Religion

REL 2071 Sustainability and Religion — Anna Peterson | MWF 5 (11:45-12:35)

Examines the relationship between religion and sustainability and explores how the world’s different religious traditions address the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. Topics include social and environmental justice, sustainable consumption, and sustainable agriculture. Case studies highlight multiple religious perspectives, especially in Latin America and South Asia. (WR 2)

REL 2085 Religion and Violence — Ali Mian | T 5-6 (11:45-1:40) R 6 (12:50-1:40)

Explores the problem of violence that springs from religious roots in Western, Asian, African, and Native American traditions. (H) (I) (WR 4)

REL 2210 Hebrew Scriptures — Robert Kawashima |  MWF 6 (12:50-1:40)

History, literature, and beliefs of the Israelites from the Biblical text in the light of modern scholarship.

REL 2240 New Testament — Jeyoul Choi | T 4 (10:40-11:30) R 4-5 (10:40-12:35)

Introduces various literary, social, and religious contexts of the books of the New Testament. (H)

REL 2300 Introduction to World Religions — Vasudha Narayanan | Asynchronous Online

Origin, historical development, and key figures, concepts, symbols, practices, and institutions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and East Asian traditions, including Taoism, Shinto, and Confucianism. (H) (I)

REL 2341 Introduction to Buddhism — Mario Poceski | Asynchronous Online

Introduces doctrines, practices, and institutions that shaped the essential identity of Buddhism as a pan-Asian religion that transcended ethical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. (H)

REL 2502 Introduction to Christianity — Jeyoul Choi | MWF 4 (10:40-11:30)

Includes origins and development of Christianity, beliefs and rituals, global diversity, Christian-inspired literature, and engagement with contemporary cultural issues.

REL 3022 Myth and Ritual — Jeyoul Choi | T 7 (1:55-2:45) R 7-8 (1:55-3:50)

Theory and method in the anthropological and religious studies of myths, rituals, religious specialists, and religious movements using examples from cultures and throughout the world. (W 2)

REL 3076 Cults and New Religious Movements — Yaniv Feller | MWF 7 (1:55-2:45)

Investigates significant new religious movements such as the People’s Temple and the Branch Davidians. The origins, internal structure, popularity, and functioning of these movements as well as claims of manipulation and discrimination.

REL 3410 Religion and Nationalism — Anita Anantharam | Asynchronous Online

Direct and indirect influences of religion on national identity and the relationship that exists between them historically and today. Understanding the relationship between religion and nationalism is important to natural security and national interests in the US and globally. Explores topics of colonialism, linguistic nationalism, identity, gender, social movements, and family.

REL 3938 Special Topic: Old Testament — Robert Kawashima | MWF 6 (12:50-1:40)

History, literature, and beliefs of the Israelites from the Biblical text in the light of modern scholarship.

REL 3938 Special Topic: History of Judaism — Howard Lidsky | MWF 3 (9:35-10:25)

Explores the history of the ideas that form the religious beliefs and the communal identity that permits Jews to view themselves as interconnected.

REL 4933 The Comparative Study of Religion (Senior Seminar) — Robert Kawashima | MWF 8 (3:00-3:50)

The history and major methods that have contributed to the modern study of religion.

Quest Courses (Religion Department)

 

REL 1107 Nature, Spirituality, and Popular Culture — Bron Taylor | Asynchronous Online

Examines nature-related global processes and the religious, spiritual, and political dimensions of artistic productions and scientific representations in “popular culture.” (I) (WR 2)

REL 1411 Why is There Evil in the World? – Yaniv Feller | MW9 (4:05-4:55) F 5, 6, or 7

Examines the problem of evil as a central theme in the human condition, drawing on insights from philosophy, religion, history, art, and related fields. Students will analyze the issue through both written and oral work, engaging classical texts such as the biblical Book of Job, ancient Christian writings, Nietzsche, and Kant, as well as modern interpretations like the film A Serious Man. Case studies will include examples from antiquity in Egypt, medieval Italy, and twentieth-century Germany and France.

IDS 1114 Ethics and the Public Sphere — Ali Mian | MW 4 (10:40-11:30) F 5, 6, or 7

Examines the ways in which ethical concerns are aired and debated in the public sphere, including civic institutions, media organizations, and the market. Questions explored may touch on such topics as honesty in media, humility in the face of disagreement, and the pursuit of justice in a contentious society. (WR 2)

IDS 2935 Authentic Leadership — Anita Anantharam | Asynchronous Online

Introduces the influence of religion and spirituality on leadership strategies, and styles. Explore how people in different historical and social contexts have led organizations and movements drawing on concepts of mindfulness, intentionality, spirituality, non-violence, social justice, and compassion. (S) (WR 2)