RELG100: Religions of the World (3 hours lecture)

The major religious traditions, with emphasis on basic beliefs and on the nature and diversity of religious awareness. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Humanities, Philosophy or Religion. 3 sh.

RELG101: Introduction to Religion (3 hours lecture)

An inquiry into man's religious questions and expressions, their implications, and their critical appreciation and assessment. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Humanities, Philosophy or Religion. 3 sh.

RELG200: Old Testament: Genesis to Joshua (3 hours lecture)

The evolution of the ancient Hebrew world view as developed in the biblical books covering the early period of Israelite history. The course includes a close reading of the books of Genesis, Exodus and numbers, comparison with contemporary Middle Eastern religious texts and study of the biblical story from the creation through the career of Moses (circa 1250 B.C.E.). 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106 or RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG202: Old Testament: Joshua to Daniel (3 hours lecture)

The history and theology of Israelite religion as seen in the biblical books covering the middle and late periods (1150-165 B.C.E.). 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG204: New Testament: Jesus and the Gospels (3 hours lecture)

The story of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the gospels of Mark and Matthew. The course explores Old Testament backgrounds, Jesus' place in the Jewish religious context of first century Israel, the question of the historical Jesus and the origins of and relationships between the various gospel traditions. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG205: Religion and Ethical Issues (3 hours lecture)

An examination of religious perspectives on classic and contemporary ethical issues. Topics addressed include violence and war, biomedical issues, environmental issues, education, censorship, and marriage/family issues. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG206: New Testament: Paul and the Early Church (3 hours lecture)

A close study of Luke-Acts, John, selected letters of Paul and other later epistles. The course explores the development of the theology and institutions of the early church as revealed in New Testament documents of the first and early second centuries. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG213: Buddhism (3 hours lecture)

The exploration of Buddhist teachings, practices, history, and religious art in various Asian countries, notably India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Tibet (may vary). No prerequisites, but RELG 100, Religions of the World, is suggested. Meets World Cultures Requirement. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106 or RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG214: Classical Texts of Asian Religions (3 hours lecture)

This course emphasizes critical analysis and interpretation of primary textual sources. Students will read and examine primary documents from each of the Asian religions, their traditional interpretations and recent understandings and applications of these texts. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG215: Hinduism (3 hours lecture)

An introduction to Hindu religious traditions, including philosophy, yoga practice, ritual workshop, and sacred art. No prerequisites, but RELG 100 Religions of the World is suggested. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG217: Taoism (3 hours lecture)

An introduction to Taoist religious texts and traditions, including Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu; Taoist connections with traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts; Taoist ritual traditions; and sacred art. No prerequisites, but RELG 100 Religions of the World is recommended. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG218: Death, Dying and Afterlife (3 hours lecture)

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to study cross-cultural religious practices and attitudes toward death, dying and the afterlife. The course will cover the grieving process, rituals of death, and various cultural attitudes toward death, including symbolic "deaths" (initiations), and belief in limbo states, soul-survival, ghosts, heaven, hell, and karma and reincarnation. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG221: Religion and Culture (3 hours lecture)

The interrelation of religion and culture in the formulation of human values and views, life-styles and institutions. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Humanities, Philosophy or Religion. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG223: Religion in North America (3 hours lecture)

The growth and development of various religious movements-- Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and sectarian minorities-- from colonial times to the present. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG225: Religion and Social Change (3 hours lecture)

The impact of economic, social and political movements on religious belief and the ways in which religion has both furthered and impeded social development. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106 or RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG240: Asian Religions (3 hours lecture)

The cultural and theological bases for the faith and practice of major Eastern religions--Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Taoism. Meets World Cultures Requirement. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. Previous course RELG 212 effective through Winter 2013. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG246: Islamic Religious Traditions (3 hours lecture)

The course will start by examining the rise of Islam through the eyes of two fundamental Islamic texts, the Qur'an and the biography of Prophet Muhammad. It will then explore the history of Islam's formative and classical periods (632-1258 CE) in terms of theology, philosophy, jurisprudence, and mysticism, while emphasizing diversity of perspectives. The heart of Islam will be approached through the teachings of the Qur'an, hadith and the Islamic intellectual tradition. The encounter between Islam and other religious traditions will also be traced briefly. Major trends in contemporary Islam (traditionalism, liberalism, revivalism, etc.) will be identified and discussed through the writings of their major proponents. Meets General Education 2002, K2 NonWestern requirement. Previous course RELG 116 effective through Winter 2013. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG250: African Religions (3 hours lecture)

An introduction to the indigenous cosmological concepts, ritual practices, and value systems of the peoples of sub-Sahara Africa. Variations on African religious beliefs and practices in the West Indies, such as Voodoo in Haiti, Santeria in Cuba, and Candomble in Brazil will also be examined. Meets Gen Ed 2002-Social Science, Non-Western Perspectives. Meets World Cultures Requirement. Previous course RELG 106 effective through Winter 2013. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102 or ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG252: African-American Religion (3 hours lecture)

The course will aim at engaging students in an active examination of the role of religion in the life of African-Americans from the period of slavery to the present. Students will be expected to read extensively from a list of the recommended texts and to write critical analyses on assigned topics. The style of instruction will combine lecture with discussion, thereby encouraging students to develop skills in critical thinking as well as the art of verbal expression. Meets World Cultures Requirement. Previous course RELG 108 effective through Winter 2013. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG254: Native American Religion (3 hours lecture)

An introduction to the religious traditions and spirituality of the Native American peoples. The course recognizes the value of oral tradition and ritual practices in Native American religions and cultures as well as the variety that exists within this set of traditions. Meets Gen Ed 2002-Social Science, Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. Meets World Cultures Requirement. Previous course RELG 110 effective through Winter 2013. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG256: Religion in Latin America (3 hours lecture)

A survey of the ways religion, both indigenous and Western, has interacted with culture and society in Latin America. Particular emphasis is given to the diversity of religious expressions, including indigenous religions (Mayan, Aztec, and Quechua), syncretistic religions (i.e., Voodoo and Santeria), alternative and evangelical forms of Christianity, contemporary popular religious expression, and liberation theology. Meets Gen Ed 2002 Requirements - Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102. Starting Winter 2016: ENWR 105 or HONP 100 may be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.

RELG262: Philosophy of Religion (3 hours lecture)

A philosophical examination of religion. It includes the nature and shape of religious experience: criteria for meaning within religious thought and language, metaphysical and epistemological implications of such questions as the nature and existence of God, and the possibility of life after death. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG263: Religion and Psychology (3 hours lecture)

The views of faith and the religious person reached by such major psychological approaches as the Freudian, neo-Freudian, analytic-ego, existential and Jungian. The implications of such psychology for Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant believers and religious thinkers. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG267: Women and Religion (3 hours lecture)

Focuses on women's own experience in religions and the various perspectives of women held by both Eastern and Western religious traditions. The course deals with questions such as the nature of women, patriarchy and religion, and roles of women in religions. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Religious Studies. Meets World Cultures Requirement. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG273: The Holocaust: Religious Perspectives (3 hours lecture)

A study of Nazi extermination of 6,000,000 Jews during World War II and the moral and religious issues raised by this event. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHIL 100 or PHIL 102 or PHIL 106; RELG 100 or RELG 101 or RELG 102.

RELG300: Classics of Western Religious Thought (3 hours lecture)

Selected works of significant theologians of the Western tradition on issues such as the nature of God, christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, theodicy, etc. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG301: Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism (3 hours lecture)

The writings of Rosenzweig, Buber, Heschel, Rubenstein, Fackenheim, Plaskow, Wyschogrod and others will be examined in detail. They will be studied in the context of the religious crisis of modern society which has generated Existentialism, Death of God Theology and radical shifts in Jewish life (the Holocaust and the rebirth of Israel). Students will be introduced to popular Jewish religious practice in America and elsewhere as well as to the most complex Jewish Theological speculation of this century. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG304: Feminist Theology and Spirituality (3 hours lecture)

This course examines primary religious documents, their traditional interpretations, and recent feminist interpretations of these documents. It considers feminist criticisms of traditional Western religious thought as it relates to women. It also explores recent developments in feminist theology, such as female-centered religious ritual and practice and eco-feminist/creation spirituality. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG320: Religious Ethical Thinkers (3 hours lecture)

An examination of selected ethical thinkers in the world's religious traditions. Students read the works of specific thinker/s in depth and explore their significance. Students are encouraged to consider the ways in which the ideas and/or practices of the thinker/s can be applied to contemporary ethical problems. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG322: Ideals of Peace (3 hours lecture)

This course introduces students to the pacifist tradition in philosophy and religion, from its origins as a set of religious and philosophical ideals, to its current multifaith, secular, and political forms. Students will examine and evaluate both pacifist thought and peace activism. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG326: Theology (3 hours lecture)

An introduction to the theological efforts of Jews, Christians, and Muslims to wrestle out "the meaning of" their communal faith in rational, speculative, critical, and creative ways. Includes study of how the most influential Jewish and Christian theologians shaped Western culture, and of how recent and contemporary criticism challenges theological approaches. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG332: Myth, Meaning and Self (3 hours lecture)

Selected psychological investigations and/or theories of religious phenomena; the implications for constructive theology and positive religious response. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG350: Selected Study in World Religions (3 hours lecture)

Topics announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG352: Selected Study in Religious Texts (3 hours lecture)

Topics announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG355: Selected Study in Religion and Culture (3 hours lecture)

Topics announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG357: Selected Study in Religious Issues (3 hours lecture)

Topics announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 221 or RELG 240 or RELG 246 or RELG 250 or RELG 252 or RELG 254 or RELG 256 or RELG 267.

RELG460: Seminar in World Religions (3 hours seminar)

Cooperative research seminars in major movements, problems, theologians or works. Topic announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 301 or RELG 332 or RELG 350 or RELG 352 or RELG 355 or RELG 357.

RELG462: Seminar in Religious Texts (3 hours seminar)

Cooperative research seminar in major movements, problems, theologians. Topic announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 301 or RELG 332 or RELG 350 or RELG 352 or RELG 355 or RELG 357.

RELG465: Seminar in Religion and Culture (3 hours seminar)

Cooperative research seminars in major movements, problems, theologians. Topic announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 301 or RELG 332 or RELG 350 or RELG 352 or RELG 355 or RELG 357.

RELG467: Seminar in Religious Issues (3 hours seminar)

Cooperative research seminars in major movements, problems, theologians or works. Topic announced each semester. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 12.0 credits. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: RELG 301 or RELG 332 or RELG 350 or RELG 352 or RELG 355 or RELG 357.