1102 (FR) Religion and Culture
4 credits
An introduction to religious studies that examines the various ways religion is implicated in human culture. General topics include culture as a vehicle for religious expression, religion as a critique of culture, and the place of religion in American public life. The course presents case studies drawn from the world’s major religions as well as major, contrasting theoretical perspectives.International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.

1151 (FR) The Good Life
4 credits
How should one live one’s life? What makes a human life good? This course is an introductory study of a variety of religious and philosophical ideals for human living. The course draws upon the wisdom of religious traditions, philosophical schools of thought, and great literature from the ancient and modern worlds and explores the contemporary relevance of such ideals.

2204 Women and Religion
4 credits
An examination of the contributions women have made to the world’s religions, and of the ways in which religions have affected women’s lives, positively and negatively.

2210 Jesus at the Movies
4 credits
An academic examination of the manner in which filmmakers both portray the story of Jesus in film and use, consciously and unconsciously, motifs and themes from the Jesus story in other films. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.

2211 Issues of Social Justice
4 credits
A comparative philosophical and religious exploration of theories of justice and specific moral issues. Issues discussed include gender and racial equality, economic welfare, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, war, and animal rights. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis. Cross-listed with Philosophy 2211.

2212 Martin and Malcolm
4 credits
The examination of the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X to American society. Special attention will be given to the subjects of Christianity and Islam, religion and politics, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black Nationalism.Multicultural; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.

2216 Religion and Politics
4 credits
An examination of the interplay of religion and politics. The course explores how religions have understood political order and how various polities have supported, tolerated or controlled religious practices. Special attention will be given both to church-state issues in the American context and to Islamic radicalism. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding.

2222 Hinduism
4 credits
An examination of Hinduism in history, its philosophies and mythologies, ritual practices, social structures, and ethics as well as of Hinduism in the United States. The course includes visits to Hindu institutions in the surrounding area. International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding. Cross-listed with Cross Cultural Studies 2222.

2224 Buddhism
4 credits
An examination of the history of Buddhism, the practices, teachings, and forms of organization of its three major traditions – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana – and the development of Buddhism in the United States. The course includes visits to Buddhist institutions in the surrounding area. International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding. Cross-listed with Cross Cultural Studies 2224.

2232 Religion and Evil
4 credits
An examination of the nature and meaning of evil. The course focuses upon several forms of evil with particular attention to the Jewish experience in the Holocaust and the African-American legacy of racial discrimination during and after slavery. Readings are drawn from a variety of religious and philosophical traditions and from historical and literary narratives. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.

2235 History of Gospel Music
4 credits
An overview of black gospel music in America covering spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel. Sociological conditions and important works by key figures in a variety of styles will be coupled with lectures and reading. Cross-listed with Music 2235.

2240 Religion and Critical Thought
4 credits
A critical engagement with major theories and methods in the study of religions. Equal attention is given to both historical-hermeneutical and ethical-critical approaches. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.

2251 Religion in Western Culture I
4 credits
A selective historical introduction to the impact of religious beliefs, practices, and loyalties on the history, thought, social movements, and cultural practices (such as art, drama, literature, and music) of the ancient world. This course will concentrate on the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia or Egypt, Greece, Israel, and Rome.

2252 Religion in Western Culture II
4 credits
A selective historical introduction to the impact of religious beliefs, practices, and loyalties on the history, thought, social movements, and cultural practices (such as art, drama, literature, music, and film) of the medieval and modern periods. This course will concentrate on the High Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, and the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods.

2254 Religions of Africa and the Indigenous Americans
4 credits
An examination of the myths and ideas, rituals, and institutions associated with the religious traditions of prehistoric peoples and contemporary tribal people of Africa and the indigenous Americans. Cross-listed with Cross Cultural Studies 2254.

2291 Directed Readings in Philosophy and Religious Studies
1 credit
A close reading of a major text in philosophy and/or religious studies. Students will also become familiar with selected critical studies of the text. Course may be repeated up to four semesters for credit.

3302 Classical Indian Philosophy
4 credits
A rigorous introduction to the classical Indian tradition of philosophical thought, from its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads to its systemization in the six orthodox (astika) schools. Attention is also given to the “heterodox” views of the Buddhists, the Jains, and the “materialists.” International Nonwestern; Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding. Cross-listed with Cross Cultural Studies 3302 and Philosophy 3302.

3303 God, Self, and World
4 credits
A comparative study of how human beings have variously envisioned divine reality. The course examines a variety of religious traditions’ and thinkers’ conceptions of reality and how humans fit into this imagined reality. The course devotes attention to both theistic and non-theistic views from around the globe. Social, Cultural, and Historical Understanding; Textual Analysis.

3328 Social Inequality and Justice
4 credits
An ethical analysis of the social structures of race, religion, gender, and class in the United States and how they contribute to social inequalities. Special attention given to the dynamics of social privilege and to various conceptions of a just society. Prerequisite: Sociology 1103 or 1104, or 4 hours in Philosophy or Religious Studies. Cross listed with Sociology 3328.

3392 Internship in Gerontology
2 credits
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the field of study unique to gerontology. Possible settings for internships include long-term care facilities, voluntary health organizations, professional associations, senior centers, churches, pastoral counseling centers, social service agencies for the aged, and research centers. Cross-listed with Biology 3392, Psychology 3392, Social Work 3392, and Sociology 3392.

4492 Senior Thesis (Capstone)
4 credits
A seminar required of all Religious Studies majors as part of their graduation requirements. Each student is required to write a major paper on a topic within the major. A member of the Department supervises the project. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

2265; 3365; 4465 Special Topics In Religious Studies
4 credits
The study of a selected topic in the discipline. Different topics are chosen for each offering, based on students’ interests and needs.

2295; 3395; 4495 Internships in Religious Studies
0-4 credits
Supervised field experiences in appropriate settings, usually off-campus, designed to assist students in acquiring and using skills and knowledge of the discipline unique to the selected topic.

2298; 3398; 4498 Independent Studies in Religious Studies
0-4 credits
Directed study planned and conducted with reference to the needs of those students who are candidates for departmental honors. Qualified students who are not candidates for such honors but who desire to do independent studies are also admitted with permission of the Department.