Religious Studies (REL)
The development of various religions from the prehistoric to modern times. Political, economic, social and geographic relationships among world religions. Consideration of both Eastern and Western religions. Prerequisites: None.
Various religious expressions of humankind. Focuses on basic religious themes common to religions, such as encounter with the Holy, search for self and community, mystical illumination, spiritual discipline. Prerequisites: None.
Survey of various religious traditions within Spain and the Spanish-settled world. Considers the impact of and impact on both major world religions and indigenous traditions. Prerequisites: None.
A course examining the relationships between religion and film, with particular attention to representations of religious beliefs, institutions, and practices in film and their reception by various audiences. Prerequisites: None.
Academic study of selected works from Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions. Study of cultural and concepts of the world, history, culture, and human nature as represented in these works. Prerequisites: None.
An examination of the historical and cultural background of diverse life ways and worldviews belonging to the peoples indigenous to the North American continent over time, including a study of modern day American Indian beliefs and practices. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.
Introduction to the nature and role of religious beliefs and practices in shaping the lives of individuals and societies, with particular attention to the modern world. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.
Introduction of the rich tapestry of religious traditions and movements that have helped to shape the United States of America. Investigate how religion has impacted American culture and institutions, and how the United States has in turn transformed long-standing religious traditions. Prerequisites: None.
Introduction to the academic study of religion through the study of myths, symbols, and rituals. Includes methods and theories used by scholars to study the complex subject of religion. Attention to literate and nonliterate cultures. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or permission of Department or Division.
Introduction to the history, scriptures, practices and impact of Judaism. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or permission of Department or Division.
The historical context, development, canonization, historical transmission, translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Prerequisites: None.
Introduction to History, scriptures, practices and impact of Islam. Prerequisites: None.
Historical context, development, canonization, historical transmission, translation and Interpretation of the Quran. Prerequisites: None.
History, scriptures, doctrines, and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a modern American religious movement. Prerequisites: None.
Examination of the relationship between religion and culture, with a particular emphasis on how culture influences religion and how religion influences culture historically and in modern settings. Prerequisites: None.
Explore the historical, social, and cultural context for the emergence of spiritual but not religious segment, and examine who identifies with this movement and why. Identify what variety of attitudes and beliefs this group holds, and explore the varieties of private and public spiritual practices and civic engagement this group participates in. Prerequisites: None.
Leaders, movements, traditions, and controversies in the religious history of African-Americans. Prerequisites: None.
Sacred story as experienced in ritual and daily practice of various contemporary groups, such as African, Native American, Native Australian, Native South American, Icelandic and Japanese. Power of sacred story to create and re-create religious and social perspectives. Prerequisites: None.
Consideration of the relationship of religion and science from the beginnings of the historical period to the present. Includes consideration of various contemporary religious perspectives on current scientific issues. Prerequisites: None.
Religious language, the existence of God, miracles, criticisms and human destiny. Prerequisites: None.
Consideration of the perspectives of various religious traditions toward the origins, destiny and value of the earth and its non-human life. Includes exploration of contemporary issues in the interaction of humans with the environment. Prerequisites: None.
Exploration of the understandings and attitudes toward peace, war and violence in religious traditions from the pre-historical to the present. Includes consideration of a variety of religious scripture traditions, theological and philosophical reflections, and religious symbolism. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107, or permission of Instructor.
Survey of the Ancient religious traditions of Ireland. Students investigate the beliefs and practices of Irish Religions in the context of their social, economical and political systems from the late Neolithic to the early Medieval periods (4000 BCE-700 CE). Prerequisites: None.
Development of Christianity in Ireland from 400 AD to present, focusing on political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Prerequisites: None.
The nature and content of the Christian tradition developed over time, with overview of the New Testament, major historical trends and figures, major Christian ideas and practices, and survey of denominations. Prerequisites: None.
Focuses on the origins, development, and selection of the New Testament (NT) books in the Christian religion. Includes authorship, historical reliability, translation and transmission over the centuries, and investigative techniques used by modern scholars. Also considers the varieties of literature contained in the NT, its portrayal of the status of women, and the influence of first-century religious and cultural worldviews on its development. Prerequisites: None.
Mystical traditions of Eastern and Western religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as shamanism of oral traditions. Prerequisites: None.
Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in REL100 or permission of Instructor. Course Notes: REL282AA may be repeated for a total of six (6) REL282 credit hours; may not repeat specific agency assignment for more than three (3) credit hours. Offered as credit (P) or no credit (Z) basis. Standard grading available according to procedures outlined in catalog.
Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in REL100 or permission of Instructor. Course Notes: REL282AB may be repeated for a total of six (6) REL282 credit hours; may not repeat specific agency assignment for more than three (3) credit hours. Offered as credit (P) or no credit (Z) basis. Standard grading available according to procedures outlined in catalog.
Service learning field experience within private/public agencies, and citizen volunteer groups. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in REL100 or permission of Instructor. Course Notes: REL282AC may be repeated for a total of six (6) REL282 credit hours; may not repeat specific agency assignment for more than three (3) credit hours. Offered as credit (P) or no credit (Z) basis. Standard grading available according to procedures outlined in catalog.
Focus on the role of women in several organized religions and/or religious sects. Study of myth and symbols as they are used to establish, maintain, and enforce sex roles within specific cultural contexts around the world. Prerequisites: None.
Exploration of the perspectives of various religious traditions on human sexuality. Includes consideration of all aspects of sexual practice as well as its incorporation into religious discourse and practice and its impact on social norms and structures. Prerequisites: None. Course Notes: Course may contain adult content. All students under 18 years old are required to have a signed parental consent form on file, which is on the back of the Under the age of 18 Enrollment Form.
Introduction to Goddess religions from pre-historic to modern times. Focuses on ancient origins, myths and practices of religions with female deities, their historical replacement by male religious deities, and their modern re-emergence in neo-Goddess movements. Prerequisites: None.
Consideration of the history and nature of the involvement of religious tradition in transformative social action. Incorporates student involvement in some dimension of community service with subsequent integrative classroom activities. Prerequisites: None. Course Notes: REL294 students must complete twelve (12) hours of community service in a site approved by the instructor and provide documentation.
Analysis of both the process and results of human belief, in various stages of the human experience. Incorporates materials from multiple disciplines to form an overarching narrative that integrates the variations of human belief. Prerequisites: A grade of "C" or better in any four (4) REL courses.