Religion 100 R/C - World Religions
Mumme
This course surveys the historical origins, development, and basic beliefs of a representative sample of the world's religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Chinese and Japanese Religions, and tribal religions. Attention will be given to how these traditions are practiced in both foreign countries and in the United States. This course will be partially on line, utilizing the new @witt/@home format, with limited classroom meetings and web-supported interactive activities.
Religion 110W Anti-semitism from Antiquity to the Present
Millen
This course is a survey of the political, social, and religious attitudes toward Jews that have come to be called anti-semitism. Documents of early medieval Christianity, the Enlightenment, and the rise of European racism will be studied, as well as anti-semitism in the United States. As a writing intensive class, students will do two short papers and one longer, research assignment as well as a mid-term and final.
Religion 134 C/R - Chinese and Japanese Religious Traditions
Oldstone-Moore
This course examines several religious traditions that have shaped East Asian civilizations. We will study the formal traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Shinto, and the New Religions; we will also consider the popular religious traditions of China and Japan. Classes include both lecture and discussion; students will be evaluated through essay exams, short papers, and analysis of scripture and other texts. No prerequisites.
Religion 137 R - Jewish Tradition
Millen
This course introduces the student to the Jewish tradition, beginning with its development in the biblical and early rabbinic periods. It focuses upon the general history of Judaism as well as its basic concepts, including readings in primary and secondary texts and discussions of the Jewish calendar and life-cycle events. Required: three exams and two book reviews. Not writing intensive.
Religion 176 H - Racism and Social Ethics
Copeland
This is not a course on African American Religion. It is rather a course on the racism practiced against African Americans in the United States. It assumes that racism is bad. It does not assume that we know either just what constitutes racism or what to do about it. We shall begin by confronting the reality of the issue in our society. We will then examine some approaches to the issue arising from the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. Next we will examine the nature of institutional racism in contemporary U.S. society. Assignments will include three hourly exams, and a final paper. Writing intensive.
Religion 222 R - Understanding the New Testament
Welborn
No prerequisites, but Religion 221 (OT) recommended.
This course is designed for religion majors, pre-theological students and other serious students of religion. Throughout the term we will attempt to understand the historical context of the New Testament literature, discover the religious perspectives which shape the New Testament texts and appreciate the richness of the New Testament writings. Lecture/discussion format. Writing intensive.
Religion 241 R - Christian Tradition
Nelson
Historical survey of the development of Christian thought and doctrine in the West. Students will be introduced to the work of major theologians (classical and modern) and to issues of perennial debate such as the tensions between reason and revelation, the humanity and divinity of Christ, nature and grace, justification and sanctification, spirit and structure, and differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrine. Lecture/discussion format. Midterm and final examinations. No prerequisite though students should be aware that the course requires careful reading of primary texts, many of which are quite challenging.
Religion 333 C/R - Buddhist Thought and Scriptures
Oldstone-Moore
Seminar studying the teachings and practices of schools of the Buddhist tradition through pivotal scriptures. Sutras and other texts from Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism will be considered in their historical and cultural contexts, and within the framework of central themes of Buddhism. Requirements include class discussion and presentations, two exams, one short paper and a term paper. Writing intensive. No prerequisites.
Religion 375 R - Advanced Ethics: Racism
Copeland
The course will consist of reading together four significant texts that analyze racism in the United States. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the institutional aspects of racism, especially economic institutions. Assignments will include reading reports and a paper. The four texts are: The Souls of Black Folks by W.E.B. DuBois, Walking with the Wind by John Lewis, When Work Disappears by William Julius Wilson and A More Perfect Union by Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Religion 378 R - Bioethics
Nelson
Seminar on contemporary issues and debates in bioethics. Topics may include abortion, reproductive technologies, cloning, euthanasia, autonomy, paternalism, use of human subjects in research, access to health care, allocation of scarce resources, and environmental ethics. Writing intensive.
Religion 498 - Senior Essay
Nelson
Required for senior religion majors.
