RELIGIOUS STUDIES (Rel)
(Introductory Courses—Any introductory course may be taken as a first course in Religious Studies.)
101 Exploring Religion. (3) (General Education/Humanities) An introduction to the diversity of religious and cultural expressions through the study of religious experience, symbol, ritual, myth, belief, ethics, and community.
IAI: H5 900.
201 World Religions. (3) (General Education/Humanities or Multicultural Studies) An introduction to world religions with attention to historical development, scriptures, beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the role of these religions in diverse societies and cultures.
IAI: H5 904N.
203 The Christians. (3) (General Education/Humanities) An examination of scriptures, worship, symbols, and histories of the Christians with attention to major Christian traditions as well as the traditions of African Americans, women, and non-Western peoples.
207 The Bible. (3) (General Education/Humanities) An examination of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and New Testament scriptures which shaped the intellectual and cultural history of Western civilization with emphasis on cultural, social, and historical factors leading to the birth of Judaism and Christianity.
IAI: H5 901.
(World Religions)
350 Hinduism. (3) A study of the Hindu religious tradition covering its historical development, basic beliefs, practices, social structure, and philosophical world view, emphasizing the relation between this religion and society in both India and America. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
355 Buddhism. (3) A study of the Buddhist religious tradition covering its historical development, basic beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the relation between this religion and society in the East and in America. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
365 Islam. (3) (General Education/Multicultural Studies) A study of the Islamic religious tradition covering its historical development, basic beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the relation between this religion and society in the Near East and in America. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
370 Judaism. (3) An examination of the religion and history of the Jewish people including the relations of Judaism to Christianity and Islam and the causes of anti-semitism. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
(Religion and Culture)
301 Religion in America. (3) An examination of the diversity of religion and religions in the United States with attention to the variety of religious traditions and expressions and to the histories and themes that have shaped the distinctive tapestry of American religious life. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
303 (cross-listed with WS 303) Women in Religion. (3) (General Education/Multicultural Studies) A cross-cultural, comparative, interdisciplinary investigation of the presence of women in shaping the religious cultures of the world. Not open to students with credit in WS 303. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
380 Jesus. (3) A study of Jesus as pictured in the Gospels, history, and culture. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
405 Philosophy of Religion. (3) A critical examination of the philosophical issues arising from religious beliefs, utilizing historical and contemporary writings. Topics may include the existence of God, evil, faith, religious pluralism, and the relation between religious beliefs and ethics. Not open to students with credit in Phil 405. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level philosophy course or consent of instructor.
451 Contemporary Religious Thought. (3) The examination of the important 20th century issues in religious thought and the individuals responsible for them. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
452 Great Jewish and Christian Thinkers. (3) An introduction to three or four Jewish or Christian thinkers including theologians or mystics who have shaped western religious imagination and culture. Such thinkers may include Augustine, Aquinas, Maimonides, Luther, Theresa of Avila, Martin Buber, or Simone Weil. Prerequisite: One 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
454 Contemporary Spiritual Movements. (3) An exploration of contemporary spiritual movements with special emphasis on the relationship between cultural change and the emergence of new religious movements. Prerequisite: One 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
455 Personal Transformation. (3) A comparative study of secular and religious systems which aim at overcoming the obstacles to human fulfillment. Attention will be given to methods of therapy, the role of the spiritual master, and the vision of the ideal personality. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
456 Religion and War. (3) An examination of religious perspectives on the legitimacy of war, the conduct of war, and participation in or support for the military. Prerequisite: one 100- or 200-level religious studies course or consent of instructor.
494 (cross-listed with AAS 494) Religion in African American Culture. (3) This course acquaints students with religiosity and spirituality among African Americans and provides understanding of a world view, via concepts of nature, God, and human interaction, that reflects African cultural retentions in the U.S. Not open to students with credit for AAS 494. Prerequisites: AAS 100 and junior standing, or one 100- or 200-level religious studies course, or permission of instructor.
(Specialized Research)
499 Directed Readings. (1–3, repeatable for different topics, with no maximum) Individual study of particular religious traditions, ideas, or problems. Prerequisites: two courses in religious studies and consent of the instructor. By arrangement.