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, or three hours in Religion, or permission.

Cross-list: WGST-3250

A survey of recent developments in religious thought, emphasizing central themes and basic issues in current discussion.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

An investigation of differences and developments in Roman Catholic theology in last decades of the 20th century, with consideration of the bases in the tradition for the progressive and conservative theologies of today.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

This course examines the relationship between religion and film. From the very beginning of filmmaking, religion or religious themes have been the subject of movies. And, religion is found in many different kinds of movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to art films, from documentaries to short films. This course explores the various ways in which movies treat religion or religious topics.

Credits: 3

Prereq: RELI 1010 (Introduction to World Religions) or permission of the instructor. Not open to nondegree students.

The content of this course varies from semester to semester, giving instructor and students an opportunity to investigate various subjects of interest in religious studies. (May be repeated for credit as long as the topic is different.)

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor.

Individual research in selected areas or particular questions in religious studies.

Credits: 1-6

Prereq: Nine hours in religion and permission of instructor.

This course provides a capstone experience in religious studies. It serves as the third writing course and is required for Religion majors. The readings will be on a topic chosen by the instructor each time the course is taught. Each student will complete a major research paper and will present it orally.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Five courses in Religion, or permission of instructor.

A study of the Buddhist understanding of man's religious circumstances, including the life and teachings of Gautama the Buddha, the development of Theravada tradition, the philosophy of Nagarjuna, and the major Mahayana movements with special attention to Zen and Tantrism.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior or permission of instructor.

A study of homoeroticism in (1) ancient Near Eastern and classical Mediterranean traditions, and in (2) traditions from one or more non-Western cultural regions. The course will include cross-cultural study of religious understandings of homosexuality in modern cultures, with attention to the relation between sexuality and spirituality and to issues of gender identity.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior standing, six hours in religion and/or women's studies, or permission of instructor.

Cross-list: WGST-4040

This course examines the history and nature of religion in North America to c. 1770 with an emphasis on the British colonies.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Undergraduate: junior or senior standing. Graduate: graduate student enrolled in History MA program Not open to nondegree students.

Cross-list: HIST-4010, HIST-8016

A critical investigation of Judaism since the Enlightenment emphasizing historical, intellectual and religious-legal developments. Pivotal movements (e.g., Hassidism, Reform, Historical Conservative Judaism, Modern Orthodoxy, Zionism) and major historical events (e.g., the American and French Revolutions, Tsarist oppression, the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel) will be analyzed for their ongoing impact.

Credits: 3

Prereq: For RELI 4150: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor; For RELI 8156: nine hours in religion or permission of instructor.

Cross-list: RELI-8156

An interdisciplinary approach in a seminar oriented format discussing various aspects of the most notorious genocide in modern times. The course will explore the history of anti-Semitism, the rise of Nazi Germany and the road to the 'final solution.' It will further explore psychological, sociological and intellectual aspects of the dark side of humanity.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Undergrad: Junior or instructor permission.

Cross-list: HIST-4720, HIST-8726, RELI-8166

A study of existentialism in its theistic (e.g., Kierkegaard) and atheistic (e.g., Sartre) forms, and its impact on recent Jewish and Christian thought.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Junior.

Cross-list: RELI-8306

This course examines the religious, political and cultural assignments ascribed to Muslim women. Starting with the Qur'an, social, legal, and scriptural norms will be explored through the voices of Muslim women around the world. Passages of the Qur'an, hadiths and the commentaries that lead to the elevation and/ or demise of Muslim women and their rights are studied. Examining the role of the female body, sexuality and seclusion within a historical context will lead to an understanding of the gendering of women in Islam.

Credits: 3

Prereq: For RELI 4400: RELI 3200 or permission; For RELI 8406: graduate standing.

Cross-list: RELI-8406

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the multiplicity of Muslim voices in the United States and to examine the myths created through stereotyping and orientalizing. The course will also investigate how Muslims in America form identities as hybrids and transnationals and follows the chronological development of American Muslims including their identity construction, religious issues, and politics.

Credits: 3

Prereq: RELI 3200 or permission

A critical investigation of Judaism since the Enlightenment emphasizing historical, intellectual and religious-legal developments. Pivotal movements (e.g., Hassidism, Reform, Historical Conservative Judaism, Modern Orthodoxy, Zionism) and major historical events (e.g., the American and French Revolutions, Tsarist oppression, the Holocaust and the establishment of the State of Israel) will be analyzed for their ongoing impact.

Credits: 3

Prereq: For RELI 4150: Junior, three hours in religion, or permission of instructor; For RELI 8156: nine hours in religion or permission of instructor.

Cross-list: RELI-4150

An interdisciplinary approach in a seminar oriented format discussing various aspects of the most notorious genocide in modern times. The course will explore the history of anti-Semitism, the rise of Nazi Germany and the road to the 'final solution.' It will further explore psychological, sociological and intellectual aspects of the dark side of humanity.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Undergrad: Junior or instructor permission.

Cross-list: HIST-4720, RELI-4160, HIST-8726

A study of existentialism in its theistic (e.g., Kierkegaard) and atheistic (e.g., Sartre) forms, and its impact on recent Jewish and Christian thought.

Credits: 3

Cross-list: RELI-4300

This course examines the religious, political and cultural assignments ascribed to Muslim women. Starting with the Qur'an, social, legal, and scriptural norms will be explored through the voices of Muslim women around the world. Passages of the Qur'an, hadiths and the commentaries that lead to the elevation and/ or demise of Muslim women and their rights are studied. Examining the role of the female body, sexuality and seclusion within a historical context will lead to an understanding of the gendering of women in Islam.

Credits: 3

Prereq: For RELI 4400: RELI 3200 or permission; For RELI 8406: graduate standing.

Cross-list: RELI-4400

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the multiplicity of Muslim voices in the United States and to examine the myths created through stereotyping and orientalizing. The course will also investigate how Muslims in America form identities as hybrids and transnationals and follows the chronological development of American Muslims including their identity construction, religious issues, and politics.

Credits: 3

Prereq: Graduate Standing

An individually organized program of readings pertinent to one or more topics subordinate to the heading of Religion. To be carried out under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. May be repeated twice for credit.

Credits: 1-6

Prereq: Graduate, permission of instructor, and no incompletes outstanding.