RELI - Religion

A beginning study of major world religions, with focus on living aspects of traditional and modern religious movements.

A survey of the three major religious traditions of the Western world, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, their historical development, core philosophical values, and overall impact on Western civilization.

A social scientific and literary study of the Hebrew scriptures, with consideration of its religious significance for three major faiths.

A historical, literary and religious consideration of specifically Christian scriptures.

Buddhism from its origins in India and its thought, practices, and institutions in Asia up to the present.

A broad introduction to Buddhism from its beginnings in India and its spread throughout South Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal) in pre-modern times until the modern period.

Buddhism from its initial arrival into Tibet and its thought, practices, and institutions in Tibet and the Tibetan cultural area up to the present.

Zen Buddhism from its origins as Chan Buddhism in China to its transmission to Korea and Japan and the evolution of its thought, practices, and institutions in China, Korea, and Japan, and its coming to America.

Hinduism from its origins in South Asia and its thought, practices, and institutions in South Asia and elsewhere up to the present.

Consideration of topics in which courses are not otherwise offered, but for which there is current need.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1102. Religion, arguably the most important element of culture, is often 'practiced," "enacted," or "performed" through physical means. This course will examine the role of the body in a number of traditions and contexts -- from how one dresses or gestures -- to less visible modes such as celibacy or ecstatic trance. The goal of this course is to consider the manifest ways in which the body is employed in religious traditions as well as look at individual traditions and case studies for specific examples of embodied religious practice. The first half of the course will look at broader themes of religion and the body (ritual, sexuality, performance, clothing, so forth). The second half of the course will focus on individual traditions or case studies, and a general introduction to each religion will be presented at the start of those weeks.

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and shares a rich history with the other Abrahamic faiths of the Middle East. Yet, it is frequently exotified or vilified, especially as it comes in conflict with "Western" culture -- despite the numerous contributions Islam has made to civilization, science, and art. This course will provide an introduction to Islam's history, beliefs, and practices, as well as examine the philosophy and literature of the tradition. We will be looking at imperialism, Orientalism, globalization, feminism, mysticism, and modernity as the tradition evolves and spreads into the global religion it is today.

A comparative survey of major world religions through study of their scriptures and basic writings.

Prior approval of department chairperson is required. Investigation of a topic of special interest, with reports to the instructor.