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CSOC 617 - Formerly CHSOC 417 - Women and Religion (3)
A review of anthropological, sociological, and psychological theory relating to women and, specifically, to women and religion. Combines theoretical readings with cross-cultural case studies designed to put social-scientific theory in conversation with the concrete life situations of specific women. Topics include women's spirituality and religious leadership; the social, political, and economic forces that shape their lives; as well as the relationship between religious imagery about women and the positions they, in fact, occupy in their larger societies.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
CSOC 543 - Formerly CHSOC 443 - The Religious Landscape of the United States (3)
This course is designed to acquaint the theological student with the general and particular landscape of contemporary American religion. Students read in-depth sociological portraits and broad overviews. Liberal and conservative Christianity is covered. In addition, students look at "sects and cults" in new religious movements and old religious movements such as Mormonism and Johovah's Witnesses. Primarily for theological students. Offering to be determined.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 700 - Formerly RLSOC 700 - Good Teaching: Learning to Teach Better (3)
No description is available for this course. Same as: EDUC - Formerly EDUCG+700
RLSC 704 - Formerly RLSOC 704 - Autobiography and the Religious Life (3)
A consideration of autobiographical writings, including journals, diaries, essays, and autobiographical novels, with particular attention to stories, accounts, depictions of religious life as pilgrimage, chosen path, visitation, ordeal, and ordinary life. Sources include a wide range of readings, including a consideration of figures of interest to students.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
RLSC 705 - Formerly RLSOC 705 - Introduction to Sociological Method (3)
A critique of a series of studies to understand the fundamental components of the the research process. Looks at studies that illustrate how one develops an appropriate question for study, how one selects a viable method for data collection and for obtaining a sample, and options for data analysis. Intended to give students a framework for evaluating social science research, as well as for guiding the analysis of empirical studies related to a subject that each student may want to pursue for a dissertation.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 701 - Formerly RLSOC 706 - Research Methods (3)
This course is a general introduction to social research methods and research design for the study of religion. It covers four broad topics: 1) the foundations and theories of social science; 2) mixed-methods research design; 3) data collection, analysis, and reporting; 4) ethical implications of social research. Through discussion of these four topics, we will engage issues pertaining to the social scientific study of religion.
RLSC 713 - Formerly RLSOC 713S - The Theory and Practice of Ecosocial Justice (3)
Readings in spiritual, philosophical, feminist, scientific, and socio-political responses around the globe to the ecological crisis. Course has a flexible field-based component designed to involve students in some way in local eco-justice issues.
Disciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 714 - Formerly RLSOC 714 - Strategies of Social Protest (3)
An examination of the lives and social justice leadership choices of the U.S. 1960s civil rights figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Septima Clark, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X. Delves into some of the historical circumstances that surrounded these leaders and compares their strategies.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 716 - Formerly RLSOC 716 - Christianity and Ecology (3)
Examines what sociological and theological factors shape various Christian responses to ecological concerns. Surveys some of the historical, philosophical, socio-political, and theological influences that have shaped the current planetary context and looks at the array of contemporary global religious ecological voices and emerging eco-theologies.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: REL+147
RLSC 721 - Formerly RLSOC 721 - Contemporary Ethical Issues (3)
An exploration of contemporary issues, such as sexuality, economics, and globalization; their importance; and the contributions of Christian ethics to understanding and dealing with them.
RLSC 722 - Formerly RLSOC 722 - Hispanic Culture and Religion in the United States (3)
An introduction to the history, culture, economics, and politics of the Hispanic presence in the United States. This course uses other media besides lectures (feature films, novels, and short stories by and about U.S. Hispanics and Latinas/Latino) to stimulate reflection, discussion, and research on its subject matter. This course highlights the religious dimension of the U.S. Latinas/Latino experience.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+476
RLSC 725 - Formerly RLSOC 725 - History of Western Christian Ethics (3)
A study of selected themes and formative figures in Christian ethics, with attention to their contributions to contemporary reflection.
RLSC 728 - Formerly RLSOC 728 - Gay and Lesbian Liberation Theologies in World Religions (3)
This doctoral seminar strives to collectively explore through research, presentations, discussions, films, etc., some of the ways in which emerging lesbian and gay struggles for liberation intersect with the diverse religious traditions present in world Christianity.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 729 - Formerly RLSOC 729 - Feminist Sociology of Religion (3)
An exploration of ways in which a feminist perspective is emerging today in the social-scientific study of religions and the ways in which it might challenge and enrich assumptions about religion. Examines theoretical essays and field-research materials expressing that standpoint within the socio-biology of religions, as well as contibutions emerging from such areas as feminist theologies. The seminar's approach and method attempt to embody traits central to the feminist perspective itself.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 730 - Formerly RLSOC 730 - Religion and Social Change (3)
Selected problems and themes in the sociology of religion regarding issues of religion and social change. For example: religious involvement in social movements, disruptive religion, global Pentecostalism and social change, gender issues, colonialism.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 731 - Formerly RLSOC 731 - Narcissism&Comp:Ind.&Societal Health&Heinz Kohut's Self Psyc (3)
The course examines the psychological understanding of narcissism by surveying the progress of the theory of the psychology of the self developed by Heinz Kohut in conjunction with other theories such as Freudian and Object Relations theories. It engages in a psychological understanding of narcissistic phenomena in a developmental, rather than pathological, perspective. It thus proposes that individual and societal health is achieved by the transformation, and not elimination, of narcissistic behaviors, i.e., the transformation of an immature into a more mature narcissism characterized by creativity, sense of humor, sense of finitude, empathy, and wisdom. It also explores its theoretical implications on the lives of historical figures as well as ethical, pastoral, and theological issues. It works toward developing an ethic/theology of compassion that can address pastoral issues.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+598
RLSC 734 - Formerly RLSOC 734 - Human Development, Prayer, and Psychology (3)
This course will use psychoanalytic, developmental theories, and liberation theology to interpret religious experience. This approach assumes that psychoanalytic theory provides useful insights about how the development of the self is effected by traume, and other extreme social situations. This course will draw upon European-American, and African-American intellectual traditions to understand the interplay of theology and psychology. A primary goal of this course is to prepare students to interpret religious experiences using a variety of psychological perspectives in critical dialogue with theological and ethical traditions.
Interdisciplinary Course.
RLSC 735 - Formerly RLSOC 735 - Personality Theory and Psychopathology (3)
The role of personality theory in the practice of psychology and its usefulness for understanding abnormal religiosity. The perspectives of Freud, Adler, Jung, Allport, Rogers, Oates, Erikson, and others are presented as well as learning models of abnormal behavior.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 738 - Formerly RLSOC 738 - Shame&Grace:A Landscape of Healing&Reconc.in the 21Cent. (3)
This course explores biblical experiences of shame, examines various psychological theories on shame, and works toward constructing a shame-based theology of reconciliation to address the ineffectiveness of the current theology of atonement that are predominantly guilt-oriented. The examination of psychological theories on shame informs the need for a more holistic approach to theology of grace that can complement the weakness of the guilt-based theology of atonement to attend to pervasively shame-based culture in the 21st Century.
Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+638
RLSC 743 - Formerly RLSOC 743 - Object Relations in Psychoanalytic Theory (3)
A consideration of the basic papers of British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott to gain an initial literacy in object relations theory; to understand and gain a facility for the metaphorical language of psychoanalytic thought and the metaphorical nature of symbolization theory and the language of the self: the dual and subtle constructions of "self," "other," "God," and "world." Additional papers using object relations theory as a basis for interpretive work are considered from the disciplines of religious studies, literary criticism, feminist thought, anthropology, and music.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 745 - Formerly RLSOC 745 - Selected Thinkers and Themes in Psychology and Religion (3)
An introduction to thinkers and themes in the modern West in psychology and religion, including Freud, Jung, Eliade, James, Tillich, Rubenstein, Gilligan, Lifton, and Daly. Themes include anxiety and courage, faith and identity, symbolic immorality; the psychology of the survivor; feminist consciousness and cultural mourning; theology after the Holocaust.
Course may be repeated. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 747 - Formerly RLSOC 747 - Globalization, Identity, and Hybridity (3)
An examination of some of the major issues in the interrelationship between culture and personality. Interprets cultural roles and their effect on personality by discussing cross-cultural aspects of personality theory. Presents psychodynamic theories and social-systems viewpoints as the basis for integrating social-psychological concepts of person/situation interaction.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 749 - Formerly RLSOC 749 - Sexual Ethics (3)
This course will introduce students to a range of approaches to sexual ethics by Christian social ethicists as well as contemporary debates about morality. It will emphasize the interplay between issues of race/ethnicity and sexuality in public moral discourse. Topics will include: heterosexuality, "queer" sexuality, adultery, sexual harassment, prostitution.
Interdisciplinary Course.
RLSC 750 - Formerly RLSOC 750 - Methods in Social Ethics (3)
This course will explore a range of approaches and theories in social ethics including religious ethics, human rights, justice, moral theology, and feminist ethics.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 757 - Formerly RLSOC 757 - Illness of Body, Mind, and Spirit (3)
An examination of basic concepts of psychiatry. Describes their philosophical underpinnings. More concretely, addresses such issues as health and illness in body, mind, and spirit.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 763 - Formerly RLSOC 763 - Black Feminist/Womanist Resources for Ethics (3)
An exploration of the varying forms of social and religious thought that contribute to the construction of Christian social ethics offered by womanist theologians, ethicists, and black feminist scholars from diverse disciplines. Sources include Dolores Williams, bell hooks, Katie Cannon, and Angela Davis.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 768 - Formerly RLSOC 768 - Erikson, Human Development, and Religion (3)
This course explores Erik H. Erikson's work and the implications of his life cycle theory for religion. It further engages in the dialogue with the work of James Fowler exploring a development approach to religion. Additional thinkers included are Robert C. Fuller, Donald Capps, Daniel J. Levinson, and Mary Belenky.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: PSTH - Formerly PASTH+588
RLSC 771 - Formerly RLSOC 771 - Major Thinkers & Major Themes in the Soc. & Anth. of Rel. (3)
A seminar focusing on one particular thinker or one important theme in the history of the social scientific study of religion. Required for sociology of religion concentration.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 775 - Formerly RLSOC 775 - Moral Constructions of Afro-American Intellectuals (3)
An examination of the writing of selected black intellectuals of the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Maria Stewart, W.E.B. DuBois, Chieke Diop, E. Franklin Frazier. Examines the moral claims and norms that underlie the social vision of these thinkers, to gain insight into some of the complexities of American moral discourse Primarily for graduate students.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 778 - Formerly RLSOC 778 - Psychology of Violence (3)
Psychological and social systems theories are presented as a basis for understanding individual and social systems of oppression. The research and theories of Freud, Fanon, Kohut, Doi, Memmi, Lambly, Bion, and others serve to analyze situations in which groups are dominated for reasons of race, gender, religion, or nationality.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 779 - Formerly RLSOC 779 - Classical Theories in the Sociology of Religion (3)
An introduction to some of the main theories and theorists in the sociological study of religion, developed in the North Atlantic urban centers from the last half of the 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century. Karl Marx's (and his colleague and often co-author, Friedrich Engels'), Max Weber's, and Emile Durkheim's contributions to the sociology of religion are often the focus of this course.
Signature of instructor required for registration. Offered fall semester in alternate years
RLSC 780 - Formerly RLSOC 780 - Deconstructing Racism (3)
An examination of interdisciplinary approaches that describe how racial superiority and inferiority are socially constructed in the U.S. culture. Investigates some of the ways that social norms about race are translated into moral norms and upheld by institutional and individual behavior.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 781 - Formerly RLSOC 781 - Contemporary Theories in the Sociology of Religion (3)
This course aims to provide students with the background necessary to understand, a) the emergence of new sociological theories of religion in the North Atlantic countries after World War II; b) the links between these theories and the so-called classical theories in the sociology of religion; c) the connections between these theories and the larger field of the social-scientific study of religion; and d) the scope and limits of such theories for the analysis of religious phenomenon.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 783 - Formerly RLSOC 783 - Ethically Responding to Violence Against Women (3)
This course investigates the social and moral dimensions of intimate violence against women in the United States. The course includes biblical and theological literature, narrative accounts, and feminist social science analysis. This course examines the interwoven personal and political dimensions of intimate violence against women, and identifies practical, constructive responses for church leaders who work in local context.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: CSOC - Formerly CHSOC+444
RLSC 785 - Formerly RLSOC 785 - Critical Approaches in Epistemology (3)
This is a course on the subject of human knowledge as a problematic issue, examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Thus, this course will concentrate on some crucial issues interrelating, on the one hand, the sociology, psychology, and biology of knowledge, the history of science and philosophical theories of knowledge, with, on the other hand, human action and religious thought. In particular, we will privilege analytical and critical perspectives on gender, race, culture, and class as cognitive contexts including for theology, ethics, and ministry.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 791 - Formerly RLSOC 791 - Psychology of Women (3)
The course explores various developments in psychology of women with emphasis on the relationship between culture and psychology and between psychology and religion. Included thinkers are Jessica Benjamin, Kim Chernin, Nancy Chodorow, Carol Gilligan, Julia Kristeva, Jean Baker Miller, Luce Irigaray, and Ann Ulanov.
Interdisciplinary Course. Signature of instructor required for registration.
RLSC 798 - Formerly RLSOC 798 - God-Talk With Black Thinkers (3)
This interdisciplinary series highlights Black scholars from across the United States and from around the world. Visiting Black scholars,from a variety of theological disciplines, will offer courses based upon their own theological discipline and religious expertise. An unique aspect of the series will be courses co-taught by spouses who are in the same or complimentary theological disciplines. Same as PSTH - Formerly PASTH+642.
Course may be repeated.
RLSC 799 - Formerly RLSOC 799 - Freud and Jung (3)
No description is available for this course.
RLSC 800 - Formerly RLSOC 800 - Reinhold Niebuhr: Texts and Context (3)
A study of several major works on Christian social ethics by Reinhold Niebuhr combined with analysis of his work by Christian Realists as well as feminist and liberationist critics. Placing his ideas about public ethics within the broader social context in which he wrote them will be emphasized. Topics include racism, political economy, and human sinfulness.