Course Information
Religious Studies
Course code(s): REL
- REL 112 Religion and Culture Cr. 3.
- An introduction to modern academic theories regarding the origin, form, and function of religion in human life supported by case studies drawn from various world religious traditions. Credit not given for both REL 112 and PHIL 112.
- REL 230 Religions of the East Cr. 3.
- A study of the history, teaching, and present institutions of the religions of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. This will include Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Zoroastrianism.
- REL 231 Religions of the West Cr. 3.
- A comparative study of the origins, institutions, and theologies of the three major Western religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- REL 293 Topics in Religious Studies Cr. 3.
- Selected topics and issues in the academic study of religion. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Variable Title (V.T.)
- REL 301 Islam Cr. 3
- Introduction to the “religious world” of Islam: the Arabian milieu before Muhammad’s prophetic call, the career of the Prophet. Qur’an and hadith, ritual and the “pillars” of Muslim praxis, legal and theological traditions; mysticism and devotional piety, reform and revivalist movements.
- REL 302 Christianity Cr. 3
- This course is designed to provide extensive background to the historical development of Christianity. Students will explore the complexity of Christian belief systems and demonstrate the various ways belief is applied to the politics of everyday life. We will survey the rituals and practices of Christian communities, with a focus on the varieties of scriptural interpretation, historical experience, doctrine, and behavior.
- REL 311 African Traditional Philosophy and Religion Cr. 3
- This course offers a general survey of aspects of African traditional philosophy and religious beliefs and practices. Emphasis will be on themes rather than on individual national tribal religions. Case studies will be limited to West Africa with a focus on the Akan of Ghana, the Yoruba of Nigeria, and the Mendes and Creoles of Sierra Leone.
- REL 312 The Black Religious Experience Cr. 3
- This course is designed to help students gain an appreciation for the ways African Americans have used religion as resistance to oppression. We begin with an exploration of religions in West Africa prior to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, including the role of Muslim slaves in the formation of slave religion in the Americas. We will also look at syncretism and the development of new religions in slave communities (Voodoo, Santeria, Shango, Candomble, etc.). We will also discuss the role of Christianity in the lives of African Americans, particularly in the segregated South.
- REL 314 Religion and Violence Cr. 3
- A comparative study of religiously-motivated violence across the world’s religious traditions with special attention given to the social, political, psychological, and philosophical dimensions of contemporary global religious conflict.
- REL 321 Religion and the Civil Rights Movement Cr. 3
- This course explores the religious dimensions of the Civil Rights Movement in America from the Second World War through the Vietnam War. We will examine the interracial, interdenominational, and interfaith aspects of the movement as they took shape in three areas: American streets (civil disobedience and non-violent direct action), American churches (denominational conflict over race), and American courts (civil rights litigation and legislation).
- REL 381 Islam and Modernity Cr. 3
- An examination of the ways in which Muslim societies have responded to the challenges of modernity in varied social, cultural, political, and embodied contests. Special attention will be paid to issues of social change, the nation state, globalization, diaspora, and the rise of reform, revivalist, and other modern movements.
Preparation for Course
P: REL 231 or 301. - REL 401 Studies in Sacred Texts Cr. 3
- Focuses on the scholarly study of a selected scripture or classic text(s) from one of the major world religious traditions, including the Tanakh, New Testament, Qur’an, Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Pali Canon, Mahayana Sutras, Tao Te Ching, the Hebrew Bible, and others. May be repeated for credit.
- REL 402 Mysticism Cr. 3
- In-depth examination of the religious, literary, cultural, and social dimensions of mysticism within and across the major world religious traditions with particular attention paid to modern academic theories regarding mystical experience and its interpretation.
Preparation for Course
P: at least one course in Religious Studies or Philosophy at the 300 level or above. - REL 495 Individual Readings in Religious Studies Cr. 3.
- Individual readings under the guidance of a faculty member. May be repeated for up to six credits with different topics.
Preparation for Course
P: consent of instructor.
Variable Title (V.T.)
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