RELI 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.
RELI 134 R/C Japanese and Chinese Religious Traditions
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Pre-requisite: None
This course examines several formal religious traditions which have shaped East Asian cultures and civilizations: Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shinto. These traditions are rich not only in religious thought and practice, but have shaped family, society, literature, art and even cooking. The course we will also consider the popular religious traditions of China and Japan that are vibrant and lively, but have no formal name. Our sources will include a wide range of texts, videos, images, and religious objects. Classes include both lecture and discussion; students will be evaluated through essay exams, short papers, a project, and analysis of scripture and other texts.
RELI 200 R/C Pilgrimage
4 semester hours
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Pilgrimage is an ancient practice in which a person separates him or herself from familiar places, faces and routines to go on a quest to become closer to the divine physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The experience of pilgrimage is described as “liminal” (an in-between state); this state allows for great personal transformation. The range of experiences and stories of pilgrimage ranges from reverently spiritual to the bawdy and wild. In this class we will study major historically important pilgrimages that are still practiced today in China, Japan, Spain, Saudi Arabia, England and Korea. Materials will include accounts by pilgrims, videos, and the examination of the costumes and materials pilgrims take with them (and take home), and the historical and religious significance of these journeys.
Religion 200 R – Luther and Lutheranism
(4 semester hours)
Tune, Anders
Pre-requisite: None
This course first examines the life and thought of Martin Luther, in his historical context. It then considers the development of Lutheran ideas and history down to our time, in the context of the broader Christian tradition and some of the challenges of modern culture. Both Lutheran and non-Lutheran contemporary views will be considered. Requirements include two exams, two short papers, and one longer paper. 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 Art, Theory and Practice
(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.
RELI 336C/R Religious Daoism and Popular Religion.
4 semester hours
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Religious Daoism has been an important way of self-cultivation, influential in Chinese imperial politics and history. This course will examine the tradition of religious Daoism in historical context and through the study of practices, including ritual, meditation, and yoga. We will also look at Chinese Popular Religion, the practices that have been the basis of the religion of the people to the present and which are related to, but not identical with those of religious Daoism. Class will be a combination of lecture and discussion, with student presentations and a term paper. Writing intensive. Alternate years.
