Religion 100 R/C Topic: Hinduism
(4 semester hours)
Glowski, Janice
This course explores Hinduism as a socio-religious tradition in South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan) by examining the relationship between Hindu thought, artistic traditions, ritual and social structures from about 2,5000 BCE to the present. The course also analyzes historical and modern interpretations of Hinduism, from the "Orientalists," to Mark Twain, to post-colonial scholars, as a way of reflecting on contextual perspective and how "knowing" changes over time. Student assessment is based on group work and presentations, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams, and short writing assignments. No prerequisites.
Religion 121 R Art of Biblical Literature
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: None
This course is intended to help readers appreciate the artistry of biblical prose and poetry. We will examine texts from the Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha, paying special attention to plot structure, word-plays, imagery, repetition, characterization, themes, parallelism and aetiology. Throughout the term, we will consider reinterpretations of biblical literature in the music, literature, and film of our own culture. Class sessions have a lecture/discussion format. There will be three or four exams and regular written responses to readings. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing Intensive.
Religion 134 R/C Japanese and Chinese Religious Traditions
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Pre-requisite: None
This course examines several religious traditions which have shaped East Asian civilizations. We will study the formal traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shinto; 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.
Religion 176 H - Racism and Social Ethics
(4 semester hours)
Copeland, Warren
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 weekly quizzes. Writing intensive.
Religion 200 R/C Sacred Architecture/Sacred Space
(4 semester hours)
Glowski, Janice
Pre-requisities: None
What do Native American sweat lodges, Gothic cathedrals, Islamic mosques, Buddhist mandalas, Tibetan stupas, Hindu temples, Japanese gardens and the Kathmandu Valley have in common? They have all been referred to as "sacred space." This course discusses theoretical frameworks and categorical interpretations of sacred space by examining and comparing selected architectural forms, landscapes, and other places that have been historically important to the cultures and religious traditions that have indentified, created, recreated and appropriated them. In addition to theory and form, this course will also consider the role of experience and interpretation in the defining of sacred space. Student assessment is based on group work, oral presentations, mid-semester and final exams, and writing assignments. This course is writing intensive.
Religion 221 R Understanding the Old Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisities: None.
This course is designed especially for religion majors, pre-theological students, and others with a serious interest in biblical studies. We will attempt to place the Old Testament literature in its historical context, understand the theological perspectives which shape the texts, develop methods of interpretation, and simply appreciate the artistry and inspiration of the Old Testament literature. Class sessions have lecture/discussion format. Students will take three exams and write a paper. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
Religion 222 R Understanding the New Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
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. Students will be required to read the New Testament and some non-canonical texts, write two papers, and take three or four exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
Religion 241 R Christian Tradition
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
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, church and state, 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 300 R/C - 1W Topic: Tibetan Buddhism Through Art
(4 semester hours)
Glowski, Janice
Pre-requisite: None
This course explores Tibetan Buddhism by looking at the relationship between Tibetan Buddhist teachings, ritual, practices and artistic traditions in the Tibetan cultural regions. The course focuses primarily on the Xizang province and neighboring regions in China, but also examines the foundations of Buddhism in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and the more recent Tibetan diaspora to the West (Europe and the United States). As visual culture, the art and architecture are examined for their role in articulating Buddhist theories and practices within historical and cultural contexts.
Religion 342 R Comparative Religious Ethics
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
Seminar analyzing and comparing ethical systems of several religious traditions including Confucianism, Hinduism and Buddhism in East and South Asia, and Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the West. Examines their assumptions, norms, characteristic patterns of moral reasoning, and conceptions of virtue and vice. Attention is given to the relations between religion, morality, and law in each tradition and the question of whether there are any common features of religious moral reasoning that are universal. Specific topics to be addressed may include sex, abortion, euthanasia, organ transplantation, economic justice, human rights, war and environmental concerns. Writing intensive.
Religion 498 - Senior Essay
Nelson, Paul
Required for senior religion majors.
