REL - Religion

An exploration of religion and religions in their various dimensions. Covers important myths and rituals and how they guide us in daily living. Special attention will be given to personal and communal religious change, reconciliation, alienation and spiritual/mystical practices and experiences

A critical study of the history, literature and religion of ancient Israel and the significance of the Hebrew Scriptures for Judaism and Christianity.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Greco-Roman religion and philosophy. Students are introduced to the ancient world first via its public and private religious practices and then via its philosophical perspectives on issues such as free will, ethical conflicts and the nature of the just person and the just state.

History of religion in America from the Puritans to the present day. Special attention will be given to certain themes (e.g., this nation as God’s New Israel) that are especially characteristic of the American religious experience.

Ethics and leadership in key areas of society: e.g., education, religion, the military, corporations, and politics. The focus is on key principles of conduct and relevant virtues, such as courage, faith, humility, fortitude, and prudence. Theory and practice will be analyzed together, as examples will be drawn from important historical episodes.

This course surveys the history, doctrines, and practices of Eastern religious traditions. The traditions typically covered include Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and Shinto. This course is recommended for students looking for a broad introduction to the study of religion and who wish to take 300-level courses covering Eastern religions.

Prerequisite: 3 credits of history, religion, political science, or African-American Studies at the 200 level, or permission of the instructor. This course introduces students to the core of black Christian theological thought: black liberation theology. We will explore the historical roots of black Christian theology and focus on some of its key tenets, like the physical depiction of Christ, the depiction of the Christian community/communities and the role of Christianity. We will identify the major points of convergence and divergence between black liberation theology and other liberation theologies such as womanist theology and Latin American liberation theology.

Prerequisite: Invitation of the department. (May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits)

Prerequisites: 6 credits in religion and permission of the instructor. Students work independently on some religious subject matter selected in consultation with the department. Reports and papers are given during the semester.

An upper-level special topics course offered at the discretion of the department. The content and methods vary with the interest of students and faculty members

Prerequisites: 18 credits in religion and permission of the instructor. Supervised off-campus educational project with an organization or institution approved by the department. Grading is on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. (Both semesters/6 credits) The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.

Prerequisite: By invitation of the department. (Both semesters/6 credits) The departmental honors paper is a two-semester senior-year program designed for students who wish to pursue intensive research or special projects in close coordination with faculty advisers. Departmental honors students are known as the Christine P. Tischer Scholars and receive 6 credits for this work.