Implementation Date: 2011
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Catalog Copy
Department of Religious Studies
Religious studiesStudiesis the academic inquiry into the fundamental stories, myths, symbols, and practices that by which we as human beings have relied onattemptedto make sense of themselvesourselvesand the worlds in which theywelive. The department pursues this inquiry across a range of In addition to courses in Western, Asian, African, and Native American religious traditionsby examining their textual, historical and cultural dimensions. This inquiry does not seek to determine which religious views are “right” or “true,” but rather attempts to gain insight into how religious systems of meaning-making have shaped the cultural orders in which we live—with particular attention to how religious discourses have shaped understandings, the department offers courses in the interaction of religion and modern culture in such areas as art, literature, language, film, science, and issuesof race, and gender, sexuality, nation, and class. .The department is explicitly committed to the liberal arts tradition with a commitment to fostering both an international and pluralistic perspectiveas well as excellence in close reading, critical thinking and effective communication.
Most students major or minor in religious studiesReligious Studiesto gain a broad liberal arts education. With the flexibility of the program and its relationship to other areas of the University, students can meet the specific objectives of religious studiesReligious Studieswhile taking a wide range of courses in other departments. Some students relate religious studies to definite vocational plans, often requiring further education in professional and graduate schools.
BACHELOR OF ARTS
A major in religious studies requires 30 semester hours in religious studies courses as follows:
Foundational Courses (9 hours). Three required courses: RELS 2101 Introduction to Western Religions, RELS 2102 Introduction to Asian Religions, and RELS 2600 Approaches to the Study of Religion.
I. I. Courses in two different religious traditions (6 hours). One course in a Western tradition selected from: RELS 2110 Judaism, RELS 2120 Christianity, or RELS 2131 Islam. One course in an Asian tradition selected from: RELS 2154 Hinduism, RELS 2157 Buddhism, RELS 2166 Taoism, or RELS 2169 Mahãyãna Buddhism in East Asia.
Religion and modern culture (6 hours). Two courses to orientselected fromthe student to the academic study of religion (6 hours): RELS 2600 Orientation to the Study of Religion and RELS 4600 Senior Seminar. Studentsfollowing: RELS 2137, 3050, 3209, 3212, 3242, 4010, 4050, 4101, 4201. The specific topics for RELS 3050 and 4050are
encouraged to take RELS 2600 as early as possible in their program; students typically take RELS 4600 during their final year.
II. Two courses designated as textual analysis (6 hours) (as signaled in the department’sannounced eachsemestercourse listings): These courses focus on reading texts closely and carefully,
examine methods and histories of textual interpretation, and consider how religious groups and cultures have composed, transmitted and been shaped by texts.
III. Two courses designated as historical analysis (6 hours) (as signaled in the department’s semester course listings): These courses focus on a particular historical period or figure; consider a movement, idea or institution across several historical periods; and examine questions of historiography more generally.
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V. TwoTwo religious studieselectives (6 hours).Any two additional courses in religious studies.
At least five (5) courses, including RELS 4600, must be at the 3000-level or above.
Please note: Depending on how respective sections are taught, a course could fulfill the
requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course
descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.
I. V. Senior seminar (3 hours). In their senior year, all religious studies majors must complete RELS 4600. This seminar includes completion of a senior essay and an oral presentation to students and faculty.
MINOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
A minor in Religious Studies consists of a minimum of 15 hours, with at least two courses atthe the 3000-level or above.
Minors in Islamic Studies and Judaic Studies are also available. For information on either of these, please see their individual sectionsthe Department of Global, International, and Area Studies sectionin this Catalog.
HONORS PROGRAM IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
The Department of Religious Studies offers an Honors Program that allows students to deepen their consideration of approaches to the study of religion and to explore a well-articulated question in a written thesis. To be awarded a degree in religious studies with University Honors, the student must (1) complete all requirements of the Bachelor of Arts degree; (2) complete RELS 4400, Method and Theory in the Study of Religion, with a B or better; (3) write an Honors Thesis of A quality, as judged by their thesis director; (4) present their thesis research orally to the faculty as a whole; (5) demonstrate, in writing, evidence of a concentration in their course of study, to the satisfaction of the Religious Studies Honors Committee and (6) obtain a GPA of 3.25 or better in Religious Studies courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Candidates must also formally apply, and be approved, for Honors Candidacy by the University Honors Council.
Course List
RELS 1101. An Introduction to Religious Studies. (3) (W) An introduction to the study of the religiousdimensions of human existence. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Fall, Spring,Summer) (Evenings)
RELS 1120. The Bible and its Interpreters. (3) An introduction to the history of biblical interpretation from the pre-canonical era to the present. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 2000. Topics in Religious Studies. (1-3) Credit hours vary with topics. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular courseSpecial topics in Religious Studies.May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (As neededOn demand)
RELS 2101. Introduction to Western Religions. (3) An introduction to Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other selected religions. Emphasis on the myths, stories, symbols, rituals, ideas, and ethical practices of these religions in their classical formulations and in their contemporary practices. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Fall, Spring) (Evenings)
RELS 2102. Introduction to Asian Religions. (3) An introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, and other selected religions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Islam. Emphasis on the myths, stories, symbols, rituals, ideas, and ethical practices of these religions in their classical formulations and in their contemporary practices. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)
RELS 2104. Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. (3) The Hebrew religious tradition from the perspective of its development in the culture of the ancient NearEast. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 2105. New Testament and Christian Origins. (3) Emergence of Christianity in its cultural context.Analysis of selected early Christian writings in English translation. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Fall, Spring)
RELS 2107. Introduction to Native American Religions. (3)AnThis course is anintroduction to thetraditions of North American>Native American religious experience of North American First Peoples, including otherwith may include: Other-thanhuman-HumanPersonsand human persons; mythHuman Persons; Mythand orality, sacred space, timeOrality;Sacred Space, Time,and objects; lifewaysObjects; Lifewaysand ceremonies; traditionCeremonies; Traditionand changeChange. Special emphasisis placed on past and present imaginings of Native American religions. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 2108. Religion in American Culture. (3) The role of religion in the shaping of American culture. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Fall, Spring)
RELS 2110. Judaism. (3)The development of Jewish religious thought from antiquity to the present. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 2120. Christianity. (3) The world-wide development of the thought and practices of diverse Christian traditions from antiquity to the present. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 2131. Islam. (3)The development of the traditions in Islam with emphasis on Islamic culture, literature, and mysticism. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 2154. Hinduism. (3)The ancient Vedic traditions and the development of Hinduism. Emphasis is on the role of Hinduism in Indian civilization. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 2157. South Asian Buddhism. (3) The historical development of Buddhism during its first twenty-five hundred years with particular emphasis onspecial attention given toitsdiverse manifestations in South Asia. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(Alternate years(On demand)
RELS 2166. Daoism. (3)A thematic and historical exploration of a major indigenous religious tradition of China, with particular attention devoted to early, medieval, and modern practices and worldviews. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 2169. Mahãyãna Buddhism in East Asia. (3)An exploration of the various ways the religious idealof the bodhisattva has been imagined and employedin devotional practice in Mahãyãna Buddhisttraditions in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and theUnited States. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 2216. The Modern Middle East. (3) Cross-listedCrosslistedas HIST 2216. An introduction to the history of this important and dynamic region. The course focuses on the issues that have defined the Middle East in the recent past and provides students with the historical context needed to understand the region, its peoples, and its conflicts in greater depth. Depending on how respective sections are taught, a course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Fall)
RELS 2600. OrientationApproachesto the Study of Religion. (3) (W) Required of all majors as early in their program aspossible. Examines basic concepts, theories, andapproaches that are involved in the critical, academic study of religion. Attention given to basic researchmaterials and to standard writing practices in the discipline. Majors only. (Fall, Spring)
RELS 3000. Advanced Topics in Religious Studies. (3) Treatment of a special topic in religious studies. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.Maybe repeated for credit as topics vary. Same as RELS3001, but does notfulfill the General Educationwriting goal. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 3001. Advanced Topics in Religious Studies—– Writing Intensive. (3) (W) Treatment of a special topic inreligious studies. must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Same as RELS 3001, but fulfills the GeneralEducation writing goal. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 3050. Topicsin Religion and Modern Culture. (3) Treatment of a special topic in religionand modern culture.May be repeated for credit as topicsvary. (Yearly)
RELS 3090. Readings in Primary Texts. (3)Introductory and/or intermediate level readings of ancient and medieval primary source texts in languages such as Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Sanskrit, or Chinese. This course fulfills the requirement for a course in textual analysis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (As needed)
RELS 3101. Greek Myths and Religions. (3) The gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines in ancient Greek myths and religions; Greek myth and later Western religions; polytheism and monotheism; functions of myth; and contemporary interpretations of Greekmyth. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)(Yearly)
RELS 3104. Prophecy and Prophetic Literature in Ancient Israel. (3)Prerequisite: RELS 2104 orpermission of the instructor. An examination of the phenomenon of prophecy in the religion of ancientIsrael, with particular attention devoted to the writings about and writings attributed to named prophets inthe Hebrew Bible. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 3107. The Psalms and Wisdom Literature of Israel. (3)Prerequisite: RELS 2104 or permission ofthe instructor. The origin and content of the Psalmsand the place of wisdom literature in the developmentof Hebrew thought. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(On demand)
RELS 3111. Women in Judaism. (3) Cross-listed as WGST 3111. A survey of the roles and activities ofinJewish women throughout Jewish history, as they areit isportrayed in a diverse sampling of Jewish religious literature and practice. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 3113. Jesus. (3) Recommended: RELS 2105. Jesus and the religion he taught from the point of view of the synoptic gospels. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 3115. Early Christianity. (3) The history of Christianity in the 2nd-7th centuries C.E. Topics maywillinclude:martyrdom and persecution, heresy and orthodoxy, constructions of gender and sexuality in early Christianity, church-state relations, asceticism and monasticism, Constantine and the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3116. Paul. (3)The writings of St. Paul. The occasion, purpose and significance of each letter for the emerging Christian community. (Alternate years)A close study of the writings of the apostle Paul in their historical contexts with consideration of the ways in which they played a role in the development of the emerging Christian movement. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3122. Esoteric Traditions. (3)The study of one or more particular expressions of religious esotericism (e.g., Jewish Kabbalah; Hindu Tantra; etc.). Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As neededMay be repeated for credit when the subject matter changes. (On demand)
RELS 3129. Christian Controversies. (3) An exploration of Christian responses to ethical, cultural, political, and theological conflicts. The issues are selected to represent a range of time periods in the history of various Christian traditions. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 3135. Religion in Nineteenth‑-Century America. (3) Examination of religious thought, practices, andmovements in 19th‑-century America. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(On demand)
RELS 3137. Religion in theContemporaryAfrican-American ExperienceReligions. (3)An introductionThis course is designed to introducestudentsto the evolution of black religious thoughtand culture in AmericaAmericanduring the 20th century. EmphasizesItemphasizesthe rise of the Black Church and itsexpanding role within black urban communities inAmerica. AlsoAnother component of the courseaddresses the emergence of other religious belief systems incontemporary Black culture such as Voodoo, Santeria, Spiritist churches, the Nation of Islam and even BlackJudaism. Issues of race, class, gender, identity, andviolence will be points of discussion in light of black religious life. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3150. African-American Church and Civil Rights. (3) Cross-listed as AFRS 3150. Role of theAfrican-American church in the struggle for humanequality. Topics such as radical, moderate, andaccommodationist leadership styles; historicaldevelopment of the Black Churchblack churchin the South; and the Black Church’sits emergence as a foundation for modern civil rightsmovement. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(On demand)
RELS 3163. The Religious Art and Architecture of India. (3) The visual art of Hindus, Buddhists,Jainas, and Muslims in the architecture, paintings, and sculptures of India. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(Yearly)
RELS 3209. Religion and Quest in Literature. (3)An examination of religious themes and questions as presented inThe spiritual dimension ofcontemporary and traditional literature. Focus may be on an artist, genre (novel, poetry, drama), or topic. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. Although the focus of this course may vary, it may only be taken once for credit. (As neededtheme. (On demand)
RELS 3210. Religion and Popular Culture. (3)An examination of the interactions and intertwinings of religion and popular culture. Topics may include, but are not limited to, popular literature, domestic rituals, material and visual cultures, space and place, fan cultures, media, and folklore. Emphasis on how religion and popular culture shape and are shaped by issues of identity, community, nostalgia, memory, commercialism, capitalism, power, and meaning. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3212. ReligionFilmsand Film.Identity.(3) (W)An examinationThemesof religious identity, alienation, search, discovery, sexuality and death as reflected in recent American movies and foreign films. Film laboratory required. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.Although the focus of this course may vary, it may only be taken once for credit. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 3215. Religion and Sexuality. (3) An examination of the role of religious discourses and practices in shaping, understanding and evaluating sexual practices, desires and identities. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. Although the focus of this course may vary, it may only be taken once for credit. (As needed)
RELS 3220. Religion and Masculinity. (3) An examination of the role of religious discourses and practices in shaping, regulating and evaluating masculine identities and practices. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. Although the focus of this course may vary, it may only be taken once for credit. (As needed)
RELS 3230. Race, Religion and Murder. (3) An introduction to the intersection of race, religion, and violence in American culture. Addresses how Judeo-Christian, Islamic, and Asian traditions have been used to justify and even condone acts of violence against women, children, and peoples of color. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3232. Islam in the African American Experience. (3) An examination of the historical practices of Islam and its varied forms within African American culture. A key component of the course centers around the narratives of Nobel Drew Ali, Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Wraith Dean Muhammad, and Louis Farrakhan. This course also has a gendered component looking at the leadership of black women within Islam, the Nation of Islam, and Moorish Science. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed)
RELS 3242. Philosophy of Religion. (3)Cross-listed aslistedasPHIL 3530. Philosophical implications of religious experience, including the definitions, development, and diverse forms of the problems of belief and reason in modern thought. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course.(As needed(On demand)
RELS 3250. The Power of Mourning. (3)A theoretical examination of mourning and the ethical/political implications of mourning for our understanding of power, agency, and hope. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 3300. The Performance of Healing. (3) An examination of practices of healing and their concomitant discourses of illness, health, body, society, and cosmos across selected religious and secular traditions. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 3400. Applied Research/Field Work. (3) Prerequisite: major or minor in Religious Studies, 9earned hours in religious studies, and permission ofthe instructor. Research and in-service training inbusiness or community-based organizations. Specific content based on contract between student,supervising professor and cooperating organization. Depending on how this research and training is focused, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. The course designation will be determined by the instructor. (Approximately 120 contact hours for the semester) (As needed(On demand)
RELS 3450. Study Abroad for Religious Studies Majors. (3-6)Prerequisite: Permission of thedepartment. The examination of an approved topic inthe context of study abroad. Depending on how this research is focused, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. The course designation will be determined by the instructor. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 4000. SeminarTopicsin Religious Studies. (3) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. May be repeated for credit. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 4010. Major Figure in Religious Studies. (3) (W) A focused examination of theThelife and works of a major figure, or small set of related figures, and their significance for the study of religion. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. who hascontributed to religious studies.May be repeated forcredit for different figures. (As needed)(On demand)
RELS 4020. Major Text in Religious Studies. (3) A focused examination of an important primary text, or small range of primary texts, in the study of religion. The text may be a sacred text from a religious tradition or a theoretical text important in the study of religion. This course fulfills the requirement for a course in textual analysis. May be repeated for credit for different texts. (As needed)
RELS 4030. Major Period in Religious History. (3) A focused examination of a discreet and important period in religious history. The course will examine social, political, cultural, artistic and economic dimensions of a given period with respect to how they shaped, and were shaped by, religion. This course fulfills the requirement for a course in historical analysis. May be repeated for credit for different periods. (As needed)
RELS 4040. Major Approach to the Study of Religion. (3) A focused examination of an influential classic or contemporary approach to the study of religion, or small set of related approaches. The course will focus on close reading of primary texts and developing students’ critical engagement with the texts, through writing and discussion. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. May be repeated for credit for different approaches. (As needed)
RELS 4050. Topics in Religion and Modern Culture. (3) Treatment of a special topic in religion and modern culture. May be repeated for credit as topicsvary. (Yearly)
RELS 4101. Religion and Modern Thought. (3) The interaction of modern thought and modern religious sensibilities. (Alternate years)
RELS 4107. Early Judaism. (3) Prerequisite: RELS 2104 or 2105 or 3110 or permission of the instructor. Comparative historical and literary study of the varieties of Judaism evidenced during late antiquity (circa 70-640 C.E.), with special attention devoted to the information and development of rabbinic Judaism. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 4108. Medieval Judaism. (3) Prerequisite: RELS 2104 or 3110 or permission of the instructor. Comparative historical and literary study of the varieties of Judaism evidenced in Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and Islamicate realms from approximately 640 C.E. to approximately 1492 C.E. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 4109. Modern Judaism. (3)Prerequisites: RELS 3110 or 4107 or 4108 or permission of the instructor. Historical and conceptual study of Judaism and Jewish experience in Europe, America, and Israel, from the 16th century to the present, with special attention paid to the development of denominations, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(On demand)
RELS 4110. Contemporary Jewish Thought. (3)An examination of philosophy, religion, morality, politics, sociality, culture, family, and self-identity, in the light of modern and recent Jewish thought. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 4121. Medieval and Reformation Christianity. (3) An examination of Christian thought and practicefrom the early Middle Ages (c. 500 CE) through the reformations of the sixteenth century. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(Alternateyears)
RELS 4125. Witches, Saints, and Heretics. (3)An examination of the categories “normal” and “deviant” as formulated in select cultural traditions. Focus will be on examining constructions of individual identity and cultural boundaries through close reading of primary texts alongside recent films, works of fiction, and scholarly interpretations. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 4127. Material Christianity. (3) An examination of the ways individuals and groups throughout the Christian tradition have invested material objects with sanctity and power. Much of the course will be devoted to exploring theoretical models and theological warrants for practices related to objects. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed(Alternate years)
RELS 4150. Religion in the Contemporary United States. (3) An examination of selected topics and issues concerning contemporary American religion and culture. Topics may include, but are not limited to, religion and politics, the numerical decline of some religious groups and the explosive growth of others, the increased visibility of combinative religious practices and beliefs, new religious movements, and the intertwining of religions, popular culture, and consumer capitalism. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 4201. Religion, Morality,and Justice. (3) An exploration ofExplorethe ethical and social dimensions of selectedreligious traditions in their cultural contexts. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)(Ondemand)
RELS 4300. Religion and the Body. (3)An examination of the relationship between religious discourses and practices and the perceptions and experiences of an embodied subject. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 4340. Theories of Sacrifice. (3) An examination of classical and contemporary understandings of the history, meaning and cultural significance of sacrifice. Depending on how respective sections are taught, this course could fulfill the requirement for historical, textual or cultural analysis. Students must consult the course descriptions circulated each semester to determine which designations have been assigned to a particular course. (As needed)
RELS 4400. Method and Theory in the Study of Religion. (3) A close examination of primary texts representing influential classical and contemporary approaches to the study of religion. Attention given to student writing and oral presentation skills. Required of all honors students. (As needed)
RELS 4600. Senior Seminar. (3) (W, O) Required of majors in final year of studies. (Fall, Spring)
RELS 4700. Honors Thesis. (3) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Required of all honors students. May be repeated once for credit. (As needed)
RELS4800. Independent Studies. (1‑3) Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (As needed)(Fall, Spring)