Spring 2022 Courses

REL 104 Introduction to Religious Studies

This course introduces students to the academic study of religions. It acquaints students with key methods and issues in religious studies, and provides an introductory survey of selected religions. Not open to students who have taken REL 105.

Zogry, Michael

ONLNE - MAR-21/MAY-13

 

REL 106 Asian Religions

A basic introduction to religion in India, China, and Japan with emphasis upon religions that affect the modern period. Not open to students who have taken REL 108. (Same as EALC 105.)

Lindsey, William

TuTh 04:00 - 05:15 PM SMI 100 

 

REL 124 Understanding the Bible

An introduction to the literature of the Bible, exploring the relationships among the various types of literature present and the function of each type in the history and religious life of the people who produced and used them. Cannot be taken concurrently with REL 311 or JWSH 321 or REL 315. Not open to students who have taken REL 125 or JWSH 125. (Same as JWSH 124.)

Woodington, David

MWF 11:00 - 11:50 AM SMI 100 

 

REL 130 Myth, Legend & Folk Beliefs East Asia

A survey of the commonly held ideas about the beginning of the world, the role of gods and spirits in daily life, and the celebrations and rituals proper to each season of the year. The purpose of the course is to present the world view of the ordinary peoples of East Asia. (Same as ANTH 293, EALC 130.)

Williams, Crispin

ONLNE

 

REL 171 Religion in American Society

A broad introduction to religion in American culture. This class emphasizes the well-established religions with large followings (viz. Judaism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism). Some attention is also given to other religions active in America. Other topics covered include the relationship of church and state, religion in ethnic and racial minority groups, and women and religion. Not open to students who have taken REL 172. (Same as AMS 290.)

Schwaller, Rachel

TuTh 11:00 - 12:15 PM SMI 100 

 

REL 325 Introduction to Judaism

Analyzes a selection of the core texts, teachings, and practices of Jewish religious traditions in terms of classical and contemporary understanding. (Same as JWSH 325.)

Brody, Samuel

ONLNE - JAN-18/MAR-11

 

REL 379 Prophets and Profits

The course will examine what religious traditions have had to say about controversies in economic ethics, focusing on how religious thinkers develop arguments on the basis of methods particular to their traditions. At the same time, it presents these traditions alongside secular approaches to economic ethics. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism will be considered, as will liberalism, Marxism, feminism, and natural law theory. Topics include economic inequality, wealth accumulation, licit and illicit commerce, slavery, and profit. Attention will also be paid to the methodological challenges of the study of the topic, which necessarily brings together political economy, ethics, economic history, and hermeneutics. Students will work with a diverse array of primary sources, from ancient scriptures to modern thinkers. The ultimate goal will be to understand how it is possible for thinkers within the same religious tradition to take differing stances on economic ethics, while considering themselves wholly grounded in tradition, depending on their relationships to the modern secular approaches we discuss.

Brody, Samuel

TuTh 01:00 - 02:15 PM SMI 107 

 

 

REL 509 Religion in Japan

Survey of religious thought and practice in Japan from the Jomon period to the present. (Same as EALC 509.)

Lindsey, William

TuTh 02:30 - 03:45 PM SMI 208