The characteristic features of Hebrew poetry. The literary development of these writings and their function in the Israelite cult. Examples of biblical poetry outside the book of Psalms also considered. Graduate-level requirements include additional readings and a substantial research paper.

Modern chemistry, biology and medicine in conjunction with the neuroscience revolution are providing tools which can modify basic human behaviors (learning, addictive, aggressive, feeding, etc.). An examination of the scientific, cultural, religious and ethical issues related to this emerging science will be examined. Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology (two years of each) and of social sciences (psychology, philosophy, religious studies, etc.) are useful prerequisites or consent of instructor. Graduate-level requirements include a more extensive term paper.

In this course about Jewish mystical tradition or Kabbalah (and What Celebrities Don't Know About It) students will be introduced to the ideology, symbolism, and major themes of Jewish mysticism in the context of Jewish history. Students will survey that tradition using major texts and concepts in chronological order and interpret them in reference to the historical conditions in which the texts were produced, the internal dynamics of Jewish mysticism itself, and the social and psychological functions that mysticism fulfilled and fulfills for its practitioners.

This course will be an in-depth exploration of the history of the religious traditions of India. We will frame the course through the earliest extant religious materials from the Harappan Civilization and the Vedic literary corpus and the philosophical ferment of the Upanisads and the Sramanas (Jainism and Buddhism). From there we will look at the emergence of Puranic Hinduism in the medieval period as it vied with Buddhism and Jainism for imperial and popular patronage. Finally, we will investigate the dialogue and evolution of Indian religions during the period of Muslim kingdoms and European colonialism. Graduate level requirements include: Research paper should be 25-30 pages and include primary research. 2,000 word critical book review due by the end of week 4 (replaces participation grade).

This course discusses the impact of globalization on the environment and ecology, with a particular focus on indigenous cultures and religions in the context of environmental instability. Graduate-level requirements include a 25-30 page double-spaced research synthesis and reflective paper that reflects your understanding of Globalization and the Environment and 4 book reviews from books used in class.

This course presents an examination of the origins and early evolution of images of the afterlife among the ancient peoples of the Mediterranean basin and Near East. The course will focus on ancient Israelite, biblical, and early Jewish and Christian images. Later developments of these images within Western religions will also be discussed. Graduate-level requirements include more depth methodological issues related to the study of heaven and afterlife motifs as they appear in the cultures of the Mediterranean Basin in antiquity. Graduate students will meet as a group with the professor six times during the course of the semester. Moreover, each graduate student will meet individually with the professor four times during the semester to develop and write a 20-page term paper on a topic proposed by the student.

The scientific theory of evolution by natural selection has had a profound philosophical influence on ideas of chance, purpose and progress, sometimes running into conflict with religion in the process. This course will provide a forum for rigorous, authentic, respectful but not circumscribed discussion of these core philosophical issues, including both scientific and theological perspectives.

This course concentrates on the evidence for Greek sanctuary sites between 1000 and 600 B.C. We examine the excavated material from numerous sanctuary sites, including architectural remains (temples and/or altars), votive offerings of bronze and clay, and any other evidence revealing religious practices during these formative years. The role the sanctuaries played in society is also considered with a view to their political, social, economic and spiritual implications for Archaic Greek life. Graduate-level requirements include a more extensive paper than undergraduates.

This course examines the rise of Mormonism as a uniquely "American" religious phenomenon, examining Mormons' engagement with social, political, economic, and sexual dynamics in American life from the nineteenth century to the present day. Mormon history provides a lens for examining key topics in American religious history, including the creation, maintenance, and fragmentation of New Religious Movements; religious violence; church/state relations; constructions of race, gender, and sexuality; modern sacred space; and the globalization of religion. Graduate-level requirements include an original research paper of fifteen to twenty pages in length.

This course will study the history and intersections of religion and literature in Latin America. Graduate-level requirements include a 20-25 page research paper.