Religious Studies Courses (RS)

 

<>RS 3101 Introduction to Religious Studies

What is religion? What are its origins? What does religion do--or not do--for humanity and individuals? Using primary sources and commentaries, students explore these questions from philosophical, psychological, sociological, phenomenological, and experiential perspectives. Students are encouraged to formulate personal responses to the issues presented.

 

<>RS 3310 Major World Religions

An examination of the primary religious traditions of the world from the standpoint of the human spiritual experience: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Guest speakers from various faiths will visit the class informally to provide insider insight. A cross-cultural, comparative approach is used, and you may gain self-understanding and knowledge important to living in a pluralistic world.

 

<>RS 3350 Special Topics in Religious Studies

An advanced course in some aspect of Religious Studies. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

 

The following RS 3350 variable topic courses are offered regularly:

 

<>RS 3350 Understanding Judaism and the Holocaust

This course explores the Holocaust in the context of the basic principles and teachings of Judaism from its inception to modern life. In addition to the Holocaust, we explore perspectives on other dilemmas of Jewish living, including assimilation, Zionism, anti-Semitism, ethical monotheism, relationship to other religions, Jewish identity, observance, and the hereafter. We will also discuss Jewish perspectives on issues such as capital punishment and medical ethics.

 

<>RS 3350 Hispanic Religious Expressions

What role does religion play in Hispanic culture? What are the many ways that such beliefs are manifested? How do the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, theology, literature, and art all contribute to a better understanding of how Latinos and Latinas experience the Sacred? This course provides an opportunity for students to explore such areas as popular religion, the historical roots of religions expressions, how religion appears in contemporary movies, art, and music, and also to learn about various perspectives. In addition to regular lectures and readings, the class features films, slides, class discussions, and guest speakers. (May be used for Chicano Studies.)

 

<>RS 3350 Life and Teachings of Jesus

This crucially important subject is presented with reference both to traditional interpretations and to modern research. Some time is devoted to possible new sayings of Jesus, discovered in recent years.

 

<>RS 3350 Buddhism

In this course we explore what it means to be a Buddhist. How does a Buddhist understand the world, society, the individual--in short, the way things are? How have diverse cultures of Asia, the primary home of Buddhism for its first two millennia, shaped Buddhist ideals, beliefs, and practices; and how have Buddhists contributed to, and inspired, the development of these cultures? In addition, we will examine Buddhism in America and issues of gender within the Buddhist tradition. (May be used for Women’s Studies.)

When available, the following interdisciplinary courses may also be used to fulfill the religious studies requirements.  Check this schedule to see which courses are offered this term.

 
<>ARTH 1305  Art History of the Western World I

 

<>ENGL 3325  Literature of the Bible

 

<>ENGL 4309  Milton

 

<>GREK 1405  Koine Greek

 

<>HIST 3359  History of Religion in the West

 

<>HIST 3340  The Middle East and Islam

 

<>HIST 3362  The Medieval World

 

<>HIST 3365 The Age of Reformation

 

<>PHIL 2306  Ethics

 

<>PHIL 3315  Medieval Philosophy

 

<>PHIL 3322  Philosophy of Religion

 

<>PHIL 3340  Asian Philosophies

 

<>PHIL 4302  Metaphysics