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 4170 and JWST 4170.
Advanced Sanskrit reading course, requiring at least two years of prior Sanskrit training. Students will read texts in the original. Class time is devoted to parsing out difficult grammatical structures, discussing the philosophical import of the readings and addressing the historical contexts that assist in interpreting the texts. The topic varies according to student interest. Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of SNSK 2120 (minimum grade C-).
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. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
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. Same as RLST 4820. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Examines complex histories, cultural practices and liminal/3rd spaces of the US/Mexico borderlands,racial and gender identities and community formations. Considers range of autobiographic testimony narratives, films, social and legal issues and theories of subjectivity that engage with the politics of representation vis a vis the criminalization of Chicana/o and ethic youth and those perceived to be immigrants. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Introduction to the graduate academic study of religion through the exploration of contemporary models and issues that demonstrate the nature and future of the field. Each student will prepare a profile of his/her intended area of research.
