Religion Undergraduate Courses

Religions tell stories about the world and the cosmos, about what is real and what really matters. They shape the lives of people and communities who embody those worldviews. But religions also change as they bump up against their times and other people and communities who see things and who live differently. This course will cover all the basics of the major world religions in the context of history and modernity. We will examine how religions and religious cultures have changed over time and are continuing to change. We will focus particularly on the case of the United States today where virtually every world religion now has a presence.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Focus on the world view of each tradition and the historical development of that world view.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

A historical survey of Chinese religion that explores the diversity and unity of Chinese traditions. Covers ancient mythology, cosmology, shamanism; Confucianism and the traditional state cult, Taoist mysticism, and immortality; Buddhism and Chinese religious transformation.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

This course critically explores Christianity in its multifaceted fronts. Aiming to bring fresh perspectives and advance a deeper understanding of Christianity, the course will delve into the important questions on God, humanity and the world in Christian traditions. Explore the problem of God, evil, and suffering; visualize God and spatialize sacred space in Christianity; explore images of women in Christianity and encounter women in Christianity beyond Maria and Eve; learn Christianities beyond the West and how Christianity is transformed when it meets indigenous cultures; explore interreligious dialogue and Christianity’s self understanding in relation to other religions. In addition to the classical and contemporary texts by Christian thinkers, students will be encouraged to explore films or other forms of culture to enhance their understanding of Christianity. This course does not assume any personal or theoretical knowledge of Christianity.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Covers the rise and spread of Islam from the seventh century to the present; introduction to its central beliefs and practices, particularly through an exploration of Islamic fiction, art, mysticism and philosophy. Concludes with examination of these elements in the contemporary period.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Historical development of Jerusalem and its symbolic meanings in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, from the Bronze Age to the 21st century.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010