Religion (REL)

Explores the idea of religion (as a general category), how to study religion in an academic context, and common elements across most religions such as beliefs, practices, values, community, spiritual experience, symbolism, and narrative. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Studies the journeys and religious thought of the apostle Paul. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Examines a selected body of literature, a specific book of the Bible, or a pervasive theme. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces the major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Focuses on origins, history, basic beliefs, values, ethics, and practices. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Studies Islam in its historical, religious, and political dimensions and assists in the understanding of its contemporary vitality and attraction as a faith, a culture and a way of life. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Examines the works of one or more important people in religious thought. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Studies major religious traditions originating in India and East Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism and Shinto. Examines origins, values, ethics, teachings, and practices. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Studies major religious traditions originating in the Near East, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Examines origins, values, ethics, teachings, and practices. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Surveys various manifestations of religion in the American experience. Emphasizes concepts, problems, and issues of religious diversity and character of U.S. religious life. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Examines the origins and historical development of Christianity, its basic metaphysical and theological assumptions and essential doctrines; also examines the present state of the church in the modern world. Lecture 3 hours per week.