Spring 2019

Explores multiple religious traditions of the Mediterranean as networks that emerge within and among the landscapes, cultures, and politics of this highly interconnected geographic space.

Historical investigation of New Testament characters, events, ethics and theology in relation to its social, intellectual, and religious contexts in the Jewish and Greco-Roman world.

Survey of the changing beliefs and practices of the Christian religion from obscure origins to globalized present, with special attention to the varieties of Christian literature.

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.

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.

A close consideration of ancient Near Eastern myths--especially those from Mesopotamia and Canaan--with special attention to their influence on the Bible.

The development of religious thought and practice in the Japanese islands, with Buddhism and Shinto being the most prominent.

An introduction to Indian philosophy, including major schools of thought in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies. No previous knowledge of Indian religions or philosophy required.

Examination of the origins, development, and basic concepts and practices of Sufism, as well as its relationship to other areas of Islamic life.

Examines the history and meaning of drugs, alcohol and altered states of mind in world religions across history.

Survey of methods and selected issues in the field of religious studies; required of all majors during their junior or senior year. Recommended preparation: REL 301.

In-depth exploration of archaeology and heritage issues in the Middle East and their implications for politics and practice in modern Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

Historical and theoretical analyses of the complex history of Western perceptions of Islam, focusing on France.Taught in French. Prerequisites: FREN 330. Recommended preparation: REL 137g for Religion majors and minors.

The interaction of archaeology and contemporary societies through political and moral claims; archaeologists' role as stewards and interpreters of ancient cultures and their remains. Capstone course for the Archaeology major.

Critical analysis of the relationship between religion, mass media, and popular cultural forms in the U.S. Recommended preparation: REL 301

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

Exploration of themes and traditions of Islam as they appear globally in a variety of specific country contexts.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.