Religious Studies

Course Offerings – Spring 2007

 

RELI 1000-41

Introduction to Religion - C1/G1, CH/G

Azar

Online

Religion is central in shaping culture. While cultural differences stem from religion, many similarities find their expression in religion.  Learn about several world religions and the way each understands the world and influences its adherents.

 

RELI 2110-41

Old Testament Intro - C1/G1, CH

Pettis

Online

Introduces students to the books of the Old Testament and people whose way of life they describe. Pays particular attention to religion of the Israelites, their history and culture. Focuses on different historical circumstances in which the books were written.

 

RELI 2150-41

New Testament Survey                

Wood

Online

Introduces academic study of the New Testament. Focuses on questions of history, religious and cultural context, occasion and purpose for writing the different books and theological development of early Christianity.

 

RELI 2225-41

History of Christianity C1             

Azar

Online

Traces Christianity from its beginnings to late 20th century.

RELI 2225-01

History of Christianity C1             

Utterback

R

3:10-5:40

Traces Christianity from its beginnings to late 20th century.

RELI 2252-01

American Religion 2 - C1

Newell

TR

1:20-2:35

Traces American religious history from the Civil War through WWII. Focuses on how race/ethnicity, class, gender, and national origin affected religion, and explores how Americans used religion in oppressing and liberating people; marking and erasing difference; and exporting values abroad as well as reforming society at home.

RELI 2500-01

Topic: Introduction to Hinduism

Koiter

TR

2:45-4:00

In this course, we will survey the many distinct yet interrelated South Asian religious traditions that are often collectively labeled "Hinduism," tracing the evolution of Hindu gods, myth, religious practice, and doctrine over the last 3500 years. After the fashion of Hinduism itself, the course will make use of Hindu stories to illustrate and interpret basic concepts. This will be a participatory class in which students will be expected to take an active role in discussing reading assignments and presenting individual research.

RELI 4000-01

Theory of Religion

Newell

T

9:35-12:05

Is religion an "illusion" or a "neurosis," as Freud wrote? Is it anthopology’s "cultural system," or society's representation of itself, or…? Examine what some of the world's most influential thinkers have said about what religion is and how it should be studied. Warning: this capstone course is not for the intellectually faint of heart

 

RELI 4090-01

Film & Religion

Flesher

M

6:30-10:30 pm

Film is one of the most powerful media and use of religion helped make it so. Study how filmmakers use religious themes to depict ideals and promote social positions. Learn how religion provides the structure for films—making their plots clear and compelling.

 

RELI 4400-01

Internship

Newell

TBA

Put your religious studies knowledge to work in the “real world” in a paid or volunteer internship.  To find out about internship opportunities, and to enroll, contact Dr. Quincy Newell, the internship coordinator

 

RELI 4500-01
RELI 4500-41

Topic: Moses, Jesus & Mohammad

Ward

TR

1:20-2:35

Or Online

As "founders" of the religious communities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, these remarkable leaders left a broad mark on the history and philosophy of humankind. Examine each one's biography within historical context, in sacred literature and "sacred histories," in scholarly debate and popular culture. Explore several perspectives to illuminate how the narratives about each have shaped our world.

 

 

LANG 1020-01

2nd Semester: Modern Hebrew

Ward

TR

2:45-4:30

Hebrew is the language of the Bible and modern Israel; essential for learning about the modern Middle East and about the Western religious tradition. Learn this fascinating and historic language.