Courses in Religious Studies

160 Introduction to Religion and Culture
251 Hebrew Scriptures
252 Christian New Testament 
280 Topics in Religions in America
290 Topics in Asian Religions
340 Advanced Study of Western Religions
375 Advanced Study of Biblical Traditions
380 Religion and Ethics
390 Advanced Study of Asian Religions
403 Reading and Special Study
420 Themes in Religion
450 Critical Issues in the Study of Religion
470 Perspectives on Religion

Note:most religious studies courses at the 200-level and above are "variable content" courses, which means that they may be offered by different faculty members, each of whom is teaching different subject matters under the same course title.   Students may enroll in a variable content course twice (6 hours), if the course as taught as a different topic.

Short Course Descriptions of New Religious Studies Courses

160 Introduction to Religion and Culture. (3)

An introduction to the academic study of religion, including the dynamic interaction between religious ideas, practices, and broader cultural contexts.  Specific traditions and cultural contexts addressed in the course will vary according to instructor, but all students will gain an understanding of diverse components of, and methods for studying, religion. 

251 Hebrew Scriptures. (3) 
Academic study of the literature of the Hebrew Scriptures (in English translation) in the context of its time and place, as well as the historical trajectories of its position within broader cultural contexts.

252 Christian New Testament. (3) 
Academic study of the literature of the Christian New Testament in the context of its time and place, as well as the historical trajectories of its position within broader cultural contexts.

280 Topics in Religions in America. (3)

Study of a specific religion and/or religions in their American context, or examination of a theme or a set of social issues in relation to religions in America.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

290 Topics in Asian Religions. (3)
Study of a specific religion and/or religions that began on the continent of Asia, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and contemporary Japanese and Chinese religions.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

Counts toward minor in Asian Studies.

340 Advanced Study of Western Religions. (3)

Critical examination of one or more Western religious traditions, with attention to sacred texts, historical developments, contemporary issues, and prominent figures. This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

375 Advanced Study of Biblical Traditions. (3)

Advanced study of texts and traditions that developed about Jesus among early Christians; of text and traditions related to the early church; or of historical developments in Christianity in relation to culture.   This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

380 Religion and Ethics. (3)

Critical examination of traditions of religious thought and ethics, with focus on a select topic, such as philanthropy and justice, human rights, war and nonviolence, or the environment.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

390 Advanced Study of Asian Religions. (3)
Critical examination of one or more Asian religions.  Topics include sacred texts, historical developments, prominent figures, and relevance to contemporary cultural formations. This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.  Counts for minor in Asian Studies.

403 Reading and Special Study. (1-3)

Allows opportunity for guided investigation of aspects of religion not covered in available courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, religious studies major, 3.0 grade-point average (overall and major), and permission of chosen faculty mentor. A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.

420 Themes in Religion (3)

A thematically-organized examination of an issue in the study of religion.  Some examples: myth, ritual, pilgrimage, religious autobiography, gods and goddesses, asceticism, "texts" in contexts, or religion and cultural studies.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

450 Critical Issues in the Study of Religion (3)

Advanced study of a select issue of importance in the study of religion and culture, e.g. women and religion, religion and politics, religion and ethics.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.

470 Perspectives on Religion. (3) 

A critical analysis of aspects of one or more religious traditions through one or more distinctive methodological perspectives, such as anthropological, sociological, psychological, historical, or philosophical.  This is a variable content course that may be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit