Rel 100 C/R - 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 134 C/R – Chinese and Japanese 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, 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.
Religion 137 R – Jewish Tradition in Historical Context
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
Pre-requisite: None
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-four exams.
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 177 R – Religious Perspectives on Contemporary Moral
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
Pre-Requisite: NONE
This course is intended to provide an introduction to basic moral concepts in Judaism and Christianity (both Roman Catholic and Protestant) and their application to specific issues of current interest. The course examines the relation of moral teachings to the broader theological context in which they occur, analyzes in detail positions taken by religious moralists on particular issues and compares these positions with those of secular thinkers. In some cases, Jewish and Christian perspectives may be compared with those of Islamic, Hindu or Buddhist thinkers. Topics may include lying, sexuality and procreation, assisted reproduction, abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, genetic engineering, human rights, war, terrorism and nuclear deterrence, equality and gender, justice in access to health care, and environmental ethics.
Religion 221 R – Understanding the Old Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
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. Writing intensive. No prerequisites.
Religion 222 R – Understanding the New Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser
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 a paper and take three exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format. Writing intensive.
Religion 321 – Biblical and Modern Prophets
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Prerequisite: one college course in biblical studies.
In this seminar students will investigate the historical setting, rhetorical techniques, messages, and continuing relevance of biblical prophets from Amos of Tekoa to John of Patmos. Students will also consider the possibility of prophetic voices in contemporary society. In this upper–level seminar, participants will frequently offer short presentations and papers, complete a research paper, write an essay on a modern prophet, and take one or two exams. Writing intensive.
Religion 339 C/R – Monkeys, Samuari and Gods
4 Hours
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
This seminar will look at religious meaning and message in some of the best loved literature of China and Japan, including Journey to the West, Tale of Heike, Dream of the Red Chamber, Account of my Hut, and others. Class will be a combination of lecture and discussion, with student presentations and a term paper. Videos and other media will be used when possible. Writing intensive.
Religion 498 – 1W Senior Seminar
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
Required of all religion majors in the fall semester of the senior year. Examination of several influential theories of religion (Tylor, Frazier, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Freud, Jung, Evans-Pritchard, Eliade and Geertz) and methodological issues in the academic study of religion. Students will submit a Senior Essay (20 pages) by the last class day. The Senior Essay may be revised prior to final submission for Senior Assessment in the spring semester. Writing intensive. Every year.
