Religious Studies Courses

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BHEBW 1 / Biblical Hebrew (4) - view
A study of basic elements of biblical Hebrew. Note: this course does not fulfill the College language requirement. Offered fall semester.
BHEBW 20 / Hebrew Exegesis (4) - view
An exegesis of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible. Note: This course does not fulfill the College language requirement. Prerequisite: BHEBW 1 or equivalent. Offered spring semester.
REL 3 / Introduction to Religion (4) - view
An examination of a variety of religious experiences and behaviors in the comparative context of world religions. Explores major historical and methodological approaches basic to the study of religion. Offered fall semester.
REL 40 / Dante:Hell,Heaven & Florence (4) - view
Description Pending. Fulfills: BH
REL 42 / The Reformation: Theology, Society, and Devotion (4) - view
This course begins by examining the origins of reformation in the history of Christianity. We then trace some of the key questions that become central to the fifteenth- and sixteenth- century reformers. Topics will include: the nature, language and availability of the Bible; papal power; devotional practices (prayer books, indulgences, and the Eucharist); and grace and free will. We shall examine the critiques of these practices and theologies by reformers such as Wycliffe, Hus, Erasmus, Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin. We shall also examine the Catholic reformation, the Council of Trent and the origins of Roman Catholicism. Other topics include the rise of the modern state, witchcraft, Inquisition, and women as reformers and objects of reform. The final portion of the course will focus on the English Reformation and work directly with Drew's 16th- and 17th- century collection of English prayer books in the Maser Collection. The course will have an examination, a short essay on on Fulfills: BH
REL 120 / Classical Morality&Religious Ethics from Plato to Machiavel (4) - view
The course provides a history of classical moral thinking, both philosophical and theological, in the West by tracing this thought through Greek, Roman, and Christian philosophers, theologians, historians, dramatists, and Italian Renaissance Republicans. We will pay particular attention to how this intellectual history, found in philosophers and theologians, interacts with popular classical morality and piety as found in classical historians and dramatists, medieval morality dramatists, and biography. Topics to be covered will include but not be limited to: the nature of morality, moral realism, moral virtue, the relationship between tragedy and virtue, the goal of happiness and inner peace in the face of adversity, the interaction of religion and morality, love, marriage, friendship, sexual relations, raising children, and political ethics. The course will conclude with an overview of the recent revival of classical morality in religious and philosophical ethics. Offered Fall semester in even years.

Religious Traditions of the World

REL 12 / The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism (4) - view
A survey of the basic religious doctrines, ritual practice, and philosophical schools of the Jewish religion, from biblical times to the present. The course includes the analysis of Jewish theology, rational philosophy, mysticism, messianism, religious ceremonies, family life-cycle, and rites of passage, as well as universal concepts. Same as: JWST 12.
REL 20 / Introduction to Christianity (4) - view
An examination of major and minor Christian traditions and their various approaches to rituals, symbolization, beliefs, morality, and governance. Offering to be determined.
REL 34 / Religions of India (4) - view
An introduction to the history, literature, and practices of the religions of India, with major focus on Hinduism and Buddhism. Attention is also given to Sikhism, Jainism, and the spread of Buddhism into Southeast Asia and Tibet. Offered fall semester. Fulfills: BH DIT
REL 35 / Religions of China and Japan (4) - view
An introduction to the history, literature, and practices of the major religions of China and Japan, focusing on Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto. Offered spring semester.
REL 36 / Introduction to Islam (4) - view
A broad introduction to the world's second largest religion. Topics covered include a brief historical overview of the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, the rise of the early Islamic community, and the formation of Islamic civilization. Additional units focus on the nature and structure of the Qur'an, the role of Islamic law, aspects of ritual practice, and expressions of Muslim spirituality. Relying heavily on primary textual sources in translation, students consider issues such as the relationship between religion and politics, women and society, and themes of unity and variety in the Islamic tradition. Offered fall semester. Fulfills: BH DIT
REL 143 / Religions of Africa (4) - view
An introduction to the basic themes within the traditional religions of Africa, including the nature of God, the significance of creation myths, the role of ancestors, the importance of religious leaders, and the problem of evil, sickness, and death. Explores the problematic Christian encounter with African religions, the Semitic connection and African Islam, and the role and function of the Independent African-Christian Churches. Same as: ANTH 119 and PANAF 119. Offered fall semester.

Sacred Texts, Interpretations, and Modern Textual Studies

REL 11 / Sacred Texts of Asia (4) - view
The analysis of a major Eastern religious text, such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, or the Lotus Sutra, in light of its historical context, traditional interpretation, and modern interpretation. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.
REL 13 / Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (4) - view
A study of religious developments in ancient Israel in their historical contexts. Emphasizes the understandings of Israel as covenant people of God, the relation of religious understandings to historical and social circumstances, the role of prophecy, and the religious restoration following the exile. Offered fall semester.
REL 14 / Introduction to the New Testament (4) - view
A study of the development of early Christian thought based on its earliest writings. Gives special treatment to the pre-literary origins of the gospel tradition, the variety of early theological assessments of Jesus of Nazareth, and the development of Gentile Christianity out of Jewish Christianity. Offered spring semester.
REL 37 / Introduction to the Qur'an (4) - view
A thematic and historical investigation of the central document of Islamic revelation. Devotes special attention to understanding conceptions of God, humanity, nature, community, holy law, prophethood, history, eschatology, and cosmology as reflected in both the Qur'an and in early Muslim theology. Seeks to provide historical and contextual appreciation of the Qur'an in various aspects of Islamic thought and practice. Comparison with both the Jewish and Christian scriptural tradition is encouraged where appropriate. Offering to be determined.
REL 113 / Studies in the Gospels (4) - view
A detailed consideration of materials in the canonical and noncanonical gospels. Focuses on the variety of ways in which Jesus and his message were understood. Course may be repeated. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.
REL 114 / The Pauline Epistles (4) - view
An analysis of the letters of Paul, leading to an understanding of his significance in early Christianity and his contributions to subsequent Christian thought. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
REL 138 / Seminar in Biblical Studies (4) - view
An intensive study of special topics in this field. Offering to be determined.

Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics

REL 21 / Judeo-Christian Ethics (4) - view
An examination of different ethical theories and approaches in Judeo-Christian traditions. Examines special topics, such as marriage, divorce, romantic love, human sexuality, and friendship, from perspectives in traditional and contemporary Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. Gives attention to certain topics in political thought, environmental, and medical ethics. Offered fall semester.
REL 22 / Social Ethics (4) - view
An examination of various current and perennial problems in social morality. Topics included are natural law, the role of religion in the state, the morality of politics, economic justice, civil rights, civil liberties, gender issues, race issues, patriotism, capital punishment, warfare, ethics and business, and ethics and medicine. Offered spring semester.
REL 25 / Introduction to Early Christianity (4) - view
This course traces the history of Christianity from the death of Jesus to the break up of the Roman empire (seventh century) and the rise of Islam. Important theological questions (such as: who is Jesus [Christology]; what does he do [soteriology]; the nature of God; why is there evil in the world [theodicy]) are considered and placed in the context of ancient Roman history and philosophy. These considerations help us to understand the meaning of Christian martyrdom, the effect of Constantine's conversion, the origins of Christian worship and sacred space (Constantine's St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, in particular), ecclesiastical and clerical orders (bishops and priests, for example), monasticism, the doctrine of "original sin," and apocalyptic expectations. The appeal of alternate Christianities such as Gnosticism and Arianism and the decline of Classical religion are also considered. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.
REL 26 / Intoduction to Medieval Christianity (4) - view
This course traces the history of Christianity from the break up of the Roman Empire to the reformations of the sixteenth century (Protestant and Catholic). Important topics include: the rise of the Papacy, the break with Byzantine Christianity, monasticism, sacred space, the medieval "discovery of the self," the mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans), Eucharistic theology, the origins of the university, natural theology, late medieval mysticism, and the break up of Christendom in the sixteenth century. "Popular" religious practices, such as cults of the saints, miracles, and the unique artistic genius of the medieval cathedral are placed in a broader context. Fruitful Christian coexistence as well as violent conflict with Islam and Judaism are also considered, as are the multiplicity of "heretical" Christianities (including Catharism and Waldensians). Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. Same as: HIST 26.
REL 27 / Eastern Christianity I (4) - view
History of the four Ancient Patriarchates and the seven separated churches of the East until the time of the Roman Schism. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years. Same as: CHIST 227. Fulfills: BH
REL 28 / Eastern Christianity II (4) - view
The Orthodox Church from the 11th century to the present; later history of the separated churches: the Uniates, Eastern dissenters, and Protestant Oriental communities. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Same as: CHIST 228.
REL 29 / Spiritual Journeys: A Literary Approach (4) - view
A study of how seekers have given literary form to their quests for transcendence, ultimate meaning, mystical experience, growth, and healing, through a close reading of modern spiritual journeys (autobiography, fiction, diaries). Offering to be determined.
REL 38 / Contemporary American Catholicism (4) - view
An introduction to Roman Catholic life and thought as experienced in the United States, with emphasis upon the church's ongoing pursuit of aggiornamento (rethinking basic issues) in such areas as doctrine, ecclesial structures, and problems of the modern world. Focuses on the dialectic between institutional conformity and the American democratic ideal of personal freedom, between traditional consciousness and contemporary culture, between the dynamics of human existence and dogmatic and moral tenets. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
REL 39 / Studies in Mysticism (4) - view
An introduction to mysticism through comparative and phenomenological study of mystical traditions in five major world religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Examines and compares primary texts, practices, major figures, and significant historical developments in mysticism within and among these five religions. Specific themes and topics covered may vary. Course may be repeated. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.
REL 45 / Issues in Contemporary Jewish Ethics (4) - view
A study of the way Jewish thinkers respond to critical issues of modern life, such as human sexuality, gender, biomedical ethics, religion and state, personal identity, and moral and religious education. One or two such topics are chosen each year. Offering to be determined.
REL 46 / The Sufi Path: Studies in Islamic Mysticism (4) - view
Mysticism has historically served as one of the three great paths to faith in the Islamic tradition. This course locates Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, within the larger context of Islamic spirituality. Explores the rich legacy of mysticism in Islam from its pre-Islamic roots through to the present. The primary approach to Sufism in this course is through examining the seminal texts of the great Sufi masters in translation. Offering to be determined.
REL 49 / Introduction to American Judaism (4) - view
The history of American Jewry from Colonial times to the present; the emergence of the various American Jewish religious denominations, ideologies and communal institutions; the role of Jews in American social, economic and cultural life in modern times. Emphasis will be placed on how ancient religious norms and values were applied to the new social, religious and economic challenges of life in the United States. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
REL 60 / Seminar in Asian Religions (4) - view
An in-depth study of a selected religious topic pertaining to South Asian, Southeast Asian, and East Asian cultures, considered either comparatively or specific to one of the cultures. Topics vary from year to year. Uses a variety of methodologies, including history, anthropology, art history, and textual studies. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
REL 121 / Modern Christian Lay Theologians (4) - view
A study of the works of selected 19th- and 20th-century Christian lay persons, many of them literary figures. The list of such nonprofessional and unofficial theologians includes Dostoevsky, Soren Kierkegaard, Khomiakov, Solovyov, Chesterton, Belloc, Charles Williams, Dorothy Sayers, C. S. Lewis, and T. S. Eliot. Announcement of specific figures to be studied is made in advance of course registration. Offering to be determined.
REL 127 / Business Ethics (4) - view
A philosophical and theological study of those ethical, religious, and social issues that play an important role in thinking morally about economic and business practices. Attention is paid to practical ethical problems arising out of the functional areas of management and the wider areas of business and social responsibility in relation to the community, ecology, minorities, the role of multinationals and public safety. Offered spring semester. Same as: RLSOC 127.
REL 128 / Modern Religious Thought (4) - view
A systematic study of a selected contemporary theologian. Emphasizes the person's writings and social, political, and religious context. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
REL 130 / Bio-Medical Ethics (4) - view
An examination of the issues from religious and ethical perspectives. Topics include physician-patient relationships, death and dying, obtaining organs and tissues for transplantation, patient competence, assisted suicide and euthanasia, abortion, reproductive technologies, genetic testing and engineering, stem cell research and cloning, experiments on humans, rationing health care, and justice and public health. Offered fall semester. Same as: RLSOC 131.
REL 133 / Selected Topics in Religious Studies (2-4) - view
An intensive study of topics chosen by the department. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Course may be repeated. Offering to be determined.
REL 142 / The Black Church in America (4) - view
A study of the various aspects of black religious life in America from the African backgrounds to the present. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
REL 146 / Ethics of Just War (4) - view
Moral and religious issues in warfare, including classical and contemporary views. The course will cover but not be limited to the following: Christian just war doctrine, moral realism and war, the rules of war, war crimes, guerrilla warfare, terrorism, nuclear weapons, spying and espionage, and war in Jewish and Islamic thought. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
REL 152 / Environmental Ethics (4) - view
The course provides a study of the moral and religious aspects of such problems in human ecology as pollution, overpopulation, resource depletion, animal rights, global justice and much more. The course relates these issues to religious perspectives of human nature, responsibilities to the earth and to future generations. While the ecological data and principles prove indispensable, the primary intent of the course is to focus on how people make the date speak, on what they bring to ecological issues, on methods, on assumptions, and on language. This will require critical thinking skills such as analyzing, evaluating, and comparing. Offered in spring semester of odd numbered years.

History, Society, and Religion

REL 24 / Religion in America (4) - view
A historical approach to American religious developments, including Puritanism, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, Revivalism, the rise of denominationalism, the emergence of sects and cults, African-American religion, and civil religion. Focuses on the roles of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews in American pluralistic society. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.
REL 41 / Sects and Cults in Modern Judaism (4) - view
A study of the rise of religious cults and fundamentalist sects in modern society, with special attention to the development of Jewish fundamentalism in Israel and America. Covers both religious and political groups such as Gush Emunim, Habad Hassidim, and B'nai Torah orthodoxy as well as other sectarian groups of interest to course participants. Discusses sociological, psychological, and ethical issues raised by these groups. Offering to be determined. Same as: SOC 70.
REL 47 / Religion and Politics: The Challenge of Islamic Revivalism (4) - view
An examination of modern currents in Islamic thought, focusing on the relation of religion to both political life and modernity. Emphasizes appreciating the diversity of contemporary Islamic thought through a reading of primary texts in translation. Evaluates both the continuities and contrasts between classical and modern Islamic thought. Offering to be determined.
REL 48 / Religion and Society in Modern Egypt (4) - view
An interdisciplinary examination of the role and place of religion in modern Egyptian society. Examines issues such as the impact of religion on the family, on politics, on education, and on various aspects of contemporary Egyptian intellectual and cultural life. Employs literature and film, as well as historical, sociological, anthropological, political science, and religious studies approaches to the study of religion. Focuses on comparing and contrasting Muslim and Christian experiences. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
REL 50 / Ritual Studies (4) - view
A consideration of the structures and ideas that constitute cultural practice, to include religious, life-cycle, ceremonial, and everyday behavior. Focuses on a specific ritual, such as pilgrimage, sacrifice, initiation, and death rituals, after a general introduction to the study of ritual. Analyzes the ritual in terms of its constituent activities and historical, social, political, and ideological contexts. Emphasizes comparison of practices and ideas cross-culturally. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Same as: HIST 52. Fulfills: BH DIT
REL 54 / Christian-Jewish Dialogue After World War II (4) - view
A study of the similarities and differences confronting Christian and Jew in the renewed dialogue following World War II. Special topics include views of Scripture, the person of Jesus, Christian anti-Semitism, Israel in theological understanding, proselytism, Vatican II, intermarriage, religious practice, and public institutions. Offering to be determined.
REL 66 / Sociology of Religion (4) - view
An introduction to the sociology of religion. Discusses classical and contemporary theorists such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Wuthnow, Corbett, Bellah; explores the practical everyday world of religion; and analyzes the influence of cultural and social factors on religion. Organizing themes vary from year to year. Offering to be determined. Same as: SOC 66.
REL 67 / Comparative Fundamentalism (4) - view
An examination of the rise of religious fundamentalism in comparative perspective. Topics to be covered include the historical development of fundamentalism, the nature and organization of contemporary fundamentalism, the relationship between fundamentalism and the family, state, and education, and the significance of fundamentalism in domestic and international politics. Specific attention is given to case studies of the history and religious culture of fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, and comparisons between Western and Eastern religions, traditions will be made. The perspective of the course is sociological and theological, but the ethical and political issues and dilemmas raised by these groups will also be considered. Offered fall semester. Same as: SOC 67.
REL 112 / Seminar in Jewish Studies (4) - view
An in-depth study of a specific religious or philosophical aspect of Judaism, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of primary sources and traditional texts. Course may be repeated. Same as: JWST 112.
REL 122 / New Religious Movements in America (4) - view
A study of sects, cults, and various spiritual movements that have emerged within the last 150 years. Covers various expressions of theosophical religion, Freemasonry, UFO cults, Gurdjieff groups, scientology, the Hare Krishna movement, the Divine Light Mission, and the Unification Church. Offering to be determined. Same as: RLSOC 122, THRST 822. Same as: RLSOC 122, THRST 822.
REL 125 / Women and Religion (4) - view
A cross-cultural consideration of images of women in myth and scripture as related to women's actual roles in religious institutions and in societies at large. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined. Same as: CHSOC 417S.
REL 144 / Native American Religions (4) - view
This course investigates the origins of Native American religions, how they have changed, the reasons for those changes, and how Native Americans have influenced the beliefs of non Native Americans. History is the primary lens for this exploration. Issued such as Native American's relationship with nature and the supernatural are analyzed. Core concepts are presented and critically assessed with an emphasis on why Native Americans understandings mat differ from those of other religious groups. In the depth case studies are included, for example of Pueblos, Tainos, and Lakotas. The case studies may vary from year to year. Offered in fall semester of even numbered years.
REL 145 / Seminar in Islamic Studies (4) - view
An intensive study of special topics in this field. Offering to be determined.
REL 149 / Women in Asian Religions (4) - view
This course examines critically the participation of women in Asian religions. Topics include the nature of Goddesses, the social identity of women as wives and mothers and the religious support or critique of these roles, stories of women spiritual leaders, and feminist criticism on understanding women in religion. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
REL 151 / Independent Study in Religion (4) - view
A tutorial course stressing independent investigation of a topic to be selected in conference with the instructor. Oral and written reports. Admission by petition to or upon invitation of the department. May be repeated for credit with the approval of the department. Meets: every 2 weeks. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered each semester.
REL 165 / Greek and Roman Religions (4) - view
An introduction to the religious thought and practices of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and (in this context) the early Christians. Topics include ritual, worship, and sacrifice; beliefs about the underworld and afterlife; the ancient mystery cults and the rise of Christianity; philosophical challenges to religion; the conflict of paganism and Christianity. Emphasis is placed on original literary, artistic, and archaeological sources. Prerequisite: A previous Classics course (preferably CL 25) or a previous REL course. Offering to be determined. Same as: CL 165.
REL 169 / Religions of the Ancient Near East (4) - view
A study of the religions of Mesopotamia (Sumeria, Babylonia, Assyria), Egypt, Anatolia, and Syria-Palestine (Canaan, Aram) through analysis of literature and archaeological remains. Focuses on general religious questions and the interrelationship of Israel and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Offering to be determined. Same as: BIBST 169.