Course Schedule
RELI 160A1 – Gods, Goddesses, and Demons: Divinity in South Asia
This course is an introduction to multiple concepts of the divine in South Asia. We will explore the different ways that the religious traditions of South Asia understand supernatural beings and forces. In order to do this we will read portions of primary texts in translation, examine iconography, and watch rituals as they unfold. In addition to learning about the South Asia traditions, we will put those conceptions of the divine in conversation with those rooted in a European context, forcing you to learn to think critically about the ways people from different cultures view the world around them.
This course is an introduction to multiple concepts of the divine in South Asia. We will explore the different ways that the religious traditions of South Asia understand supernatural beings and forces. In order to do this we will read portions of primary texts in translation, examine iconography, and watch rituals as they unfold. In addition to learning about the South Asia traditions, we will put those conceptions of the divine in conversation with those rooted in a European context, forcing you to learn to think critically about the ways people from different cultures view the world around them.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Mamtora, Bhakti
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 77 / 150
RELI 160D4 – Introduction to World Religions
This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions.
This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Slominski, Kristy
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 128 / 230
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- Section: 002
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 106 / 200
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 113 / 200
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 113 / 200
RELI 160D5 – Spirituality, Ceremony, and Saints of the Southwest
An introduction to the religious history and contemporary religious diversity of the region currently known as the American Southwest. The religious landscape of this area includes the traditions of indigenous communities, Spanish colonial descendants, Mexican Americans, Anglos, and immigrants from around the globe. This class will take both an historical and thematic approach to religion in the Southwest exploring the role of religion in colonial expansion (Spain, Mexico, and the United States) and focusing on a variety of topics such as land-based spirituality, shrines, pilgrimage, folk saints, religious syncretism, and new religious movements.
An introduction to the religious history and contemporary religious diversity of the region currently known as the American Southwest. The religious landscape of this area includes the traditions of indigenous communities, Spanish colonial descendants, Mexican Americans, Anglos, and immigrants from around the globe. This class will take both an historical and thematic approach to religion in the Southwest exploring the role of religion in colonial expansion (Spain, Mexico, and the United States) and focusing on a variety of topics such as land-based spirituality, shrines, pilgrimage, folk saints, religious syncretism, and new religious movements.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: McComb Sanchez, Andrea
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 61 / 75
RELI 160D7 – Introduction to Global Christianities
This course is an introduction to the academic study of Christianity in its global context. We will examine the origins of Christianity and its growth into the largest religion in the world. The course gives particular attention to the diversity of local contexts and local traditions, examining expressions of Christianity throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students will explore Christianity through a series of case studies, by examining historical sources, material culture, first-hand accounts, and artistic representations.
This course is an introduction to the academic study of Christianity in its global context. We will examine the origins of Christianity and its growth into the largest religion in the world. The course gives particular attention to the diversity of local contexts and local traditions, examining expressions of Christianity throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students will explore Christianity through a series of case studies, by examining historical sources, material culture, first-hand accounts, and artistic representations.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM
- Dates: Sep 25 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 29 / 150
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- Section: 002
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:00 AM - 09:50 AM
- Dates: Sep 25 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 29 / 150
RELI 203 – Religion and Medicine in the Western Healing Traditions
Honors Course
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Oberman, Hester Elsa
- Days: We
- Time: 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 20
RELI 203 – Religion and Medicine in the Western Healing Traditions
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Oberman, Hester Elsa
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 43 / 60
RELI 211 – Life After Death in World Religions and Philosophies
This course focuses on one Big Question: "How do afterlife beliefs affect the way we live?" It builds connections among the humanities [Religious Studies and Philosophy], the social sciences [Anthropology, Psychology, and Law], and the natural sciences [Medicine] to explore the ways in which religious afterlife beliefs are approached from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will analyze a variety of religious afterlife beliefs through case studies, problem-based assignments, and reading/writing genres from the six disciplinary perspectives in order to tackle the Big Question as it relates to their personal, academic, and/or career aspirations.
This course focuses on one Big Question: "How do afterlife beliefs affect the way we live?" It builds connections among the humanities [Religious Studies and Philosophy], the social sciences [Anthropology, Psychology, and Law], and the natural sciences [Medicine] to explore the ways in which religious afterlife beliefs are approached from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will analyze a variety of religious afterlife beliefs through case studies, problem-based assignments, and reading/writing genres from the six disciplinary perspectives in order to tackle the Big Question as it relates to their personal, academic, and/or career aspirations.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 197 / 200
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 197 / 200
RELI 212 – American Indian Religious Traditions
This course offers a broad introduction to the diversity and complexity of American Indian religious traditions historically and in the contemporary. Students will explore general themes in the study of American Indian religions and spirituality along with analyzing specific examples. Of particular importance are the history and effects of colonialism and missionization on Native people, continuing struggles for religious freedom and cultural survival, and historical and contemporary religious responses to social, cultural, political, and geographical changes.
This course offers a broad introduction to the diversity and complexity of American Indian religious traditions historically and in the contemporary. Students will explore general themes in the study of American Indian religions and spirituality along with analyzing specific examples. Of particular importance are the history and effects of colonialism and missionization on Native people, continuing struggles for religious freedom and cultural survival, and historical and contemporary religious responses to social, cultural, political, and geographical changes.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: McComb Sanchez, Andrea
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 75 / 150
RELI 222 – Introduction to Zen Buddhism
This course is designed to introduce students to the history,teachings,and practice of Zen Buddhism in China,Japan, Korea and the United States. The course will discuss Zen from a variety of perspectives but will center around the question of the meaning of history. Zen is a tradition of Buddhism that claims to have inherited and to pass on, in an unbroken historical transmission from patriarch to patriarch, the living experience of the Buddha's enlightenment. The course will discuss how Zen's conception of its history is related to its identity as a special tradition within Buddhism, as well as its basic teachings on the primacy of enlightenment, the role of practice, the nature of the mind, and the limitations of language.
This course is designed to introduce students to the history,teachings,and practice of Zen Buddhism in China,Japan, Korea and the United States. The course will discuss Zen from a variety of perspectives but will center around the question of the meaning of history. Zen is a tradition of Buddhism that claims to have inherited and to pass on, in an unbroken historical transmission from patriarch to patriarch, the living experience of the Buddha's enlightenment. The course will discuss how Zen's conception of its history is related to its identity as a special tradition within Buddhism, as well as its basic teachings on the primacy of enlightenment, the role of practice, the nature of the mind, and the limitations of language.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 60 / 60
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 60 / 60
RELI 227 – Religion and Film
This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.
This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 180 / 275
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 180 / 275
RELI 277A – History of the Middle East: 600-1453
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: O'Malley, Austin
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 65 / 70
RELI 277A – History of the Middle East: 600-1453
Honors Course
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
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- Section: 002
- Instructor: O'Malley, Austin
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 65 / 70
RELI 280 – Introduction to the Bible: New Testament
This course introduces students to the New Testament in light of the contexts in which it was written and compiled, and as a window into reconstructing the world of early Christianity. The course will also examine how various Christian communities have understood the meaning and authority of the New Testament.
This course introduces students to the New Testament in light of the contexts in which it was written and compiled, and as a window into reconstructing the world of early Christianity. The course will also examine how various Christian communities have understood the meaning and authority of the New Testament.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 199 / 200
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 199 / 200
RELI 302 – Ellis Island, 9/11, and Border Walls: Religion and Immigration in the U.S.
This course will explore the central role of religion in shaping constructions of race and ethnicity in U.S. history, especially in light of immigration debates. Since the country's founding, immigrants have expanded ethnic and religious diversity in the United States in the face of powerful anti-immigrant movements. Students will engage with in-depth studies of immigrant communities who shaped the American religious and ethnic landscape, including diverse American expressions of religions such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Evangelical Protestantism, and Vodou.
This course will explore the central role of religion in shaping constructions of race and ethnicity in U.S. history, especially in light of immigration debates. Since the country's founding, immigrants have expanded ethnic and religious diversity in the United States in the face of powerful anti-immigrant movements. Students will engage with in-depth studies of immigrant communities who shaped the American religious and ethnic landscape, including diverse American expressions of religions such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Evangelical Protestantism, and Vodou.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 33 / 50
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 33 / 50
RELI 303 – Spirituality and Sickness: Religion and Health in the U.S.
This course explores diverse religious and spiritual conceptions of health in the United States and their relationships to experiences of sickness and healing. It will include a critical examination of historical and contemporary cases in which religious and spiritual views of health have interacted with healthcare systems, including cases of cooperation and conflict.
This course explores diverse religious and spiritual conceptions of health in the United States and their relationships to experiences of sickness and healing. It will include a critical examination of historical and contemporary cases in which religious and spiritual views of health have interacted with healthcare systems, including cases of cooperation and conflict.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Slominski, Kristy
- Days: Th
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 22 / 50
RELI 304 – The Question of God
Study of the question of God from a theological, philosophical, and literary perspective.
Study of the question of God from a theological, philosophical, and literary perspective.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 52 / 50
RELI 305 – Greek and Roman Religion
Religious beliefs and cult practices in ancient Greece and Rome. All readings in English.
Religious beliefs and cult practices in ancient Greece and Rome. All readings in English.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 400 / 400
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 400 / 400
RELI 308 – Does Pikachu Have a Buddha Nature? Buddhism in Japan
This course provides an overview of the history of Buddhism in Japan. Major themes covered in the course include an integration of indigenous "kami veneration" (Shinto) into a Buddhist theological framework; a doctrinal emphasis placed on the notion of Buddha nature or "original enlightenment" (hongaku); the rise of the so-called Kamakura schools of Buddhism; bureaucratic roles imparted to Buddhist temples during the Tokugawa period; and challenges Buddhism faces in contemporary Japanese society.
This course provides an overview of the history of Buddhism in Japan. Major themes covered in the course include an integration of indigenous "kami veneration" (Shinto) into a Buddhist theological framework; a doctrinal emphasis placed on the notion of Buddha nature or "original enlightenment" (hongaku); the rise of the so-called Kamakura schools of Buddhism; bureaucratic roles imparted to Buddhist temples during the Tokugawa period; and challenges Buddhism faces in contemporary Japanese society.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Miura, Takashi
- Days: We
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 15
RELI 313 – Health and Medicine in Classical Antiquity
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 31 / 80
RELI 313 – Health and Medicine in Classical Antiquity
Honors Course
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
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- Section: 002
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 31 / 80
RELI 321 – Women in Judaism
This course examines religion and gender through the study of women in Judaism. How do scholars construct a history of women in ancient Judaism when Jewish sacred texts are written by and for men? How have modern Jewish women accommodated feminist ideals without undermining the authority of the established tradition? What impact has the feminist movement had on Jewish communal institutions in the United States and Israel? In this course, we explore these questions and others by examining the influence Jewish religious beliefs and practices have played in the formation of Jewish women's identities, image and their understanding of power and authority. Students study the role of women in the formation of Judaism and Jewish society as a culturally constructed and historically changing category through archaeology, biblical studies, rabbinics, theology, folklore, social and political movements.
This course examines religion and gender through the study of women in Judaism. How do scholars construct a history of women in ancient Judaism when Jewish sacred texts are written by and for men? How have modern Jewish women accommodated feminist ideals without undermining the authority of the established tradition? What impact has the feminist movement had on Jewish communal institutions in the United States and Israel? In this course, we explore these questions and others by examining the influence Jewish religious beliefs and practices have played in the formation of Jewish women's identities, image and their understanding of power and authority. Students study the role of women in the formation of Judaism and Jewish society as a culturally constructed and historically changing category through archaeology, biblical studies, rabbinics, theology, folklore, social and political movements.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 45 / 45
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 45 / 45
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- Section: 401
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 45 / 45
RELI 331 – Taoist Traditions of China
Intellectual foundations of Taoism in its two classical sources, the Lao Tzu and the Chuang Tzu, and a sampling of the varieties of religious practice which developed later.
Intellectual foundations of Taoism in its two classical sources, the Lao Tzu and the Chuang Tzu, and a sampling of the varieties of religious practice which developed later.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 29 / 60
RELI 332 – The Holocaust: Witnesses and Representations
This course explores Holocaust memory and representation in Europe, Israel and the United States through various media and genres from diaries, memoirs and oral testimonies to Yiddish and Hebrew poetry, second generation graphic novels and film to memorial gardens and resistance monuments, archives and museums. We engage with some of the most fundamental questions of memory and Holocaust trauma from multiple perspectives and contexts. Is it possible to communicate the horrors of the concentration camp? Who has the right to speak about the Holocaust? How does "Jewish" memory of the Holocaust shape our understanding of the history of Nazism, genocide, World War II and its aftermath? In what ways, has Holocaust memory become associated with movements for historical justice and human rights, in particular, in the United States?
This course explores Holocaust memory and representation in Europe, Israel and the United States through various media and genres from diaries, memoirs and oral testimonies to Yiddish and Hebrew poetry, second generation graphic novels and film to memorial gardens and resistance monuments, archives and museums. We engage with some of the most fundamental questions of memory and Holocaust trauma from multiple perspectives and contexts. Is it possible to communicate the horrors of the concentration camp? Who has the right to speak about the Holocaust? How does "Jewish" memory of the Holocaust shape our understanding of the history of Nazism, genocide, World War II and its aftermath? In what ways, has Holocaust memory become associated with movements for historical justice and human rights, in particular, in the United States?
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 41 / 40
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 41 / 40
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- Section: 401
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 41 / 40
RELI 333 – Buddhist Meditation Traditions
Major forms of Buddhist meditation from both the South Asian and East Asian traditions, with emphasis on the nature of meditation as a variety of religious experience.
Major forms of Buddhist meditation from both the South Asian and East Asian traditions, with emphasis on the nature of meditation as a variety of religious experience.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: Mo
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 12 / 40
- +
- Section: 002
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: Mo
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 12 / 40
RELI 334 – Islamic Thought
This course provides an overview of Islamic intellectual history from the origins of Islam to the present day. The course is divided into three units: 1) Classical Islam and religious sciences; 2) Classical Islamic thought more broadly; 3) Modern Islamic thought. Students will be introduced to Islamic scriptures as well as original writings in translation by preeminent figures of the Islamic tradition and will learn how Muslim thinkers engaged issues concerning scriptural authority, theology, mysticism, human happiness and flourishing, politics, colonialism and gender. The course approaches these writings with particular attention to analysis of the concepts central to Islamic thought and their interconnections, and to the forms of expression through which these concepts are presented to envisioned audiences. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the implications of the ideas we study for values pertaining to justice, social hierarchy and inequality, freedom and domination. Ideas regarding the nature of human existence and its place within the universe always have relation to social life and order. Examining this relation in Islamic thought will involve probing our own notions on these matters and their implications in our own social life.
This course provides an overview of Islamic intellectual history from the origins of Islam to the present day. The course is divided into three units: 1) Classical Islam and religious sciences; 2) Classical Islamic thought more broadly; 3) Modern Islamic thought. Students will be introduced to Islamic scriptures as well as original writings in translation by preeminent figures of the Islamic tradition and will learn how Muslim thinkers engaged issues concerning scriptural authority, theology, mysticism, human happiness and flourishing, politics, colonialism and gender. The course approaches these writings with particular attention to analysis of the concepts central to Islamic thought and their interconnections, and to the forms of expression through which these concepts are presented to envisioned audiences. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the implications of the ideas we study for values pertaining to justice, social hierarchy and inequality, freedom and domination. Ideas regarding the nature of human existence and its place within the universe always have relation to social life and order. Examining this relation in Islamic thought will involve probing our own notions on these matters and their implications in our own social life.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 23 / 25
RELI 335 – Rap, Culture and God
This course is a study of popular culture and religion in African-American and Latin@ communities, with a focus on the place of rap music in the cultural identity of these traditions. The class will begin with a study of some major themes in cultural studies concerning identity, class, race, and gender in addition to a study of the role of religion in Black and Latin@ communities. We will consider the approaches and self-understandings of identity and culture in rap music with special attention to the voices of protest, resistance, and spirituality among rap artists.
This course is a study of popular culture and religion in African-American and Latin@ communities, with a focus on the place of rap music in the cultural identity of these traditions. The class will begin with a study of some major themes in cultural studies concerning identity, class, race, and gender in addition to a study of the role of religion in Black and Latin@ communities. We will consider the approaches and self-understandings of identity and culture in rap music with special attention to the voices of protest, resistance, and spirituality among rap artists.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days: Tu
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 302 / 300
RELI 336 – Spirituality, Psychology, and the Mind
This course is a survey of psychological theory and research investigating religious beliefs, experiences, and practices.
This course is a survey of psychological theory and research investigating religious beliefs, experiences, and practices.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Oberman, Hester Elsa
- Days: Th
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 146 / 264
RELI 363 – Religion and Sex
In this course, students will analyze attitudes towards sexuality in major world religions, both globally and in the context of the United States.
In this course, students will analyze attitudes towards sexuality in major world religions, both globally and in the context of the United States.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Strassfeld, Max
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 44 / 44
RELI 367 – Yoga
In this course we examine the philosophy, practice, historical roots, and development of yoga. Students are asked to use and reflect on the disciplinary perspectives of the historian to examine premodern primary texts (in English translation) that provide a window into the origins of yoga, as well as the perspectives of the anthropologist and cultural critic to examine contemporary yoga practices. Students will compare and contrast perspectives of Indian yogis and contemporary international yoga influencers in order to understand how the experience of yoga differs across time and culture and how social systems of power and inequality are both subverted and reinforced by yoga and its practitioners.
In this course we examine the philosophy, practice, historical roots, and development of yoga. Students are asked to use and reflect on the disciplinary perspectives of the historian to examine premodern primary texts (in English translation) that provide a window into the origins of yoga, as well as the perspectives of the anthropologist and cultural critic to examine contemporary yoga practices. Students will compare and contrast perspectives of Indian yogis and contemporary international yoga influencers in order to understand how the experience of yoga differs across time and culture and how social systems of power and inequality are both subverted and reinforced by yoga and its practitioners.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Mamtora, Bhakti
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 263 / 278
RELI 370A – History of the Jews: Modern Jewish History
Survey of major political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in the history of Diaspora Jewry: Modern Jewish history.
Survey of major political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in the history of Diaspora Jewry: Modern Jewish history.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Balint, Anat Ana
- Days: MoWe
- Time: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 16 / 30
RELI 389 – Middle Eastern Ethnic and Religious Minorities
Overview of ethnic and religious minorities in the contemporary Middle East, study of ethnic and religious diversity and its origin and manifestations in the modern Middle East. Examination of how the concept of religious and ethnic minority has emerged as a key factor in state policies towards minorities as well as the cultural, economic, political, religious, and educational lives of its people.
Overview of ethnic and religious minorities in the contemporary Middle East, study of ethnic and religious diversity and its origin and manifestations in the modern Middle East. Examination of how the concept of religious and ethnic minority has emerged as a key factor in state policies towards minorities as well as the cultural, economic, political, religious, and educational lives of its people.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 30 / 30
RELI 390 – Asian and Pacific Religions in American Spirituality
Throughout the modern development of what has been called "spirituality" in the United States, Asian Pacific Americans along with Asian and Pacific Islander religions have been integral. In the mid-nineteenth century, Asian Pacific American (APA) immigrants brought their religions, and towards the end of the nineteenth century non-APAs enthusiastically brought APA religious teachers to the mainland United States. In the twentieth century, this mixture of APA people and religions continued to reach new communities and develop into independent US-based religions; eventually, these influenced the emergence of more individualistic, non-traditional forms of religion - popularly called 'spirituality.' These lines of influence crisscrossed over the decades, leading to a complex mixture of interests, investments, discourses, and depictions of different racial groups. As a result, this course's examination of Asian and Pacific religions in US-based spirituality engages questions about its definition in distinction to the term 'religion' and in relationship to the social dynamics of race. The course explores its presence in diverse locations such as medicine, theatre, environmental activism, and children's video games.
Throughout the modern development of what has been called "spirituality" in the United States, Asian Pacific Americans along with Asian and Pacific Islander religions have been integral. In the mid-nineteenth century, Asian Pacific American (APA) immigrants brought their religions, and towards the end of the nineteenth century non-APAs enthusiastically brought APA religious teachers to the mainland United States. In the twentieth century, this mixture of APA people and religions continued to reach new communities and develop into independent US-based religions; eventually, these influenced the emergence of more individualistic, non-traditional forms of religion - popularly called 'spirituality.' These lines of influence crisscrossed over the decades, leading to a complex mixture of interests, investments, discourses, and depictions of different racial groups. As a result, this course's examination of Asian and Pacific religions in US-based spirituality engages questions about its definition in distinction to the term 'religion' and in relationship to the social dynamics of race. The course explores its presence in diverse locations such as medicine, theatre, environmental activism, and children's video games.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Esaki, Brett J
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 4 / 25
RELI 435 – Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism
Surveys the ideology, symbolism, and major themes of Jewish mysticism as evidenced in several prominent mystical texts. The core of this course will be reading the texts in English translation and the development of skills in reading and understanding a Jewish mystical text.
Surveys the ideology, symbolism, and major themes of Jewish mysticism as evidenced in several prominent mystical texts. The core of this course will be reading the texts in English translation and the development of skills in reading and understanding a Jewish mystical text.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Graizbord, David L
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 03:00 PM
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 7 / 25
RELI 484 – History of East Asian Buddhism
Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan with emphasis on the relationship between East Asian Buddhist thought and practice and the various historical contexts in which they emerged.
Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan with emphasis on the relationship between East Asian Buddhist thought and practice and the various historical contexts in which they emerged.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Wu, Jiang
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Oct 11
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 13 / 25
RELI 491 – Preceptorship
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Requires faculty member approval, preceptor application on file with department.
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Requires faculty member approval, preceptor application on file with department.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 5
- +
- Section: 014
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 5
RELI 496G – Islamic Law and Society
This course focuses on Islamic Law and Society, topics such as the life and teachings of Muhammad, political and theological controversies, and the classical tradition of Islam.
This course focuses on Islamic Law and Society, topics such as the life and teachings of Muhammad, political and theological controversies, and the classical tradition of Islam.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWe
- Time: 03:00 PM - 04:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 19 / 20
RELI 498 – Senior Capstone
A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
- +
- Section: 010
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 5
- +
- Section: 012
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
- +
- Section: 014
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 5
- +
- Section: 016
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
RELI 498H – Honors Thesis
Honors Course
An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
- +
- Section: 010
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 3
- +
- Section: 012
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
- +
- Section: 014
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 5
- +
- Section: 016
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
- +
- Section: 017
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 3
RELI 535 – Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism
Surveys the ideology, symbolism, and major themes of Jewish mysticism as evidenced in several prominent mystical texts. The core of this course will be reading the texts in English translation and the development of skills in reading and understanding a Jewish mystical text. Graduate-level requirements include a substantial research paper.
Surveys the ideology, symbolism, and major themes of Jewish mysticism as evidenced in several prominent mystical texts. The core of this course will be reading the texts in English translation and the development of skills in reading and understanding a Jewish mystical text. Graduate-level requirements include a substantial research paper.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Graizbord, David L
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 03:00 PM
- Dates: Oct 12 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 7 / 25
RELI 550 – Graduate Readings in Theories and Methods for the Study of Religion
The course provides graduate training in the theories and methods of religious studies and guides students in contextualizing their own work within this discourse. It is an opportunity to learn how religion became an object of study, to explore the approaches of key theorists, and to assess the efficacy of these approaches. Controversies surrounding ritual, canon, culture, power, translation, and "experience" will inform our conversations. Students will develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship of religious studies and area studies, in terms of historical and continuously-evolving dynamics. Finally, this course challenges students to evaluate the broader role of religious studies in the humanities and to set goals for their professional contributions to this discourse.
The course provides graduate training in the theories and methods of religious studies and guides students in contextualizing their own work within this discourse. It is an opportunity to learn how religion became an object of study, to explore the approaches of key theorists, and to assess the efficacy of these approaches. Controversies surrounding ritual, canon, culture, power, translation, and "experience" will inform our conversations. Students will develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship of religious studies and area studies, in terms of historical and continuously-evolving dynamics. Finally, this course challenges students to evaluate the broader role of religious studies in the humanities and to set goals for their professional contributions to this discourse.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Strassfeld, Max
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 6 / 18
RELI 596G – Islamic Law and Society
This course focuses on Islamic Law and Society, topics such as the life and teachings of Muhammad, political and theological controversies, and the classical tradition of Islam. Graduate-level requirements include at least one in-class presentation of the assigned readings for the week, including distribution of an outline and active leading of subsequent discussion.
This course focuses on Islamic Law and Society, topics such as the life and teachings of Muhammad, political and theological controversies, and the classical tradition of Islam. Graduate-level requirements include at least one in-class presentation of the assigned readings for the week, including distribution of an outline and active leading of subsequent discussion.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWe
- Time: 03:00 PM - 04:15 PM
- Dates: Aug 21 - Dec 6
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 19 / 20
RELI 160D4 – Introduction to World Religions
This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions.
This course explores the diversity of religions and religious experiences across the globe. Religions to be examined include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, as well as indigenous traditions.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 60 / 100
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 24 / 100
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 24 / 100
RELI 160D7 – Introduction to Global Christianities
This course is an introduction to the academic study of Christianity in its global context. We will examine the origins of Christianity and its growth into the largest religion in the world. The course gives particular attention to the diversity of local contexts and local traditions, examining expressions of Christianity throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students will explore Christianity through a series of case studies, by examining historical sources, material culture, first-hand accounts, and artistic representations.
This course is an introduction to the academic study of Christianity in its global context. We will examine the origins of Christianity and its growth into the largest religion in the world. The course gives particular attention to the diversity of local contexts and local traditions, examining expressions of Christianity throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Students will explore Christianity through a series of case studies, by examining historical sources, material culture, first-hand accounts, and artistic representations.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 7 / 59
RELI 200 – Introduction to the Study of Religion
The objective of this course is to introduce you to the study of the phenomenon called 'religion'. What makes people religious? How is religion defined? What are the different approaches to understanding religion in all of its diversity? Through a reading of texts from diverse backgrounds and approaches, this course will illuminate the complex and multi-dimensional elements of religion, and how the study of religion can open up new ways of seeing the world.
The objective of this course is to introduce you to the study of the phenomenon called 'religion'. What makes people religious? How is religion defined? What are the different approaches to understanding religion in all of its diversity? Through a reading of texts from diverse backgrounds and approaches, this course will illuminate the complex and multi-dimensional elements of religion, and how the study of religion can open up new ways of seeing the world.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: McComb Sanchez, Andrea
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 40
RELI 203 – Religion and Medicine in the Western Healing Traditions
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
An examination of the intersection between medicine and healing in western healing traditions, from ancient times to the modern era. Key scientific and humanistic questions will be addressed.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Oberman, Hester Elsa
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 26 / 75
RELI 211 – Life After Death in World Religions and Philosophies
This course focuses on one Big Question: "How do afterlife beliefs affect the way we live?" It builds connections among the humanities [Religious Studies and Philosophy], the social sciences [Anthropology, Psychology, and Law], and the natural sciences [Medicine] to explore the ways in which religious afterlife beliefs are approached from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will analyze a variety of religious afterlife beliefs through case studies, problem-based assignments, and reading/writing genres from the six disciplinary perspectives in order to tackle the Big Question as it relates to their personal, academic, and/or career aspirations.
This course focuses on one Big Question: "How do afterlife beliefs affect the way we live?" It builds connections among the humanities [Religious Studies and Philosophy], the social sciences [Anthropology, Psychology, and Law], and the natural sciences [Medicine] to explore the ways in which religious afterlife beliefs are approached from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Students will analyze a variety of religious afterlife beliefs through case studies, problem-based assignments, and reading/writing genres from the six disciplinary perspectives in order to tackle the Big Question as it relates to their personal, academic, and/or career aspirations.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 163 / 200
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 163 / 200
RELI 212 – American Indian Religious Traditions
This course offers a broad introduction to the diversity and complexity of American Indian religious traditions historically and in the contemporary. Students will explore general themes in the study of American Indian religions and spirituality along with analyzing specific examples. Of particular importance are the history and effects of colonialism and missionization on Native people, continuing struggles for religious freedom and cultural survival, and historical and contemporary religious responses to social, cultural, political, and geographical changes.
This course offers a broad introduction to the diversity and complexity of American Indian religious traditions historically and in the contemporary. Students will explore general themes in the study of American Indian religions and spirituality along with analyzing specific examples. Of particular importance are the history and effects of colonialism and missionization on Native people, continuing struggles for religious freedom and cultural survival, and historical and contemporary religious responses to social, cultural, political, and geographical changes.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: McComb Sanchez, Andrea
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 35 / 75
RELI 220 – Nature, Gods, and Zen: Religion in Japanese Society
This course analyzes the history of religions in Japan and the ways in which "Japanese religion" is portrayed in the contemporary world. In particular, the course examines how issues of race, ethnicity, and equity manifest in Western representations of Japanese religion, which is often essentialized, exoticized, and interpreted through a series of cultural stereotypes as the perpetual "Other" in relation to the West. In order to approach this central theme, the course adopts the disciplinary perspectives of Religious Studies, History, and Asian Studies, all of which will be synthesized through a number of writing exercises to allow for a robust analysis of Japanese religious history and practices in the original context of Japan as well as their portrayals in the West, as evident in such outlets as newspaper articles, travel guides, blogs, and YouTube clips, among others. By taking this course, students will be able to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives to write analytically on the historical significance of Japanese religion as well as questions of race, ethnicity, and equity in representations of Japanese religion in various contexts.
This course analyzes the history of religions in Japan and the ways in which "Japanese religion" is portrayed in the contemporary world. In particular, the course examines how issues of race, ethnicity, and equity manifest in Western representations of Japanese religion, which is often essentialized, exoticized, and interpreted through a series of cultural stereotypes as the perpetual "Other" in relation to the West. In order to approach this central theme, the course adopts the disciplinary perspectives of Religious Studies, History, and Asian Studies, all of which will be synthesized through a number of writing exercises to allow for a robust analysis of Japanese religious history and practices in the original context of Japan as well as their portrayals in the West, as evident in such outlets as newspaper articles, travel guides, blogs, and YouTube clips, among others. By taking this course, students will be able to integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives to write analytically on the historical significance of Japanese religion as well as questions of race, ethnicity, and equity in representations of Japanese religion in various contexts.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Miura, Takashi
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 75 / 75
RELI 220B – Literature of the Bible
New Testament: The Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, and Revelation.
New Testament: The Gospels, the Epistles of Paul, and Revelation.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Medovoi, Leerom
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 25
RELI 222 – Introduction to Zen Buddhism
This course is designed to introduce students to the history,teachings,and practice of Zen Buddhism in China,Japan, Korea and the United States. The course will discuss Zen from a variety of perspectives but will center around the question of the meaning of history. Zen is a tradition of Buddhism that claims to have inherited and to pass on, in an unbroken historical transmission from patriarch to patriarch, the living experience of the Buddha's enlightenment. The course will discuss how Zen's conception of its history is related to its identity as a special tradition within Buddhism, as well as its basic teachings on the primacy of enlightenment, the role of practice, the nature of the mind, and the limitations of language.
This course is designed to introduce students to the history,teachings,and practice of Zen Buddhism in China,Japan, Korea and the United States. The course will discuss Zen from a variety of perspectives but will center around the question of the meaning of history. Zen is a tradition of Buddhism that claims to have inherited and to pass on, in an unbroken historical transmission from patriarch to patriarch, the living experience of the Buddha's enlightenment. The course will discuss how Zen's conception of its history is related to its identity as a special tradition within Buddhism, as well as its basic teachings on the primacy of enlightenment, the role of practice, the nature of the mind, and the limitations of language.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 17 / 70
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Jameson, Alison C
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 17 / 70
RELI 227 – Religion and Film
This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.
This course explores religion and its relationship with visual storytelling culture. We will analyze, explore, and challenge various religious, pop-cultural, ideological, and moral messages as presented in various types of film, from art house cinema to blockbuster movies, and genres ranging from horror to comedy.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Daniels, DeAnna
- Days: Tu
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 28 / 120
RELI 235 – Religion, Violence, and Terrorism
This course will study critical theories about the role of religion in acts of terrorism and violence. Through the examination of a range of case studies, this course will explore ways in which religion has been the motivation and justification behind violent conflict, aggression, and persecution.
This course will study critical theories about the role of religion in acts of terrorism and violence. Through the examination of a range of case studies, this course will explore ways in which religion has been the motivation and justification behind violent conflict, aggression, and persecution.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 79 / 100
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Smith Hansen, Konden R
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 79 / 100
RELI 277A – History of the Middle East: 600-1453
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: O'Malley, Austin
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 30
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 30
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 19 / 40
RELI 277A – History of the Middle East: 600-1453
Honors Course
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
In this course, students take a humanistic disciplinary perspective to explore the cultural products of the pre-modern Middle East and answer questions about its historical development. Using primary sources in translation and secondary scholarship, students will explore the context of the rise of Islam; the process of conversion and expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia; the crystallization of Shi'ism and changing notions of religious authority; and the impact of Turkish migrations and Mongol conquests. They will become familiar with major genres of pre-modern Middle Eastern literary, religious, and scientific writings, and use techniques of close reading to answer questions about those texts' ideological positions and contexts.
- +
- Section: 002
- Instructor: O'Malley, Austin
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 30
- +
- Section: 002
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 30
RELI 280 – Introduction to the Bible: New Testament
This course introduces students to the New Testament in light of the contexts in which it was written and compiled, and as a window into reconstructing the world of early Christianity. The course will also examine how various Christian communities have understood the meaning and authority of the New Testament.
This course introduces students to the New Testament in light of the contexts in which it was written and compiled, and as a window into reconstructing the world of early Christianity. The course will also examine how various Christian communities have understood the meaning and authority of the New Testament.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Friesen, Courtney
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 09:30 AM - 10:45 AM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 40 / 200
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 97 / 300
- +
- Section: 102
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 97 / 300
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 97 / 300
RELI 302 – Ellis Island, 9/11, and Border Walls: Religion and Immigration in the U.S.
This course will explore the central role of religion in shaping constructions of race and ethnicity in U.S. history, especially in light of immigration debates. Since the country's founding, immigrants have expanded ethnic and religious diversity in the United States in the face of powerful anti-immigrant movements. Students will engage with in-depth studies of immigrant communities who shaped the American religious and ethnic landscape, including diverse American expressions of religions such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Evangelical Protestantism, and Vodou.
This course will explore the central role of religion in shaping constructions of race and ethnicity in U.S. history, especially in light of immigration debates. Since the country's founding, immigrants have expanded ethnic and religious diversity in the United States in the face of powerful anti-immigrant movements. Students will engage with in-depth studies of immigrant communities who shaped the American religious and ethnic landscape, including diverse American expressions of religions such as Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Evangelical Protestantism, and Vodou.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 10 / 50
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Vargas, Daisy
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 10 / 50
RELI 305 – Greek and Roman Religion
Religious beliefs and cult practices in ancient Greece and Rome. All readings in English.
Religious beliefs and cult practices in ancient Greece and Rome. All readings in English.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Friesen, Courtney
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 80 / 80
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 311 / 500
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 311 / 500
RELI 313 – Health and Medicine in Classical Antiquity
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWe
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 75
RELI 313 – Health and Medicine in Classical Antiquity
Honors Course
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
The course examines the mythology and practice of medicine in Greek and Roman times from Asclepius to Hippocrates and Galen, medical instruments and procedures, the religious manifestation of healing in Greek and Roman sanctuaries, the votive dedications by patients and cured, midwifery and child care, public hygiene and diseases. The topics cover a large spectrum of the medical practice and public health in the ancient societies of Classical antiquity, as well as how ancient worldviews, including religion and religious practice, shaped health and medicine in Greek and Roman civilization.
- +
- Section: 002
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: MoWe
- Time: 02:00 PM - 03:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 25 / 75
RELI 315 – Saints and Superheroes
This course is a study of religion, mythology, and popular culture in North American culture, with a focus on the role of saints in the Catholic tradition, on the one hand, and the role of the hero in ancient Greco-Roman traditions, as well as contemporary Marvel and DC universes. Admired and revered in their respective cultures, the saint and the superhero are otherworldly figures for their devotees, capable of miraculous, amazing, and superhuman feats. Neither the laws of nature nor the conventions and norms of society circumscribe the actions and powers of such figures; they overturn common standards of reason and science, and operate in a region of reality that is filled with wonder and marvel, a deeper and more expansive universe than meets the eye. Both figures, too, are capable of extraordinary acts of selflessness and compassion, acts that exceed everyday ethical norms. In addition to exploring the points of contact between the two, this class will consider the phenomena and traits that are distinctive to each one, with the saint belonging to a Christian universe and the hero to Greco-Roman and non-Christian worlds. Ultimately, the class is interested in what the saint and superhero can tell us about fundamental existential questions: What does it mean to be human? What can we know about the universe? What ethical principles should we live by, and why should we embrace ethics in the first place? How does the figure of saint or superhero articulate, address, and respond to perceived injustices and wrongs in the world? How does the representation of the superheroes' gender, class, and race influence the identity and purpose of the superhero? Can the examples of saints and superheroes inspire or thwart human development? How is God, and the Gods, understood in these traditions?
This course is a study of religion, mythology, and popular culture in North American culture, with a focus on the role of saints in the Catholic tradition, on the one hand, and the role of the hero in ancient Greco-Roman traditions, as well as contemporary Marvel and DC universes. Admired and revered in their respective cultures, the saint and the superhero are otherworldly figures for their devotees, capable of miraculous, amazing, and superhuman feats. Neither the laws of nature nor the conventions and norms of society circumscribe the actions and powers of such figures; they overturn common standards of reason and science, and operate in a region of reality that is filled with wonder and marvel, a deeper and more expansive universe than meets the eye. Both figures, too, are capable of extraordinary acts of selflessness and compassion, acts that exceed everyday ethical norms. In addition to exploring the points of contact between the two, this class will consider the phenomena and traits that are distinctive to each one, with the saint belonging to a Christian universe and the hero to Greco-Roman and non-Christian worlds. Ultimately, the class is interested in what the saint and superhero can tell us about fundamental existential questions: What does it mean to be human? What can we know about the universe? What ethical principles should we live by, and why should we embrace ethics in the first place? How does the figure of saint or superhero articulate, address, and respond to perceived injustices and wrongs in the world? How does the representation of the superheroes' gender, class, and race influence the identity and purpose of the superhero? Can the examples of saints and superheroes inspire or thwart human development? How is God, and the Gods, understood in these traditions?
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days: Tu
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 40
RELI 319 – Korean Religions and Philosophies
Korean culture, despite its important position in East Asian history, tends to be neglected in academia because it is located between China and Japan in both geographical and intellectual perspectives. This course not only introduces general historical information about Korean culture, but also considers its influence on Japanese religious and philosophical traditions, and even on Chinese culture. Such analyses will proceed from the following main topics: Shamanism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucian philosophy, religious discourse during war time, "new" religions in both North and South Korea in the modern era, and Korean religions beyond Korea.
Korean culture, despite its important position in East Asian history, tends to be neglected in academia because it is located between China and Japan in both geographical and intellectual perspectives. This course not only introduces general historical information about Korean culture, but also considers its influence on Japanese religious and philosophical traditions, and even on Chinese culture. Such analyses will proceed from the following main topics: Shamanism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucian philosophy, religious discourse during war time, "new" religions in both North and South Korea in the modern era, and Korean religions beyond Korea.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Park, Sandra
- Days: We
- Time: 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 14 / 30
RELI 321 – Women in Judaism
This course examines religion and gender through the study of women in Judaism. How do scholars construct a history of women in ancient Judaism when Jewish sacred texts are written by and for men? How have modern Jewish women accommodated feminist ideals without undermining the authority of the established tradition? What impact has the feminist movement had on Jewish communal institutions in the United States and Israel? In this course, we explore these questions and others by examining the influence Jewish religious beliefs and practices have played in the formation of Jewish women's identities, image and their understanding of power and authority. Students study the role of women in the formation of Judaism and Jewish society as a culturally constructed and historically changing category through archaeology, biblical studies, rabbinics, theology, folklore, social and political movements.
This course examines religion and gender through the study of women in Judaism. How do scholars construct a history of women in ancient Judaism when Jewish sacred texts are written by and for men? How have modern Jewish women accommodated feminist ideals without undermining the authority of the established tradition? What impact has the feminist movement had on Jewish communal institutions in the United States and Israel? In this course, we explore these questions and others by examining the influence Jewish religious beliefs and practices have played in the formation of Jewish women's identities, image and their understanding of power and authority. Students study the role of women in the formation of Judaism and Jewish society as a culturally constructed and historically changing category through archaeology, biblical studies, rabbinics, theology, folklore, social and political movements.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 39 / 40
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 39 / 40
- +
- Section: 401
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 39 / 40
RELI 325 – Eastern Orthodoxy in a Global Age
This course focuses on the history and doctrine of Eastern Christianity from its origins in the early Church through today, emphasizing the cultural manifestations of Orthodox doctrine: liturgy, iconography, pious practice. We will compare Eastern Orthodoxy to Western Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), and will examine various different national Churches within Eastern Orthodoxy (i.e., Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, Modern Greek, the older "Oriental" Churches, etc.), with a primary focus on Russia. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is often perceived as being one of the more 'mystical' of Christian traditions, and we will explore the Orthodox vision of 'the mystical life', examining its basis in history and contemporary experience. We will also ask about the significance of Church doctrine and practice for the development of culture as a whole in the areas of the world in which Eastern Christianity predominates, and the ways in which that culture both differs from and relates to what we (perhaps inaccurately) call "Western" civilization. In general, Orthodox practice relies heavily on the senses, and the course is designed to be experiential. To that end, we will make at least one field trip to a local Orthodox Church during the course of the semester.
This course focuses on the history and doctrine of Eastern Christianity from its origins in the early Church through today, emphasizing the cultural manifestations of Orthodox doctrine: liturgy, iconography, pious practice. We will compare Eastern Orthodoxy to Western Christianity (Catholicism and Protestantism), and will examine various different national Churches within Eastern Orthodoxy (i.e., Byzantine, Bulgarian, Serbian, Modern Greek, the older "Oriental" Churches, etc.), with a primary focus on Russia. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is often perceived as being one of the more 'mystical' of Christian traditions, and we will explore the Orthodox vision of 'the mystical life', examining its basis in history and contemporary experience. We will also ask about the significance of Church doctrine and practice for the development of culture as a whole in the areas of the world in which Eastern Christianity predominates, and the ways in which that culture both differs from and relates to what we (perhaps inaccurately) call "Western" civilization. In general, Orthodox practice relies heavily on the senses, and the course is designed to be experiential. To that end, we will make at least one field trip to a local Orthodox Church during the course of the semester.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Jens, Benjamin C
- Days: MoWeFr
- Time: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 21 / 40
RELI 331 – Taoist Traditions of China
Intellectual foundations of Taoism in its two classical sources, the Lao Tzu and the Chuang Tzu, and a sampling of the varieties of religious practice which developed later.
Intellectual foundations of Taoism in its two classical sources, the Lao Tzu and the Chuang Tzu, and a sampling of the varieties of religious practice which developed later.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 26 / 50
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 26 / 50
RELI 332 – The Holocaust: Witnesses and Representations
This course explores Holocaust memory and representation in Europe, Israel and the United States through various media and genres from diaries, memoirs and oral testimonies to Yiddish and Hebrew poetry, second generation graphic novels and film to memorial gardens and resistance monuments, archives and museums. We engage with some of the most fundamental questions of memory and Holocaust trauma from multiple perspectives and contexts. Is it possible to communicate the horrors of the concentration camp? Who has the right to speak about the Holocaust? How does "Jewish" memory of the Holocaust shape our understanding of the history of Nazism, genocide, World War II and its aftermath? In what ways, has Holocaust memory become associated with movements for historical justice and human rights, in particular, in the United States?
This course explores Holocaust memory and representation in Europe, Israel and the United States through various media and genres from diaries, memoirs and oral testimonies to Yiddish and Hebrew poetry, second generation graphic novels and film to memorial gardens and resistance monuments, archives and museums. We engage with some of the most fundamental questions of memory and Holocaust trauma from multiple perspectives and contexts. Is it possible to communicate the horrors of the concentration camp? Who has the right to speak about the Holocaust? How does "Jewish" memory of the Holocaust shape our understanding of the history of Nazism, genocide, World War II and its aftermath? In what ways, has Holocaust memory become associated with movements for historical justice and human rights, in particular, in the United States?
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Wait List
- Enrollment: 40 / 40
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Wait List
- Enrollment: 40 / 40
- +
- Section: 401
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Wait List
- Enrollment: 40 / 40
RELI 334 – Islamic Thought
This course provides an overview of Islamic intellectual history from the origins of Islam to the present day. The course is divided into three units: 1) Classical Islam and religious sciences; 2) Classical Islamic thought more broadly; 3) Modern Islamic thought. Students will be introduced to Islamic scriptures as well as original writings in translation by preeminent figures of the Islamic tradition and will learn how Muslim thinkers engaged issues concerning scriptural authority, theology, mysticism, human happiness and flourishing, politics, colonialism and gender. The course approaches these writings with particular attention to analysis of the concepts central to Islamic thought and their interconnections, and to the forms of expression through which these concepts are presented to envisioned audiences. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the implications of the ideas we study for values pertaining to justice, social hierarchy and inequality, freedom and domination. Ideas regarding the nature of human existence and its place within the universe always have relation to social life and order. Examining this relation in Islamic thought will involve probing our own notions on these matters and their implications in our own social life.
This course provides an overview of Islamic intellectual history from the origins of Islam to the present day. The course is divided into three units: 1) Classical Islam and religious sciences; 2) Classical Islamic thought more broadly; 3) Modern Islamic thought. Students will be introduced to Islamic scriptures as well as original writings in translation by preeminent figures of the Islamic tradition and will learn how Muslim thinkers engaged issues concerning scriptural authority, theology, mysticism, human happiness and flourishing, politics, colonialism and gender. The course approaches these writings with particular attention to analysis of the concepts central to Islamic thought and their interconnections, and to the forms of expression through which these concepts are presented to envisioned audiences. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the implications of the ideas we study for values pertaining to justice, social hierarchy and inequality, freedom and domination. Ideas regarding the nature of human existence and its place within the universe always have relation to social life and order. Examining this relation in Islamic thought will involve probing our own notions on these matters and their implications in our own social life.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 30
RELI 335 – Rap, Culture and God
This course is a study of popular culture and religion in African-American and Latin@ communities, with a focus on the place of rap music in the cultural identity of these traditions. The class will begin with a study of some major themes in cultural studies concerning identity, class, race, and gender in addition to a study of the role of religion in Black and Latin@ communities. We will consider the approaches and self-understandings of identity and culture in rap music with special attention to the voices of protest, resistance, and spirituality among rap artists.
This course is a study of popular culture and religion in African-American and Latin@ communities, with a focus on the place of rap music in the cultural identity of these traditions. The class will begin with a study of some major themes in cultural studies concerning identity, class, race, and gender in addition to a study of the role of religion in Black and Latin@ communities. We will consider the approaches and self-understandings of identity and culture in rap music with special attention to the voices of protest, resistance, and spirituality among rap artists.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days: Th
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 200 / 200
RELI 336 – Spirituality, Psychology, and the Mind
This course is a survey of psychological theory and research investigating religious beliefs, experiences, and practices.
This course is a survey of psychological theory and research investigating religious beliefs, experiences, and practices.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Oberman, Hester Elsa
- Days: We
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 119 / 200
RELI 350 – Hindu Mythology
Overview of the traditional Hindu narratives found in the Vedic, epic, and puranic literature. We will also examine Hindu myth in their many regional literary and artistic forms, and how these narratives influence culture, philosophy, literature, and folklore.
Overview of the traditional Hindu narratives found in the Vedic, epic, and puranic literature. We will also examine Hindu myth in their many regional literary and artistic forms, and how these narratives influence culture, philosophy, literature, and folklore.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Mamtora, Bhakti
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 26 / 57
RELI 351 – Zen, Tea, and Poetry: A Blending of Genres
This course will examine how the three genres of Zen Buddhism, the tea ceremony/tea culture, and poetry, have been presented over time as not only compatible, but as representative expressions of each other. We will consider the contemporaneous cultural, historical, and political factors that contributed to the formation of this discourse. We will also hold up to critical scrutiny the very concept of "genre" in pre-modern East Asia, as well as the distinction between "Zen Buddhism" and what may be termed "Zen culture." We will also investigate in depth how modern commentators such as Okakura Tenshin, Suzuki Daisetsu, and Hisamatsu Shin'ichi's dialogue with the West and Western models informed the now ingrained idea that the tea ceremony represents an artistic, aesthetic, and spiritual nexus of the other two genres, and indeed of East Asian Culture as a whole.
This course will examine how the three genres of Zen Buddhism, the tea ceremony/tea culture, and poetry, have been presented over time as not only compatible, but as representative expressions of each other. We will consider the contemporaneous cultural, historical, and political factors that contributed to the formation of this discourse. We will also hold up to critical scrutiny the very concept of "genre" in pre-modern East Asia, as well as the distinction between "Zen Buddhism" and what may be termed "Zen culture." We will also investigate in depth how modern commentators such as Okakura Tenshin, Suzuki Daisetsu, and Hisamatsu Shin'ichi's dialogue with the West and Western models informed the now ingrained idea that the tea ceremony represents an artistic, aesthetic, and spiritual nexus of the other two genres, and indeed of East Asian Culture as a whole.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: Mo
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 11 / 30
RELI 363 – Religion and Sex
In this course, students will analyze attitudes towards sexuality in major world religions, both globally and in the context of the United States.
In this course, students will analyze attitudes towards sexuality in major world religions, both globally and in the context of the United States.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Strassfeld, Max
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 82 / 143
RELI 367 – Yoga
In this course we examine the philosophy, practice, historical roots, and development of yoga. Students are asked to use and reflect on the disciplinary perspectives of the historian to examine premodern primary texts (in English translation) that provide a window into the origins of yoga, as well as the perspectives of the anthropologist and cultural critic to examine contemporary yoga practices. Students will compare and contrast perspectives of Indian yogis and contemporary international yoga influencers in order to understand how the experience of yoga differs across time and culture and how social systems of power and inequality are both subverted and reinforced by yoga and its practitioners.
In this course we examine the philosophy, practice, historical roots, and development of yoga. Students are asked to use and reflect on the disciplinary perspectives of the historian to examine premodern primary texts (in English translation) that provide a window into the origins of yoga, as well as the perspectives of the anthropologist and cultural critic to examine contemporary yoga practices. Students will compare and contrast perspectives of Indian yogis and contemporary international yoga influencers in order to understand how the experience of yoga differs across time and culture and how social systems of power and inequality are both subverted and reinforced by yoga and its practitioners.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Mamtora, Bhakti
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 391 / 600
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Mamtora, Bhakti
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 391 / 600
RELI 370A – History of the Jews: Modern Jewish History
Survey of major political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in the history of Diaspora Jewry: Modern Jewish history.
Survey of major political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments in the history of Diaspora Jewry: Modern Jewish history.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 15 / 40
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 15 / 40
- +
- Section: 401
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 15 / 40
RELI 372A – History and Religion of Israel in Ancient Times -- The Biblical Period
Survey of the history and religion of ancient Israel. Biblical period through the Babylonian Exile; introduction to the Hebrew Bible.
Survey of the history and religion of ancient Israel. Biblical period through the Babylonian Exile; introduction to the Hebrew Bible.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 2 / 25
RELI 372B – History & Religion of Israel in Ancient Times: Ezra-Nehemiah to the Roman Empire
Survey of the history and religion of ancient Israel. Ezra-Nehemiah to the Roman Empire, with emphasis on the formation of rabbinic Judaism.
Survey of the history and religion of ancient Israel. Ezra-Nehemiah to the Roman Empire, with emphasis on the formation of rabbinic Judaism.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Graizbord, David L
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 02:30 PM - 03:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 2 / 40
RELI 374 – The Holocaust
Socio-economic and intellectual roots of modern anti-Semitism, evolution of Nazi policy, the world of death camps, responses of Axis and Allied governments, and responses of the Jews.
Socio-economic and intellectual roots of modern anti-Semitism, evolution of Nazi policy, the world of death camps, responses of Axis and Allied governments, and responses of the Jews.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: Baum, Samuel William
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 40 / 40
- +
- Section: 201
- Instructor: Baum, Samuel William
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 40 / 40
RELI 379 – Religion in German Culture
Introduction to major cultural figures of German speaking countries who have seen, imagined, or experienced what role religion may or can play in human life. An introduction to the religious discourse from the German Middle Ages to the Twenty-First Century, with an emphasis on the emergence of tolerance.
Introduction to major cultural figures of German speaking countries who have seen, imagined, or experienced what role religion may or can play in human life. An introduction to the religious discourse from the German Middle Ages to the Twenty-First Century, with an emphasis on the emergence of tolerance.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Classen, Albrecht
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 18 / 50
RELI 389 – Middle Eastern Ethnic and Religious Minorities
Overview of ethnic and religious minorities in the contemporary Middle East, study of ethnic and religious diversity and its origin and manifestations in the modern Middle East. Examination of how the concept of religious and ethnic minority has emerged as a key factor in state policies towards minorities as well as the cultural, economic, political, religious, and educational lives of its people.
Overview of ethnic and religious minorities in the contemporary Middle East, study of ethnic and religious diversity and its origin and manifestations in the modern Middle East. Examination of how the concept of religious and ethnic minority has emerged as a key factor in state policies towards minorities as well as the cultural, economic, political, religious, and educational lives of its people.
- +
- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 18 / 32
- +
- Section: 102
- Instructor: Bayman, Yigit
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 32
RELI 402 – East Asian Buddhism in Regional Perspective
Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan with emphasis on the relationship between East Asian Buddhist thought and practice and the various historical contexts in which they emerged.
Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan with emphasis on the relationship between East Asian Buddhist thought and practice and the various historical contexts in which they emerged.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Welter, Albert
- Days: Mo
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 8 / 16
RELI 405 – Traditional Indian Medicine: Health, Healing and Well Being
Traditional Indian Medicine, or TIM, is a concept that refers to Indigenous knowledges expressed through the varied healing systems in Indigenous communities. This course will pay particular attention to American Indian nations and healing knowledges that are intersecting and intertwined relationships with the natural world, the Indigenous body and the sacred. We will examine both how Indigenous healing systems have persisted as well as responded to social conditions, such as genocide, colonization and historical, as well as contemporary, forms of oppression. Topics include intergenerational trauma as well as how resilience is expressed in practices of wellbeing, healing and self-determination. We will also explore TIM as containing systems of healing that may/may not operate in conjunction with allopathic medicine. This course takes a transdisciplinary approach, incorporating readings from American Indian/Indigenous studies and health to explore a complex portfolio of American Indian/Indigenous wellbeing.
Traditional Indian Medicine, or TIM, is a concept that refers to Indigenous knowledges expressed through the varied healing systems in Indigenous communities. This course will pay particular attention to American Indian nations and healing knowledges that are intersecting and intertwined relationships with the natural world, the Indigenous body and the sacred. We will examine both how Indigenous healing systems have persisted as well as responded to social conditions, such as genocide, colonization and historical, as well as contemporary, forms of oppression. Topics include intergenerational trauma as well as how resilience is expressed in practices of wellbeing, healing and self-determination. We will also explore TIM as containing systems of healing that may/may not operate in conjunction with allopathic medicine. This course takes a transdisciplinary approach, incorporating readings from American Indian/Indigenous studies and health to explore a complex portfolio of American Indian/Indigenous wellbeing.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Pepion, Millicent Michelle
- Days: Th
- Time: 04:00 PM - 06:30 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 9 / 25
RELI 406 – Religious Diversity in Healthcare: Intercultural Training
This course is designed to offer tools for engaging religious and cultural diversity within healthcare settings, which includes consideration of religious patients, religious healthcare workers, faith-based healthcare institutions, and the impact of religious communities on healthcare laws and services. To develop skills for navigating intercultural differences, students will practice applying academic approaches to religion to health-related case studies.
This course is designed to offer tools for engaging religious and cultural diversity within healthcare settings, which includes consideration of religious patients, religious healthcare workers, faith-based healthcare institutions, and the impact of religious communities on healthcare laws and services. To develop skills for navigating intercultural differences, students will practice applying academic approaches to religion to health-related case studies.
- +
- Section: 001
- Instructor: Slominski, Kristy
- Days: Tu
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 6 / 20
RELI 475 – Religion and the Law
The evolving relationship between law and religion has had a profound influence on American political life and discourse since the country's founding. This course is designed to develop familiarity with that history and the resulting major tenets of the First Amendment's religion clauses. Taking as our starting point the concept of the separation of church and state, we examine what this idea has meant in U.S. Constitutional law. Class time will be structured around in-depth study of the Constitution and of Supreme Court precedents, and will integrate these formative Supreme Court decisions and decisions from state and lower federal courts into the social and historical contexts from which they derive meaning. In addition, the course will survey the scholarly treatment of such threshold questions as the meaning of "religion" in society, and will evaluate the evolving notion of religious liberty in a pluralistic society. We conclude with an examination of current legal debates and cases and of the prominent role of religious discourse about law, social change, politics and culture in today's society.
The evolving relationship between law and religion has had a profound influence on American political life and discourse since the country's founding. This course is designed to develop familiarity with that history and the resulting major tenets of the First Amendment's religion clauses. Taking as our starting point the concept of the separation of church and state, we examine what this idea has meant in U.S. Constitutional law. Class time will be structured around in-depth study of the Constitution and of Supreme Court precedents, and will integrate these formative Supreme Court decisions and decisions from state and lower federal courts into the social and historical contexts from which they derive meaning. In addition, the course will survey the scholarly treatment of such threshold questions as the meaning of "religion" in society, and will evaluate the evolving notion of religious liberty in a pluralistic society. We conclude with an examination of current legal debates and cases and of the prominent role of religious discourse about law, social change, politics and culture in today's society.
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- Section: 101
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 30 / 30
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- Section: 201
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 30 / 30
RELI 481 – Jews in the Roman Empire
This course explores Judaism from Late Antiquity through the beginning of the Middle Ages. Rather than a traditional survey format, we will cover this period through historical, literary, and cultural approaches to primary literature (including focus on rabbinic literature) organized thematically. Throughout, we will read primary and secondary sources on two levels: exploring the historical and literary narratives they weave about this period in Jewish history, while paying close attention to their rhetorical choices. We discuss rabbinic self-representation simultaneously as we analyze the ways historical narratives and primary texts have been mobilized in the contemporary Jewish clime. Finally, we will treat the question of how this body of literature came to be of such central importance in Jewish culture.
This course explores Judaism from Late Antiquity through the beginning of the Middle Ages. Rather than a traditional survey format, we will cover this period through historical, literary, and cultural approaches to primary literature (including focus on rabbinic literature) organized thematically. Throughout, we will read primary and secondary sources on two levels: exploring the historical and literary narratives they weave about this period in Jewish history, while paying close attention to their rhetorical choices. We discuss rabbinic self-representation simultaneously as we analyze the ways historical narratives and primary texts have been mobilized in the contemporary Jewish clime. Finally, we will treat the question of how this body of literature came to be of such central importance in Jewish culture.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Strassfeld, Max
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 15
RELI 486 – History of Japanese Religions: Medieval
Selective survey of the history of religions in Japan from the 11th century through the 16th. Topics covered may include the medieval worldview; apocalyptic thought and related practices; Pure Land Buddhism; Zen; and proselytization and religious competition in medieval Japan.
Selective survey of the history of religions in Japan from the 11th century through the 16th. Topics covered may include the medieval worldview; apocalyptic thought and related practices; Pure Land Buddhism; Zen; and proselytization and religious competition in medieval Japan.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Miura, Takashi
- Days: We
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 15 / 15
RELI 491 – Preceptorship
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Requires faculty member approval, preceptor application on file with department.
Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Requires faculty member approval, preceptor application on file with department.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - Mar 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 3
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Adamson, Grant W
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Mar 11 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
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- Section: 013
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 0 / 0
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- Section: 014
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 1
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- Section: 015
- Instructor: unassigned
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 30
RELI 493 – Internship
As part of the Religious Studies for Health Professionals curriculum, the internship provides first-hand experience working within a community organization or employment area that engages issues of health and religion. The internship involves 120 contact hours with a selected internship site as well as 15 academic hours to enhance the learning experience. Before enrolling, students must work with the Religious Studies for Health Professionals internship coordinator to find an appropriate internship site that fulfills the goals of the program and the students interests.
As part of the Religious Studies for Health Professionals curriculum, the internship provides first-hand experience working within a community organization or employment area that engages issues of health and religion. The internship involves 120 contact hours with a selected internship site as well as 15 academic hours to enhance the learning experience. Before enrolling, students must work with the Religious Studies for Health Professionals internship coordinator to find an appropriate internship site that fulfills the goals of the program and the students interests.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Slominski, Kristy
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 0 / 12
RELI 498H – Honors Thesis
Honors Course
An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Nava, Alejandro E
- Days:
- Time:
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 3
RELI 506 – Religious Diversity in Healthcare: Intercultural Training
This course is designed to offer tools for engaging religious and cultural diversity within healthcare settings, which includes consideration of religious patients, religious healthcare workers, faith-based healthcare institutions, and the impact of religious communities on healthcare laws and services. To develop skills for navigating intercultural differences, students will practice applying academic approaches to religion to health-related case studies.
This course is designed to offer tools for engaging religious and cultural diversity within healthcare settings, which includes consideration of religious patients, religious healthcare workers, faith-based healthcare institutions, and the impact of religious communities on healthcare laws and services. To develop skills for navigating intercultural differences, students will practice applying academic approaches to religion to health-related case studies.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Slominski, Kristy
- Days: Tu
- Time: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 6 / 20
RELI 581 – Jews in the Roman Empire
This course explores Judaism from Late Antiquity through the beginning of the Middle Ages. Rather than a traditional survey format, we will cover this period through historical, literary, and cultural approaches to primary literature (including focus on rabbinic literature) organized thematically. Throughout, we will read primary and secondary sources on two levels: exploring the historical and literary narratives they weave about this period in Jewish history, while paying close attention to their rhetorical choices. We discuss rabbinic self-representation simultaneously as we analyze the ways historical narratives and primary texts have been mobilized in the contemporary Jewish clime. Finally, we will treat the question of how this body of literature came to be of such central importance in Jewish culture.
Graduate-level requirements include a 20 page research paper at the end of term. For students with skills in Hebrew and Aramaic, a separate meeting will be convened to read the texts in the original and work on linguistic skills.
This course explores Judaism from Late Antiquity through the beginning of the Middle Ages. Rather than a traditional survey format, we will cover this period through historical, literary, and cultural approaches to primary literature (including focus on rabbinic literature) organized thematically. Throughout, we will read primary and secondary sources on two levels: exploring the historical and literary narratives they weave about this period in Jewish history, while paying close attention to their rhetorical choices. We discuss rabbinic self-representation simultaneously as we analyze the ways historical narratives and primary texts have been mobilized in the contemporary Jewish clime. Finally, we will treat the question of how this body of literature came to be of such central importance in Jewish culture.
Graduate-level requirements include a 20 page research paper at the end of term. For students with skills in Hebrew and Aramaic, a separate meeting will be convened to read the texts in the original and work on linguistic skills.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Strassfeld, Max
- Days: TuTh
- Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Open
- Enrollment: 1 / 15
RELI 586 – History of Japanese Religions: Medieval
Selective survey of the history of religions in Japan from the 11th century through the 16th. Topics covered may include the medieval worldview; apocalyptic thought and related practices; Pure Land Buddhism; Zen; and proselytization and religious competition in medieval Japan. Graduate-level requirements include oral presentations and longer, more in-depth papers.
Selective survey of the history of religions in Japan from the 11th century through the 16th. Topics covered may include the medieval worldview; apocalyptic thought and related practices; Pure Land Buddhism; Zen; and proselytization and religious competition in medieval Japan. Graduate-level requirements include oral presentations and longer, more in-depth papers.
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- Section: 001
- Instructor: Miura, Takashi
- Days: We
- Time: 03:30 PM - 06:00 PM
- Dates: Jan 10 - May 1
- Status: Closed
- Enrollment: 15 / 15