Religion
College of Arts & Sciences
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Introduction to Religion
CAS RN 100
Religion matters. It makes meaning and provides structure to life, addressing fundamental questions about the body, spirit, community, and time. But what is it? How does it work in our world? This course explores religion in ritual, philosophical, experiential, and ethical dimensions. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
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Religions of Asia
CAS RN 103
Online offering. Study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Focus on the world view of each tradition and the historical development of that world view. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Aesthetic Exploration, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 12-June 26)
O1 (IND) Arranged... Open SeatsDaigengna DuoerOnline section O1: Meets online every Tues & Thurs 8-9 am for a live class. Nonstandard course datesO3 (IND) Arranged... Open SeatsYair LiorOnline section O3: Meets online every Tues & Thurs 9-10 am for a live class. Nonstandard course datesSummer 2 (June 29-August 14)
O2 (IND) Arranged... Open SeatsA.D. HughesOnline section O2: Meets online every Wed & Fri 1-2 pm for a live class. Nonstandard course datesO4 (IND) Arranged... Open SeatsA.D. HughesOnline section O4: Meets online every Tues & Thurs 9-10 am for a live class. Nonstandard course datesFor information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/technology. BU Virtual can be reached at buvirtual@bu.edu or 617-358-1960 for additional information. -
Death and Immortality
CAS RN 106
Examines death as religious traditions have attempted to accept, defeat, deny, or transcend it. Do we have souls? Do they reincarnate? What to do with a corpse? Other topics include mourning, burial, cremation, martyrdom, resurrection, near-death experiences. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)
Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
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Religion and Hip Hop
CAS RN 296
Uses digital media studies to explore diverse religious expressions in hip hop culture. Through critical reading, community field trips, and hands-on technology usage, students consider an often overlooked element in the study of hip hop culture: religion. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Aesthetic Exploration, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
Meets w/CAS AA 296 -
Religion and Politics
CAS RN 379
Introduction to the comparative study of the political role of religious institutions and beliefs. Covers issues such as religion's relationship to violence and terrorism, democracy and human rights, group identity, gender and sexuality, and modernity and secularism. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380
Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)
Meets w/CAS PO 379 & CAS IR 337
Financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for certain HUB courses in summer 2026, including this one. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu. Check out Summer 2026 HUB Course Scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.