Religious Studies

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major (44 credits)

I. REL 3/Introduction to Religion (4) (normally taken during the first or second year)

II. Ten intermediate- and upper-level courses (40 credits) in Religious Studies,

A. Two courses from each of the four categories into which courses in the department are divided:

1. Religious Traditions of the World
2. Sacred Texts, Interpretation, and Modern Textual Studies
3. Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics
4. History, Society, and Religion

B. Three courses in each of two distinct religious traditions (e.g., Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity). These are not additional courses but a focus to be pursued in the course of the major.

C. One additional comparative course

D. One seminar

With the approval of their faculty adviser, majors may offer up to two courses (8 credits) in cognate disciplines toward their major.

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor (24 credits)

I. REL 3/Introduction to Religion (4)

II. At least five intermediate- and upper-level courses (20 credits) in religious studies, including at least one course each from three of the four categories indicated in II.A. above.

Minors may, with the concurrence of their faculty adviser, offer one course (4 credits) in a cognate discipline toward the minor in religion.

Faculty

Faculty

• Professors: Allan Nadler, James Pain, Karen Pechilis (chair), Charles Selengut (adjunct), Christopher Taylor
• Associate Professor: Darrell Cole
• Assistant Professors: Jonathan Golden, Louis Hamilton

Courses

Courses Offered

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REL 101 - Formerly 3 - Introduction to Religion (4)

An introduction to the study of religion through an examination of the world religions ofBuddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students are introduced to the historical method of analyzing the making of each tradition over time, and to the comparative method of analyzing patterns across traditions towards creating a globally accurate definition of religion. The course investigates the variety of ways in which each tradition establishes beliefs and values, and its mobilization ofthem in experiences and practices. Through field trips to sacred spaces currently used for worship of each tradition in the U.S. context, the course explores religion's connections with public space, community, and the arts.
Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BH, DIT, DUS

REL 3A - Introduction of Religion (Off Campus Experience)

This course is the optional Off-Campus Experience component of REL 101 - Formerly 3 - ; students who choose this option must concurrently enroll in REL 101 - Formerly 3 - . Enrollment in 3A is not required for enrollment in REL 101 - Formerly 3 - . Students enrolled in REL 101 - Formerly 3 - A will need to complete extra assignments in addition to the required assignments for REL 101 - Formerly 3 - . These extra assignments include: 1) Attending all five field trips, 2) returning for independent study to one of the houses of worship, 3) attending a special day-long field trip to museums in New York City, and 4) writing a minimum four page paper on these extra assigned experiences. These extra assignments are fully explained on the syllabus.
Corequisite: REL 101 - Formerly 3 -
Fulfills: OCE

REL 210 - Formerly 65 - Writing in the Discipline in the Study of Religion (1-2)

This two-credit course may be used to fulfill the Writing in the Major requirement in Religious Studies. It must be taken on a co-requisite basis with a four-credit course in the department. In REL 210 - Formerly 65 - , students analyze materials covered in the four-credit course in greater depth, especially through the focus of what specific challenges are involved in writing about religion in academic essays. In addition to writing assignments done in fulfillment of the four-credit course, in REL 210 - Formerly 65 - students write short papers on methods and approaches to writing in religion, and revise essays assigned in the four-credit course to demonstrate knowledge of ways in which writing about religion shapes knowledge of religion.
Open only to students majoring in Religious Studies. Corequisite: any intermediate course in Religious Studies.
Fulfills: WM

REL 330 - Formerly 137 - Seminar in Christianity (4)

This course examines advanced questions in the study of Christianity. Topics will vary but include theology, ritual practice, history, and art. Students are expected to conduct primary research rooted in an understanding of relevant scholarship.

REL 360 - Formerly 150 - Seminar in Asian Religions (4)

An advanced seminar-format 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 historical, anthropological, art historical, sociological and literature studies, on an interdisciplinary basis with the study of religion. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Signature of instructor required for registration.

REL 374 - Formerly 155 - Comparative Religions (4)

An advanced-level course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course engages students who have already completed coursework in Religious Studies with an advanced level of the comparative method in the study of religion, through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Topics may include textual, ritual, or artistic comparative themes across the religions. Attention is paid to issues that define the responsible practice of academic comparison among divergent religious traditions. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. Offering to be determined.

REL 375 - Formerly 156 - Comparative Religion: US Topics (4)

An advanced-level course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course engages students who have already completed coursework in Religious Studies with an advanced level of the comparative method in the study of religion, through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Topics may include textual, ritual, or artistic comparative themes across the religions. Attention is paid to issues that define the responsible practice of academic comparison among divergent religious traditions. This course focuses on engaging the comparative study of religion with religions in the United States. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Course may be repeated.

REL 376 - Formerly 157 - Comparative Religions: International Topics (4)

An advanced-level course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course engages students who have already completed coursework in Religious Studies with an advanced level of the comparative method in the study of religion, through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Topics may include textual, ritual, or artistic comparative themes across the religions. Attention is paid to issues that define the responsible practice of academic comparison among divergent religious traditions. This course focuses on engaging the comparative study of religion with religions in international countries. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Course may be repeated.

REL 400 - Formerly 199 - Capstone Independent Study in Religious Studies (2-4)

This course is the required Capstone course for majors in Religious Studies. Students design and complete a research paper with the guidance of their Advisor in the department. The work undertaken in fulfillment of this course must be a research project that results in a written minimum 25 page research paper for two credits or minimum 35 page research paper for four credits. The student will be expected to share her or his research in a departmental colloquium.

Religious Traditions of the World

REL 220 - Formerly 12 - The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism (4)

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 220 - Formerly 12 -
Fulfills: BH

REL 231 - Formerly 20 - Introduction to Christianity (4)

An examination of major and minor Christian traditions and their various approaches to rituals, symbolization, beliefs, morality, and governance.
Offering to be determined.

REL 260 - Formerly 34 - Religion and Culture: India (4)

An introduction to the history, literature, and practices of the religions of India, with major focus on the foundational traditions ofVedism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and the later emergence of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. While providing an overview ofeach tradition, the course emphasizes the dynamic interactions among them that have shaped the development ofreligious and cultural traditions on the subcontinent and their civilizational significance. Primary texts in translation and visual materials are central to the course study.
Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BH, DIT

REL 270 - Formerly 35 - Religion and Culture: China and Japan (4)

An introduction to the history, literature, and practices of the major religions of China and Japan, focusing on Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto. While providing an overview of each tradition, the course emphasizes the dynamic interactions among them that have shaped the development of religious and cultural traditions in East Asia and their civilizational significance. Primary texts in translation and visual materials are central to the course study. The course includes field trips to Japanese traditional institutions devoted to the practice of Zen and the Tea Ceremony in New York City.
Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BH, DIT

REL 250 - Formerly 36 - Introduction to Islam (4)

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 208 - Formerly 143 - Religions of Africa (4)

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 208 - Formerly 119 - and PAST 208 - Formerly PANAF 119 - . Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BI, DIT, WI

Sacred Texts, Interpretations, and Modern Textual Studies

REL 364 - Formerly 11 - South Asia Through Art and Text (4)

This course introduces students to the study of South Asia religions through both art and text. The course explores the relationships between these two major avenues of historical and contemporary record that are available to us for the study of religion. In exploring the dynamic interaction between art and text, we take into consideration the respective properties of each medium, including text's unfolding of story over the time it takes to read, while art favors an immediate visual impact. We also explore relevant contextual issues in South Asian history, aesthetics and authorship.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years.
Fulfills: BH, BA, DIT

REL 222 - Formerly 13 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (4)

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 230 - Formerly 14 - Introduction to the New Testament (4)

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.
Fulfills: BH, WI

REL 252 - Formerly 37 - Introduction to the Qur'an (4)

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 240 - Formerly 40 - Dante:Hell,Heaven & Florence (4)

This course considers one of the most influential authors in the Western world. We will take the entire spiritual journey from hell to heaven and of Dante's Divine Comedy and consider it in Dante's medieval intellectual, literary and political context. In addition to the Comedy, we read selections from Dante's On Monarchy and The New Life. Other primary texts include selections from Aquinas, Bonaventure, Guido Cavalcanti, Boccaccio's Life of Dante, and Dino Compagni's Chronicle of Florence, along with other contemporary chronicles as we examine medieval Florence and the intellectual background of the Comedy. This course is a seminar emphasizing class discussion and written research assignments of different lengths. This counts as an Italian "Language in Context" course. The course employs a student-generated "geographic database" as a research tool. This database of primary texts and images allows the students to rapidly immerse themselves in Dante's contemporary Florence and better understand how Dante used the particular details of his surroundings to build poetic image and metaphor.

Fulfills: BH, BI

REL 241 - Formerly 113 - Studies in the Gospels (4)

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 242 - Formerly 114 - The Pauline Epistles (4)

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.

Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics

REL 211 - Formerly 21 - Judeo-Christian Ethics (4)

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 212 - Formerly 22 - Social Ethics (4)

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.
Fulfills: BH

REL 234 - Formerly 25 - Introduction to Early Christianity (4)

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 235 - Formerly 26 - Intoduction to Medieval Christianity (4)

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:

REL 244 - Formerly 27 - Eastern Christianity I (4)

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:
Fulfills: BH

REL 245 - Formerly 28 - Eastern Christianity II (4)

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:

REL 248 - Formerly 38 - Contemporary American Catholicism (4)

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 377 - Formerly 39 - Studies in Mysticism (4)

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.
Fulfills: BH

REL 332 - Formerly 42 - The Reformation: Theology, Society, and Devotion (4)

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, DIT

REL 258 - Formerly 46 - The Sufi Path: Studies in Islamic Mysticism (4)

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 295 - Formerly 55 - The Problem of Evil in World Religions (4)

This seminar offers a comparative examination of how Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism define evil and explain its existence in the world. Topics considered include why bad things happen to good people, why there is suffering in the world and, in traditions with a notion of a benevolent and all-knowing divinity, why the divinity allows evil and suffering to exist.

REL 296 - Formerly 56 - Cosmology in World Religions (4)

This seminar explores how five major world religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, explain the origins and nature of the cosmos. Through classical texts in translation, students will compare how these five major religions understand how the universe came into existence, how it is ordered, what the purposes of the created universe are and how study of the cosmos reveals deeper understanding of the nature of ultimate sacred reality.

REL 264 - Formerly 60 - Topics in Asian Religions (4)

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, sociology and literature studies, on an interdisciplinary basis with the study of religion. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BI, DIT

REL 312 - Formerly 120 - Classical Morality&Religious Ethics from Plato to Machiavel (4)

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.

REL 249 - Formerly 121 - Modern Christian Lay Theologians (4)

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 214 - Formerly 127 - Business Ethics (4)

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:

REL 216 - Formerly 130 - Bio-Medical Ethics (4)

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.
Fulfills: BH

REL 390 - Formerly 133 - Selected Topics in Religious Studies (2-4)

An intensive study of topics chosen by the department.
Course may be repeated. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH

REL 213 - Formerly 146 - Ethics of Just War (4)

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.
Fulfills: BH

REL 218 - Formerly 152 - Environmental Ethics (4)

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.

Fulfills: BH

History, Society, and Religion

REL 304 - Formerly 24 - Religion in America (4)

A historical approach to American religious developments. The goal is to understand religious dimensions of the pluralistic nature of society in the United States. Topics will vary by course offering but are likely to include a consideration of varieties of Christianity in the United States, including Puritanism, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, Revivalism, the rise of denominationalism, and the emergence of sects and cults. Topics may also include African-American religion, civil religion, the interactions among Protestants, Catholics, and Jews in American society, and Middle Eastern and Asian religions in America. Course may be repeated as topic changes.
Course may be repeated. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH, DUS

REL 256 - Formerly 47 - Religion and Politics: The Challenge of Islamic Revivalism (4)

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 254 - Formerly 48 - Religion and Society in Modern Egypt (4)

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 292 - Formerly 50 - Comparative Religion (4)

An intermediate course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course introduces students to the comparative method in the study of religion through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Past topics have included pilgrimage, marriage in world religions, devotional literature in world religions.
May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years. Same as:
Fulfills: BH, DIT

REL 201 - Formerly 52 - Intermediate Topics in Religion: U.S. (4)

This course examines topics in the study of religion at the intermediate level. The focus of this course will be on religions and their relevance within the United States. The course introduces students to the nature of religion as a defined area of human experience through beliefs, practices, and cultural identity. The course introduces students to methods such as phenomenological, thematic, historical, or comparative perspectives to analyze religious phenomena.
May be repeated as topic changes. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH, DUS

REL 206 - Formerly 66 - Sociology of Religion (4)

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 206 - Formerly 66 -

REL 294 - Formerly 67 - Comparative Fundamentalism (4)

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 294 - Formerly 67 -

REL 238 - Formerly 71 - Crusade and Jihad Then and Now (4)

This course investigates and compares the relgious origins of the ideas of crusade and jihad. In both cases a devotional practice became militarized; we will discuss how these practices became militarized both theologically and practically. We consider the contested spaces of the Mediterranean, including Jerusalem, that fostered the delvelopment of these forms of religious warfare. We will then examine how these ideas became transformed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in movements and events as varied as romanticism, the Red Cross, colonialism, World War I, Pan-Arabism, and Wahhabism. All of these reimagined, idealized, and represented the medieval world (Latin or Arabic) so as to promote radically different agendas.
Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Same as: HIST 238 - Formerly 71 -
Fulfills: BH, DIT

REL 320 - Formerly 112 - Seminar in Jewish Studies (4)

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 320 - Formerly 112 -

REL 207 - Formerly 125 - Women and Religion (4)

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: CSOC 617 - Formerly CHSOC 417 - S

REL 204 - Formerly 144 - Native American Religions (4)

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 350 - Formerly 145 - Seminar in Islamic Studies (4)

An intensive study of special topics in this field.
Offering to be determined.

REL 362 - Formerly 149 - Women in Asian Religions (4)

This course examines critically the participation ofwomen in Asian religions. Possible topics include the nature of Goddesses, the social identity ofwomen as wives and mothers and the religious support or critique ofthese roles, biographies and teachings of female spiritual leaders, and the writings of female saints. One or more of these topics may be explored in a given offering of the course. The course will use methods from the history of religions and women's studies disciplines to pose and analyze issues of the construction and significance of gender in religious precepts and practices.
Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: WI, DIT

REL 393 - Formerly 151 - Independent Study in Religion (4)

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 302 - Formerly 165 - Greek and Roman Religions (4)

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 CLAS 215 - Formerly CL 25 - ) or a previous REL course. Offering to be determined. Same as: CLAS 302 - Formerly CL 165 -
Fulfills: BH

REL 301 - Formerly 169 - Religions of the Ancient Near East (4)

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: BBST 669 - Formerly BIBST 169 -

See appropriate departments for the following courses

HUM 234 - Formerly 18 - The Humanities and Asia (4)

The courses in the Comparative Humanities group offer rich possibilities for study. While the cultural and geographical frame for each course (Islam/Middle East, Africa/African-American, Asia, Latin America) is constant, the emphasis on specific themes and materials will be determined by the faculty who currently teach the course. Please check the course announcements each semester. Offered once every four years in the fall semester.