An introduction to the variety of religious experience and expression, and the methods by which religion is studied. Topics may include: the relationship between faith and belief; the role of symbol, myth and ritual; the nature of religious authority; personal and non-personal models of the Ultimate; the function of sacred texts; the influence of religion on personal and social behavior; the challenge of religious pluralism and the impact of secularism.

A survey of the books of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) in relation to their social, historical and cultural settings in the ancient Near East. In addition, the role and impact of that literature in Jewish and Christian faith communities are addressed.

A survey of the books of the New Testament in relation to their socio-historical context within Jewish and Hellenistic culture.

An introduction to the variety of religious experiences and expressions found in the Buddhist tradition, and the methods by which they are studied. Topics may include: the sense of 'religion' in Buddhism; the function of sacred scripture and its interpretation; the relation of ritual, practice and doctrine in comparison to Western religion; the place of the religious community in wider society; the rise of modernist interpretations of Buddhism in contemporary Asia and the West.

A study of the four Gospels in the New Testament in relation to the social-cultural-historical settings for which each retold the Jesus story, and of the problems and possibilities they provide for understanding Jesus' actions and message. Selections from non-canonical gospels will likewise be considered. Students will learn to use a variety of literary and historical methods. (Not open to students who have previously taken REL-112 New Testament Introduction or REL-313 Life & Teachings of Jesus.)

An in-depth examination of the beliefs and practices of the Christian tradition. While the course has a historical component, special emphasis is placed on Christianity in contemporary culture.

A survey of the Hebrew Bible in relation to its social, historical and cultural settings as understood through analysis of biblical archaeology and ancient near eastern history. In addition, the role and impact of the Hebrew Bible in Jewish and Christian faith communities are addressed.

An examination of the historical, theoretical, and practical relationship between religion and science. The course explores ecology, the understanding of the self, the nature of reality, the origin and diversity of life, and cosmic origins.

An investigation of the similarities and differences in how theology and the sciences function, and an exploration of ways that conversation between them might be possible, encouraged and made mutually beneficial. The course examines the impact of such conversations in addressing shared, intertwined issues, such as ecological concerns, the understanding of the self, the nature of reality, the origin and diversity of life, and cosmic origins. Majors/minors in the sciences are especially invited to enroll.

Prerequisites: Permission.

Research studies in religion for qualified students. See independent study guidelines.

Prereq.: One course religion or philosophy. A study of the doctrines, practices and institutional formations of the meditation school of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan and the contemporary West. Emphasis will be placed upon the transmission/creation of the tradition in China, its transmission/re-creation in medieval Japan and its transmission/re-creation in the West after World War ll.

An examination of the history, practices and beliefs of Islam from its origin to the present, including both Islam's unity and its diversity.

Prerequisites: REL-112

A topical examination of the task of theological reflection and of its expression in the primary beliefs of the Christian church. Particular attention will be focused on the mutual correlation of scripture and tradition with a contemporary understanding of society.

(Same as HIS-325.) A study of basic Classical and Hellenistic (Koine) Greek grammar and syntax with primary involvement in the New Testament.

Prerequisites: HIS-325 or REL-325

A continuation of REL-325 with a focus on the translation of selected Greek texts and the use of textual criticism.

Prerequisites: HIS-326 or REL-326

(Same as HIS-327.) Reading and translation of Greek texts selected to meet student needs and interests. This course is designed to maintain and improve student proficiency in Greek (may be repeated for a total of 4 credits).

Prerequisites: One course in religion

An examination of specific issues, themes or figures in religion. Topics vary from year to year. See Courses listed below.

Prerequisites: One course in religion.

An experiential encounter with the practice and theory of spiritual development, in an inter-religious context.

Prerequisites: One course in religion

A consideration of the phenomenon of religious diversity, its implications for understanding reality, and the prospects for interreligious understanding and cooperation, including learning from "the religious other."

Prerequisites: One course in philosophy or religion.

(Same as PHI-351) A philosophical consideration of such fundamental ideas as the existence and nature of God, evil, miracles, freedom and immortality with special attention given to religious language and to representative systems of thought.

Prerequisites: One course in philosophy or religion.

A survey of the principle philosophical and religious traditions of India.

Prerequisites: One course in philosophy or religion.

A survey of the principle philosophical and religious traditions of China.

Prerequisites: Permission

A demonstration of writing competence in Religion for the Religion Minor, consisting of a) the submission of one exemplary paper selected and revised from a course taken for the minor, b) a critical self-assessment describing how and why that selected paper demonstrates "writing competence" in Religion, and c) a minimum 2000-word reflection on the minor as a whole (or some facet of it) in relation to "liberal arts education," to the student's major, and/or to the student's vocational plans. This competence demonstration is to be taken concurrently with the final course that completes the minor, or no later than one semester after other course work for the minor is completed.

Prerequisites: Permission

Directed readings in religion on a topic selected by the student, to be evaluated by quizzes, examinations, journal and/or papers, as agreed upon with the instructor.

Prerequisites: Permission

Research studies in religion for qualified students. See independent study guidelines.

Prerequisites: Permission

Individually arranged internships designed to provide practical experience in the work and organization of religious institutions. Periodic reports and papers may be required. See internship guidelines.

Prerequisites: Permission

Advanced study in religion with intensive reading in topics selected by the instructor. Most class discussion is student led. All religion majors are required to enroll in the seminar each year, though freshmen, sophomores and juniors may petition to be excused. Course is one credit per year for a maximum of four credits.

Prerequisites: Permission

A capstone experience for senior religion majors in which they will propose, research, write, and revise a senior thesis for formal presentation.