Rel 100 C/R - 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 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, 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 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:Â two-three short papers and three-four exams.
Religion 177 R - Religious Perspectives on Contemporary Moral Issues
(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 221R 1W Understanding the Old Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: 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. 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 275H - 1W Topic: Germans & Jews
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
This course analyzes issues that have characterized the history of German Jewry in its relationship to German Christendom, focusing on the period of the Enlightenment to the aftermath of the Holocaust. Problems of cultural difference, assimilation, European identity, and discrimination as reflected in the literature and historical documents of the times are considered. German and religion sections meet together regularly. Writing intensive.
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.
Religion 300 2W Topics: Word and Sword Violence in the Bible
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: 1 previous course in Bible at the college level or instructor permission
In this seminar we will confront some of the disturbing passages in the Bible: traditions of holy war and conquest, narratives of rape and murder, cries for vengeance, violent images of God, sharp prophetic invective, responses to political oppression, stories and theological reflections on Jesus crucifixion, and apocalyptic visions of wrath. We will also consider whether biblical critiques of violence and visions of peace offer compelling arguments against the terrifying texts. After we have examined the biblical passages in their ancient literary and historical context, we will consider how modern groups have responded to these texts, whether as justification for violence, critiques of violence, or challenges to the relevance and authority of the Bible. Since this is a seminar, students will participate actively in each class session through sharing analytical and creative writings, staging debates, summarizing reading assignments, responding to questions, and leading discussions. Those considering the course must take the prerequisite seriously, as participants should already have experience with an academic approach to the Bible and should have some knowledge of basic historical background.
Religion 378 R - Bioethics
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
This seminar introduces students to basic concepts, issues and arguments in bioethics. The readings are taken from the disciplines of biology, ecology, medicine, philosophy, religious ethics, law and policy studies. Goals for the seminar include (1) becoming familiar with a significant body of professional literature; (2) learning to identify moral issues, analyze moral arguments, and to make and defend moral judgments; (3) reflecting on what it means to be a physician or patient; and (4) exploring the relations between ethics, law and public policy. Topics include abortion, reproductive technologies, stem cell research, 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 - 1W Senior Seminar
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
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.
