Explores Jewish religious experience and its expression in thought, ritual, ethics, and social institutions. Same as JWST 3100. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: historical context.
Introduction to Buddhist thought and practice in the variety of its historical and cultural contexts. The course begins with an exploration of narrative, cosmology, doctrine and ritual in early Buddhism and the Theravada of South and Southeast Asia. Through case studies, we then trace diverse conceptions of the Buddhist path in Tibet and East Asia where the Mahayana spread.
Spend two weeks in Istanbul and examine Jewish-Muslim relations in a place that was for 500 years the crossroads of civilization. The only Muslim city in the 21st century with a large, thriving Jewish community, Istanbul models how people from different social classes, ethnicities and religious backgrounds can coexist. Same as IAFS 3530 and JWST 3530. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: human diversity.
Introduces Islamic beliefs and practices through an examination of the Qur'an, Muhammad's life, ritual duties, law and theology, mysticism, and social institutions.
Explores diverse representations of the female in Buddhist literature and the social realities of actual women in Asian historical contexts. Through case studies that traverse Buddhist Asia, we delve into monastic views of the female body, philosophical analyses of the emptiness of gender, idealized images of the feminine in Buddhist tantra, and contemporary issues such as the nun's revival moment. Same as WMST 3750.
Intensive study of a selected area or problem in religious studies. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
A critical examination of the received cultural, religious, and academic understandings of dancing and the body; the construction of a richer theory of dancing that will more adequately support comparative studies; the study of dancing in cultures and religions in a diverse representation of cultures; and a more in depth social study of Latin American dancing including actual dancing experience.
Studies various religious movements in the U.S. and other parts of the Americas. Includes American religion and religions, religion and nationalism, revitalization and religion, and Asian religions in America. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours within a term as topics change. Same as RLST 5030.
Studies a particular topic in Christian theology and culture such as early Christianity, medieval Christianity, Christianity in the United States, women and Christianity, liberation theologies, Christianity and literature, and modern Christian thought. Maybe repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Recommended prereqs., 6 hours of RLST courses at any level or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5050.
Explores the relationship between religion and politics. Examining traditions such as Judaism and Christianity, this course considers diverse ways in which ancient, medieval and modern sources have imagined the role of religion in civic life. Some topics include the status of religious minorities, the nature of religious freedom and contemporary debates surrounding issues such as torture, sexuality and climate change. Same as RLST 5170 and JWST 4170.
Examines in depth central themes, schools of thought, and movements in Hinduism, such as myth and ritual, renunciation, Vedanta, Tantra and Yoga. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Recommended prereqs., 6 hours of RLST courses at any level or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5200. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Examines in depth central themes, schools of thought and movements in Buddhism, such as Theravada in Southeast Asia, Mahayana and Tantrayana thought, Zen, and Buddhism in America. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Department enforced prereqs., RLST 2610, RLST 2620, RLST 3300 or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5250. Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Examines in depth central themes, schools of thought, and movements in Judaism, along with other traditions, across a range of historical periods. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. RLST 4260, RLST 5260, and JWST 4260 are the same course.
Examines a topic (varies at different offerings) focusing on religions of peoples indigenous to the Americas. May consider mythology; shamanism and medicine; trickster, clown, and fool; and crisis cult movements. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Recommended prereq., 3 additional credit hours of RLST course work or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5300. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of RLST 2700 (minimum grade C-).
Studies theories of nonviolence developed by major thinkers and movements, especially in the U.S., in the context of their religious commitments and beliefs and their historical circumstances.
Globally surveys Islam, covering religion and politics; Islam and the West; the Islamic revival and its varied forms in Iran, Indonesia, Libya, and Pakistan; development and change; the status of women; and media and academic stereotyping. Recommended prereq., 6 credit hours of religious studies at any level or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5650.
Focuses on a current issue or area of research in the study of religion. Students analyze the way theories develop and learn to develop their own critical analysis. Topics vary, e.g., comparative kingship, colonialism, ritual theories, feminist analysis. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Requisites: Restricted to Religious Studies (RLST) majors only.
Students write an honors thesis based on independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Required for students who elect departmental honors.
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Recommended prereq., 6 credit hours of religious studies at any level or instructor consent. Same as RLST 5820.
Topics and instructors vary. Brings advanced majors together in order to focus their major experience onsignificant topics and issues of common interest. Requisites: Restricted to students with 87-180 credits (Senior, Fifth Year Senior).
