REL 100
First-Year Seminar in Religion
A special inquiry-oriented and discussion-based course for first-year Honors students who desire the informality and intimacy of working in a small group. Topics such as basic questions of faith; sex and gender in religious traditions; theory and practice in religions; and science, technology, and the religious imagination are presented. As is always the case, the topic and the instructor will change from offering to offering. A full description of the seminar will be given at each registration.
Area One: Biblical Studies
REL 141
Understanding the Hebrew Bible
A course designed to introduce the student to the Hebrew Bible. The focus of the course is on the history of the nation of Israel and the way in which Israelite literature, laws, theology and religious practices developed in the Near Eastern environment. The course also provides background for understanding the subsequent development of Christianity and its beliefs. Emphasis is on reading the biblical text.
REL 142
Understanding the New Testament
A critical reading of the New Testament documents through which the early Christians articulated their faith, beliefs, and actions in response to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Special attention is given to the historical and social settings in which Christianity emerged and developed. Students focus on the distinctive purpose and main content of each document, using modern historical-critical methods of New Testament interpretation.
REL 243
Jesus in Literature and Film
The figure of Jesus of Nazareth is a fascinating one to believers and non-believers alike. However, the gospel accounts of his life and ministry leave many questions unanswered. The course explores some of the portrayals of Jesus in modern literature and film, sampling such artists as Nikos Kazantzakis and Pier Paolo Passolini. No prior knowledge of the New Testament is expected.
REL 244
Women in the Biblical World
What does the Bible have to say about women? This course examines the portrayal of women in biblical literature, and the significance of that portrayal in contemporary society. The focus of the course is on texts from the Bible which feature women. However, sources from outside the Bible are also looked at. The class is run as a seminar, with an emphasis on student participation.
REL 245
Monsters in the Bible
Religion and horror are inextricably bound. Monsters populate the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity, as well as run rampant in the popular imagination. This course explores the inter-relatedness of the Bible and monsters through two primary questions: how do monsters function in sacred texts, and how does religion inform our monsters? The course also explores how monsters manifest the deepest fears and desires of the culture that produces them.
REL 247
Apocalyptic Literature
Apocalyptic literature focuses on end-of-theworld prophecies and symbolism and on themes of divine judgment and redemption from evil. This course looks at the nature of apocalyptic symbols and expectations and explores the reasons why apocalyptic literature has continued to be popular from the ancient Jewish and Christian worlds to modern times. Students are asked to reflect on its contemporary expression in religion, literature and film.
REL 249
Issues in Biblical Studies (W)
This course investigates ongoing discussions and debates in the area of biblical studies. The content of the course varies from year to year. Possible topics include the basic attitudes of people toward the Bible; the evaluation of various methods of biblical interpretation; the current status of Pauline and canonical studies; attempts to discover the authentic words of Jesus; and contemporary creationism/evolution debates. In some years, the subject matter may deal with issues in Hebrew Bible studies such as the Law, the Psalms, Hebrew prophecy, wisdom literature and so forth. Especially appropriate for third- and fourthyear students.
Area Two: Religious Traditions
REL 151
Understanding Judaism, Christianity and
Islam
An examination of the major forms of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, including Traditional and Reform Jewish; Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Christianity; and Sunni and Shiite Islam. Each tradition is studied from the perspective of what it means to be a member of that community of faith. Brief attention is given to historical origins, traditional beliefs, forms of worship and religious expression, and contemporary problems facing each community.
REL 152
Religions of India, China and Japan
A study of the major living religions and spiritual practices of India, China and Japan. The emphasis is on the origins and development of such traditions as Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism and Taoism. The impact that these traditions have had upon culture and how they have dealt with issues of spiritual meaning and formation is emphasized.
REL 250
Judaism: Religion and Culture
Students are introduced to Jewish history, sacred texts, rituals, prayers, holidays and ethics. Judaism is explored in all its contemporary varieties among diaspora Jews and Israeli Jews. Emphasis is on integrating experiential learning and traditional readings.
REL 251
Islam: Ideals and Realities
This course focuses on the nature of religious experience, belief, and practice in shaping Islamic cultures across the globe, including America. Especially important is the centrality of the Qur'an and the example of Muhammad in shaping the Islamic experience of God, ritual practice, ethics, social order and aesthetic expression. The diversity of Islamic traditions is emphasized and the issues of modernization and fundamentalism facing the Islamic community today are examined.
REL 253
History of Christianity to 1600
An examination of the formation of the Christian perspective and its ways of dealing with spiritual meaning and formation. It starts with the emergence of popular Christian beliefs and practices in late antiquity and follows their development through the Middle Ages and Protestant Reformation. The focus is on the diversity within the Christian communities and the ways that various individuals within Christianity experienced what they saw as "new life" in Christ and deliverance from evil.
REL 257
Buddhism Across Cultures
The course covers the history of Buddhist thought and practice as it evolved in India and then migrated to Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Korea, Japan, and most recently to Europe and the United States. It begins with the historical Buddha's life, his teachings and the competing schools of thought that dominated Northeastern India during his time. It continues through the study of Indian Buddhism after the Buddha's death, including the early Buddhist schools, the development of the Mahayana, the great philosophers Nagarjuna and Vasubandu, and the emergence of Tantric forms of Buddhism. From the foundations of Indians Buddhism students examine how the religion was interpreted and expressed in its many cultural forms, such as Theravada, Dzogchen, Zen, T'ien Tai and Pureland.
REL 258
Topics in Christian History (W)
An in-depth examination of a specific historical or theological issue in Christianity. Topics vary from year to year. Typical issues include the meaning of conversion in early Christianity; the growth of spirituality and mysticism; the development of Church/State attitudes; witchcraft and demonology in Christian cultures; and the significance of specific figures or doctrines in Christianity. Emphasis is placed on the study of historical texts. Especially appropriate for thirdand fourth-year students.
REL/LAS 259
Religious Traditions in Latin America
This course examines the many religious traditions that co-exist in the diverse region we know as Latin America. Specifically, the course discusses Catholicism, including Liberation Theology, Indigenous religious traditions that have survived and African traditions that have continued to thrive throughout Latin America. The course emphasizes how these traditions often adapted and blended together to form what we know as syncretic traditions. Finally, the course examines the growing influence of Pentacostalism in Latin America.
REL 296
Yoga: Philosophy and Practice
This course offers an exploration of both the philosophy and practical application of yoga, one of the major systems of thought underlying the Hindu religion. Included is a study of the early Hindu investigation of ritual and freedom, the instruction of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, the royal yoga of Patanjali, and the Tantric systems of body-mind transformation. There will also be the opportunity to experience the actual practice of these disciplines with classes throughout the semester dedicated to meditation and Hatha yoga.
Area Three: Religion and Culture
REL 160
"What is Religion?"
This course explores questions regarding the general nature of religious activity and expression, rather than concentrating on a particular religious tradition. It examines the conceptual, ritual, oral, and symbolic forms by which people from various cultures have experienced religious meaning in their everyday lives and become participants in an enduring order and destiny. It suggests how such ordinary areas of life as rites of passage, healing activities, economic and domestic productivity, patterns of social deference, and interpersonal and ecological exchanges often work as microcosmic expressions of a religious imagination and creative power.
REL 210
Asian Traditions on Film
This course gives students the opportunity to interact with Asian cultural experience through the study of Asian films. Films include those made within Asian countries and also Western films made about Asia. Students are asked to explore the possible layers of meaning in these films, including Asian cultural life, character development, religious and philosophical influences, symbolism and cinematic vision. The class includes both the viewing and discussion of each film to facilitate a deep exploration of interpretation and critique.
REL 231/SOC 231
Cults and New Religious Movements
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop a general sociological understanding and perspective with which to evaluate, interpret and understand new religious movements, also known as "cults." Topics investigated include the historical emergence of new religious movements, recruitment strategies and the use of violence. Several case studies are used throughout the course including: The People's Temple, The Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, Montana Freemen, Solar Temple, Heaven's Gate and Chen Tao.
REL 261
Early American Religious Life to 1865
A study of the religious faiths, practices and social attitudes of the people who settled in early America (including Puritans, Anglicans, Quakers, Amish, Roman Catholics, Shakers, etc.). The primary issue is the importance of religious forces in shaping Americans' perceptions of themselves and their nation. Students learn about the new religious movements that permanently changed the attitudes and views of Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries (including revivalism, perfectionism, natural religion, transcendentalism, communitarianism, feminism, slave religion, Mormonism, temperance reform, abolitionism, etc.).
REL 262
Modern American Religious
Life Since 1865
A study of the changes in American religious attitudes and behavior brought about by the impact of new social and intellectual forces in American life. The focus is the role and relevance of religion in 20th century American society as demonstrated by the popularity of new religious ideas; by the social experiences as demonstrated by the popularity of new religious ideas; and by the social experiences of specific religious communities. This course surveys topics as diverse as modern religious liberalism; the social gospel; Protestant fundamentalism; Catholic and Jewish immigrant communities; new religious sects like Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Science; the black church; the civil rights movement; and popular religious trends since 1970.
REL 263
Religious Perspectives on Contemporary
Ethical Issues
A study of the central ethical and biblical concepts of the Christian tradition (including covenant, justice, love, faith and natural law) in relation to personal and social decision-making. Ethical issues in such areas as human sexuality, economics, medicine, political policy and war serve as catalysts for moral analysis and discussion.
REL 267
African and African-American Religious Traditions
This course explores African religious cosmologies, rituals, and practices and how the African- American religious experience has been the product of creative interactions of the African, Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions. It emphasizes the importance of religion within the African-American experience and how that religious history has produced a rich, vibrant and enduring African-American culture.
REL 268
The Sacred Paths of Native Americans
This course examines the sacred myths, rituals and culture of diverse American Indian tribal groups from Ancient America through the twentieth century. It explores the diversity of native traditions and how those traditions responded to issues of resistance and assimilation to the dominant Anglo-European cultures of America. The continued meaning and vitality of these traditions are examined.
REL 269
Issues in Religion and Society
An exploration of areas in which religion has shaped the cultural values and social attitudes of the modern world. Topics vary from year to year, but include religion and the history of the family; religious perspectives on death and dying; religion and biomedical ethics; religion on race, class and gender; religion and political attitudes; religious nonconformity and social deviance; and so forth. Especially appropriate for third- and fourth-year students.
REL 280
Religion and the Environment
This course examines how the teachings and practices from various world religions have affected the human understanding of our relation with natural world. It examines both the positive and negative impact of religious communities on ecological communities. In doing so, the course attempts to clarify to what extent, if any we might turn to religious systems as a foundation for environmental stewardship.
REL/LAS 285
Ritual in Latin America
This course examines the phenomena of ritual and festival by using case studies from Latin America. It examines first the linkages between religion and society, and then focuses on the symbolic action of ritual in order to learn how to "read" ritual action. Some of the rituals that are examined include: the peyote ritual in Northern Mexico; Christmas rituals and Day of the Dead, also in Mexico; the rituals of Vodun and Santeria that are practiced in Haiti and Cuba respectively; the Afro-Brazilian ritual of congado (the devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary); rituals to the ancestors in highland Bolivia; and others.
REL 286
Women and Religion
Women make up more than half of the world's population, but have been under-represented among theologians, mystics, mendicants and religious leaders. In this course, students examine both women's traditional roles and how contemporary women are changing rituals, traditions, and teachings within their religious traditions. Students will study representatives from Eastern religions, Western religions and neopagan/wiccan religions.
REL/SOC 333
Sociology of Religion
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop a general sociological understanding and perspective with which to evaluate, interpret, and understand religion and religious institutions. Topics investigated include: the role of belief, values and symbols; religious recruitment; how religious organizations are formed and maintained; the link between religion and social inequality; and how religion has changed and adapted in American culture. Various contemporary expressions of religion in the U.S. including cults, civil religion, fundamentalism and the commercialization of religion are also explored.
REL/SOC 334
Religion & Popular Culture
How do popular culture and the mass media affect religion? Conversely, how does religion affect our popular culture and mass media? What are we to think of Christian forms of commercial entertainment like "religious rock music," "Christian hip-hop," and "Christian romance novels" or motion pictures? Several critics have pointed out that the industry that produces these things is nothing more than an attempt to make money off of religion. Others, feel that this industry provides an important role in maintaining and reinforcing religion by giving people what they want - religious commercial entertainment. This course provides an opportunity for students to explore the role religion plays in creating and maintaining culture through popular cultural expressions such as music, television, motion pictures, sports and fashion. They will also analyze how popular culture affects religion and how religion, in turn, affects popular culture and society.
Area Four: Religion and Meaning
REL/PHI 220
Philosophy of Religion
A consideration of traditional defenses and arguments for God which claim to provide a rational basis for faith. Other topics include: God's nature and attributes, the problem of evil, religious experience, freedom and divine omniscience, and miracles.
REL 273
Myth, Symbol and Ritual
Explorations into the meaning and value for human existence of myth, symbol, and ritual processes, drawing upon the insights of anthropology, philosophy, psychology and religious studies. Topics include the nature of myth, its relation to ritual and the importance of symbolic systems in human life. Interpretive readings are drawn from the works of scholars such as Otto, Cassirer, Eliade, Ricoeur, Jung, Turner, Douglas and Geertz.
REL 274
Religion at the Movies
Film is one of the great mythmaking forces of the twentieth century. This course focuses on how many contemporary popular films use religious images, motifs, and themes to embed a transcendent dimension in the viewing experience. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in viewing and evaluating films and discussing how films may create particular kinds of moral and spiritual responses in the viewing audience.
REL 275
Contemporary Christian Thinking and Spirituality
How have recent Christian theologians tried to rethink and reformulate the Christian message in response to the new intellectual, social and political forces of the 20th century? What does it mean to be a Christian today and what are the implications of contemporary life for the Christian faith? What are the intellectual options available to Christians in the modern world?
REL 276
Religious Meanings in Literature
Works of literature reveal much about the inner life of a particular culture. Literature tells the story of a culture's understanding of human existence - what is valued, feared, hoped for and believed in. Literature provides an important window through which to view the religious dimension of a culture. This course focuses on the selected works of influential contemporary writers. Students are encouraged to develop more clearly their own framework of meaning in relation to the ultimate questions for faith and life posed by the various authors.
REL 278
Death and Dying
This course includes a number of dimensions in the study of death and dying. First, it explores how the major religions of the world understand and respond to the problem of death and dying, including the questions of afterlife, the meaning of salvation and the ritual participation in death and loss. Second, students discuss the human experience of dying and its effects on the dying patient, their families and the medical community. Third, students respond to the difficult ethical issues of death and dying, including patient's rights, euthanasia, violence and capital punishment.
REL 279
Issues in Religion and Meaning (W)
This course explores various questions concerning the meaning and function of religious ideas and symbols today. Specific topics vary from year to year. They include religion and science; religion and the social sciences; Christianity and other religions; the problem of evil suffering; and so forth. Especially appropriate for third- and fourth-year students.
REL 375
Religious Responses to the Holocaust
Faced with the suffering and evil of the Holocaust, many have cried out, where was God? Others have responded, where was humanity? This course examines the challenge the Holocaust presents for both Christianity and Judaism. Each religious tradition has had to grapple with the question of theodicy (explanations for evil in the world). Students explore the wide-range of Christian theologies and Jewish responses to the Holocaust, from Hasidic folk tales to the more radical death-of-God theologies in both religious traditions.
REL 491
Senior Seminar (W)
A seminar for concentrators and dual concentrators in religious studies that examines ways to integrate the different disciplines used in the study of religion around specific questions of religious belief, faith and practice. Participants engage in guided research and are expected to contribute to seminar presentations. Open to seniors and qualified juniors only.
