Religion (RELG)

Information about experimental courses, when offered, will be available at the Office of the Registrar late in the Spring Quarter preceding the academic year in which the courses are scheduled. Such courses are numbered 191, 291, 391 or 491.

RELG 100 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION - 5 hrs
An academic study of the nature, history, beliefs, concepts and practices of religion. Particular attention is given to religious experience and language, prehistoric and contemporary tribal religions, and personal faith development.

RELG 140 INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM AND THE HEBREW BIBLE (OLD TESTAMENT) - 5 hrs
An introductory study of ancient and modern Judaism. Attention is given to the key texts and basic theological concepts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

RELG 150 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT - 5 hrs
An introductory study of the major theological insights of the New Testament. The focus will be on the streams of apostolic tradition that influenced the writers of these works, the communities in which they lived, and the issues that were addressed.

RELG 210 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY - 5 hrs
A survey of the rise, growth and expansion of Christianity from its primitive period through the Reformation. The course examines important institutional events and issues, as well as key ideas of important theological figures in each era.

RELG 220 RELIGION IN AMERICA - 5 hrs
The history of religion in America from pre-Columbian Native American to contemporary manifestations, with a focus on the development of the various Christian denominations.

RELG 230 THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS - 5 hrs
A study of the ancient communities of faith that describe the earthly life of Jesus. This course seeks to identify the raw materials that the Gospel writers used in their stories and to investigate both the social context and the political history that are reflected in each Gospel.

RELG 240 RELIGION IN POPULAR LITERATURE AND FILM - 3 hrs
An examination of the relationship between religion and contemporary culture as reflected in modern art, music, dance, literature, science, drama, cinema, television, cults and the occult. Course offered upon sufficient demand.

RELG 270 WOMEN AND RELIGION - 5 hrs
This course explores the roles that women have played and continue to play in the religions of the world. Major texts will be examined in an attempt to recover the lost voices of the great religious traditions: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, and ancient.

RELG 290 NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIONS - 5 hrs
A survey of the recorded world views, spiritual practices, and mythologies of Native American Indians. The course explicitly accepts that many ceremonies and traditions are not meant to be shared with the public and respects that fact. It also details the devastating results on Native peoples and their cultures of European contact and is designed to sensitize students to the political and religious issues facing Native Americans in the present day.

RELG 300 CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS THOUGHT - 5 hrs
A study of contemporary religious thought focusing on authors whose writings are influencing present-day spirituality and consciousness. Content may vary from year to year. Some background in biblical studies and philosophy is recommended.

RELG 310 PAUL AND HIS LETTERS - 5 hrs
Paul, as a man and a theologian, dominates the New Testament and was a major force in the development of Christian thought as we know it. This course will emphasize how to understand each letter in its original context and situation, and will examine the process by which these letters made their way into the Bible.

RELG 340 BUDDHISM AND ZEN - 5 hrs
An introductory study of one of the major religious and philosophical traditions of the East, Buddhism, with special attention to its meditative Japanese sect, Zen. Attention also is given to origins, tenets, cultural contexts and popular expressions of both religions, as well as to historical and formal connections to other world religions.

RELG 350 THE MUSLIM FAITH AND THE NATION OF ISLAM - 5 hrs
This course examines the religion of Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world. Islam�s key scriptures, beliefs, practices and history are examined, with special attention to the role that this faith has played among 20th century African-Americans.

RELG 360 GENDER AND SEX IN THE WORLD�S MYTHOLOGY - 5 hrs
This course examines with a consciousness of gender and with an acute awareness of multiple cultures the international myths, goddesses, gods, heroes and heroines that make up our mythological heritage. Focus is on the feminine.

RELG 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-5 hrs
Independent study. Open to majors in religion and philosophy; by initiative of student and agreement of instructor.

RELG 400 SEMINAR IN RELIGION - 5 hrs
A course designed chiefly for majors, though others may register for it. The course is intended to guide students in discussion and independent research in areas of religious thought. Permission of the instructor is required.

RELG 490 INTERNSHIP - 1-15 hrs
A supervised program in a local church or other institutional setting designed to supply the student with experiences and information useful in formulating vocational directions and goals. Departmental permission required.