Fall 2016

The Hebrew Bible in the cultural setting of the ancient Near East; the formation of theological and ethical concepts which have shaped Western culture.

Examination of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in their origins and their development in relation to Western civilization.

Focus primarily on works of Buddhist literature written in a variety of genres. Introduction of basic teachings that link Buddhist traditions across time and space.

Exploration of the senses and the technologies of pleasure in India, relating this material to some fascinating examples of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist literature.

Introduction to Islam, emphasizing its historical and cultural development since the seventh century C.E., and the basic teachings of Islam.

Survey of academic approaches to the study of religion. When possible this course will be taken during the first year of the major or minor.

History and contexts of anti-Semitism, racism and other discourses about difference examined through religious, national and cultural forms in Europe and in the US.

Role the Bible has played in debates about sex, gender, and sexuality in Western history.

The construction of gender and sexuality in Western religious traditions; its continued impact on contemporary intellectual, cultural, and social life.

Interdisciplinary analysis of the religious traditions, institutions, and experiences of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.

Close examination and discussion of a variety of religious views regarding human rights. Forges useful frameworks for interpreting the complexity of competing ideas.

Explores whether religion and science offer competing or complementary models for understanding the world and the human place within it.

Religious and moral perspectives on war, pacifism, violent and non-violent protest, and religion-based terrorism and militia.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Individual research for honors in the major leading to a substantial project.

Thematic approaches to the study of religion and religions transcending particular traditions, time periods and geographic regions. Course topic varies by semester according to faculty.

Research methods in the comparative study of Christian religions; recent scholarship in Christian studies.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Study of Islamic religious texts in multiple genres, primarily in Arabic, though other languages may be offered. Recommended preparation: Advanced Arabic language ability.

Study of varied Asian Buddhist texts in translation and in original languages. Exploration of the major secondary literature on Buddhist texts.

Study of Japanese Buddhist texts in classical or modern Japanese and/or kambun. The class covers multiple genres from sutras to vernacular text. Recommended preparation: Advanced Japanese language ability; REL 652.