Fall 2026
The following descriptions of courses being offered by the Department of Religion in Spring 2026 were submitted by the course instructors.
Specific information regarding the dates, times, and locations of these courses may be found in the Registrar’s official webpage: Schedule of Courses for Fall 2026.
Religion Courses: Fall 2026
REL1107: Nature, Spirituality, and Pop Culture – Bron Taylor
Asynchronous Online
The course examines nature-related global processes and the religious, spiritual, political dimensions of artistic productions and scientific representations in ‘popular culture.’ It illuminates the tributaries, hybridity’s, and controversies that flow from these processes in the ongoing struggle of humankind to understand its place in and responsibilities toward the living world. (Quest 1) (I) (WR 2)
REL 1163: God, Humanity, and Evolution – Ali Mian
TR 4 (10:40 – 11:30) MAT 0007 & F Various Times
Examines the language used to describe sciences and religions, focusing on Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory through the writings of leading thinkers, including from the Western canon, who portray the ways that evolution reshaped religion, and religion reshaped the sciences. Students are instructed in writing about foundational concepts in the sciences and the humanities. (Quest 1) (H) (WR 2)
REL 1411: Why Is There Evil In The World? – Yaniv Feller
MW7 (1:55 – 2:45) CSE E222 & F Various Times
The problem of evil has been a focus of intense reflection by philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and novelists. Students will address this key theme in the human condition in this course. The class will enable students to analyze this question in a written form and orally by drawing on a variety of methodologies from different fields in the humanities including philosophy, religion, history, and art . Students will not only read and analyze classical texts from the Western canon and beyond, such as the biblical book of Job, as well modern interpretation of classical themes in TV shows such as Good Omens. The case studies examined, historical and contemporary alike, including Egypt in antiquity, Italy of the Middle Ages, and twentieth century Germany and France. (Quest 1) (H) (WR 2)
REL 2085: Religion and Violence – Ali Mian
T8-9 (3:00 – 4:55) MAT115 & R9 (4:05 – 4:55) MAT115
Introductory course surveys historical, philosophical, and anthropological scholarship on religion and violence. Interdisciplinary approach allows students to think about how various religious traditions, including from Western traditions, have dealt with violence. Draws on philosophical, historical, and anthropological studies of violence. (H) (I) (WR 4)
REL 2240: Intro to the New Testament – Jeyoul Choi
T4 (10:40-11:30) MAT105 & R4-5 (10:40-12:35) WEIM 1094
An introduction to the writings of the New Testament in the context of the historical development of early Christianity. Includes selections from the Western canon. (H)
REL 2300: Intro to World Religions – Vasudha Narayanan
Asynchronous Online
Introduces key themes, figures, and sacred texts in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the religions of South and East Asia. We will look at the history and key moments in the religions, scripture, beliefs, and practices, the Athens-Jerusalem heritage of Christianity and Judaism, and see how some of these religions are present in Florida. (H) (I)
REL 2334: Religions of India – Vasudha Narayanan
T7 (1:55 – 2:45) MAT004 & R7-8 (1:55-3:50) LIT223
Introductory course focusing on the religious traditions and cultural diversity seen in the Indian subcontinent and the engagement of Hindu texts with western philosophy and classics. Using historical and thematic approaches, this course will focus on texts, rituals, and philosophy of Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. (H) (I) (WR 6)
REL 2341: Intro to Buddhism – Mario Poceski
Asynchronous Online
General historical survey of the central beliefs, doctrines, and practices that have fashioned the character of Buddhism as a global religion that transcends ethnic, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Covers the early historical development of Buddhism, formation of its major traditions, and emergence of altruistic ideals espoused by the Mahayana movement. Explores the spread and transformation of Buddhism outside of Asia, including historic encounters between Buddhism and Western traditions. Incorporates insights and sources drawn from major humanistic disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, and religious studies. (H)
REL 2502: Intro to Christianity – Jeyoul Choi
MWF 4 (10:40-11:30) MCCA 1142
Includes origins and development of Christianity, beliefs and rituals, global diversity, Christianity-inspired literature, and engagement with contemporary cultural issues.
REL 3022: Myth and Ritual – Jeyoul Choi
T 7 (1:55-2:45) AND 019 & R 7-8 (1:55-3:50) FLI 119
Theory and method in the anthropological and religious studies of myths, rituals, religious specialists, and religious movements using examples from cultures throughout the world. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. (WR 4)
REL 4933: Senior Seminar – Yaniv Feller
MWF 9 (4:05-4:55) MAT 102
History and major methods that have contributed to the modern study of religion.
Quest Courses (Religion Department)
IDS 1114: Ethics in the Public Sphere – Anna Peterson
MW5 (11:45 – 12:35) LIT 237 & F Various Times
Examination of 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. (Quest 1) (WR 2)
IDS 2935: Post-Holocaust American Jews – Rachel Gordan
MW 8 (3:00-3:50) CSE E222 & F Various Times
This course examines the lasting impact of the Holocaust on American culture and society, exploring its influence on attitudes toward antisemitism, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, philosophical thought, and cultural memory in films, comics, and museums.
IDS 2935: Women & Religion in US Popular Fiction – Rachel Gordan
MW6 (12:50-1:40) & F Various Times
This course examines the central roles of women and religion in American popular fiction, particularly in the mid- to late 20th century. Focusing on Judeo-Christian traditions, students explore bestselling novels from the post–World War II period through later decades, analyzing how changing ideas about gender, religion, secularism, and pluralism are reflected in popular literature and shaped by historical and cultural contexts.