REL - Religious Studies

This course will explore why people believe conspiracy theories and why people become dedicated to religious cults or new religious movements, and will provide training in tools and strategies for examining truth claims of various groups.

What is the meaning of life, and what role might the end of life play in living meaningfully? This course provides an introduction to philosophy and religious studies through an investigation of different views on death and the meaning of life from diverse cultures and identities. (Cross-listed with PHIL 150P)

What ways of thinking, feeling, and acting are essentially human? This course focuses on some of the most influential and fascinating philosophical and religious accounts of human nature from diverse cultural perspectives. Topics may include the nature of human beings in relation to God, society, ethics, politics, knowledge, the environment, freedom, evolution, the mind, language, race, gender, and technology. (Cross-listed with PHIL 155E)

Open only to students in the Honors College. A special honors section of REL 260G.

Is love universal or culturally bound? Is sexual desire biologically driven or learned? This course provides an introduction to Philosophy and Religious Studies through an investigation of love, sex, and desire vis-a-vis ethical values and societal norms. (Cross-listed with PHIL 235E)

Television, film, and journalism play an influential role in introducing Muslim life to broad audiences. This course provides an introduction to the representation of Islam in news and popular culture over the past century. In examining the relationship between Muslims and media we will develop information literacy skills and learn how to critically evaluate and interpret these sources.

An investigation of the Hebrew Bible on the basis of Biblical criticism and research. Attention is given to the cultural and historical background of these writings.

An investigation of New Testament literature and thought on the basis of Biblical criticism and research. Attention is given to the religious and cultural background of early Christianity, particularly in late Judaism.

The course will examine the Qur'an, the scripture of Islam, as well as other sacred texts such as the Hadith literature (sayings of Muhammad) and the Sira literature (accounts of Muhammad's life). This course will explore the role of these literatures in the faith, culture, and history of Islam. Our survey will include explorations of the history and reception of various texts, their literary and stylistic features, and various themes such as mystical, legal, modern, and feminist interpretations.

This course examines the several quests to uncover the historical reality behind Jesus of Nazareth in modern biblical-historical scholarship, including the work of scholars like Albert Schweitzer, Rudolph Bultmann, and the many contemporary inquirers. Students are expected to have some familiarity with the New Testament and/or early Christianity.

This course is a basic introduction to Judaism. We will explore the fundamental tenets of Jewish belief, examine primary expressions of Jewish ritual and practice, discuss the historical development of Judaism, and explore sacred texts, secular Yiddish texts, and contemporary issues confronting Jews and Judaism.

A study of the Christian tradition, including its primary texts, historical development, intellectual tenets, and contributions to human culture. Specific attention will be given to Christianity as a way of life.

A study of the Islamic tradition, including its primary texts, historical development, intellectual tenets, and contributions to human culture. Specific attention will be given to Islam as a way of life.

This course introduces students to several key religious traditions originating in Asia, such as: Hindu traditions in India; Confucianism, Daoism, and popular religion in China, Buddhism and Shinto in Japan; and Buddhist traditions of China, Tibet, and Mongolia. Students will read and analyze primary sources in English translation. By examining artifacts from literature, art, and poetry, students will also learn about cultural history. Throughout the course, we will be employing hermeneutical methods in the field of religions studies, such as methods of comparisons.

This course surveys key historic and contemporary religions and socio-religious ideas that help shape African and African American life, culture and practices. It also reflects on culture and practice to discover ways in which lived experience shapes religious thought and practice.

An intensive study of the basic teachings of Hinduism as manifested in its sacred writings.

A study of the origin, historical development, and contemporary status of Buddhism, in terms of its religious and philosophical elements and its influence in Asian cultures.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects that, because of their specialized nature, may not be taught regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule booklet and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects that, because of their specialized nature, may not be taught regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

This course explores the shifting constructions of gender and sexuality in Muslim communities from the early period until the present, considering feminism, patriarchy, gender identity, masculinity, femininity, homosexuality, heteronormativity, and transgender people.

This course will provide students with an introduction to Native American philosophies with a focus on issues of identity, genocide, personhood, gender, sovereignty, and decolonization. Topics will be approached though a consideration of Native American philosophical methodologies and Native views regarding metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. (Cross-listed with PHIL 451)

Throughout this course, students will examine Tibetan texts and artifacts that address the meaning of happiness and the human condition. The course covers the indigenous religion Bön; the four main Tibetan Buddhist traditions (Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Geluk), Islam in Tibet, and contemporary social issues, such as gender, identity politics, and the use of social media.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects that, because of their specialized nature, may not be taught regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects that, because of their specialized nature, may not be taught regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

This course explores the shifting constructions of gender and sexuality in Muslim communities from the early period until the present, considering feminism, patriarchy, gender identity, masculinity, femininity, homosexuality, heteronormativity, and transgender people.

This course will provide students with an introduction to Native American philosophies with a focus on issues of identity, genocide, personhood, gender, sovereignty, and decolonization. Topics will be approached though a consideration of Native American philosophical methodologies and Native views regarding metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. (Cross-listed with PHIL 551)

Throughout this course, students will examine Tibetan texts and artifacts that address the meaning of happiness and the human condition. The course covers the indigenous religion Bön; the four main Tibetan Buddhist traditions (Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Geluk), Islam in Tibet, and contemporary social issues, such as gender, identity politics, and the use of social media.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects that, because of their specialized nature, may not be taught regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit small groups of qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Independent reading and study of a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.