Spring 2021

Survey of the changing beliefs and practices of the Christian religion from its origins through early modernity (100 CE - 1500 CE), with special attention to different 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.

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

Examination of the historical continuities and disjunctions between "spiritual but not religious" Americans; the relationship between spirituality, politics and social change, and the role of media.

In-depth exploration of 3D digital, immersive, virtual or extended reality visualizations of cultural heritage, archaeology, historical sites and artifacts, including their legal and ethical dimensions.

Comparative analysis of biblical works and how they were employedby various writers in major works of Western literature.

Varieties of religious experience as reflected in the literature, art, and cultic practices of the Hellenistic world.

History, teaching, and practice of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religious traditions of India.

Examination of value questions arising from the impact of technology on individuals, social institutions, and culture.

Examines various topics in the process of rapid modernization and globalization in Buddhism including environmentalism, gender, nationalism, social activism, and war and peace.

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

Methods of religious studies, history, anthropology, and psychology used to analyze religious beliefs in and responses to the supernatural.

Studies of the presence and influence of Zen Buddhism and Daoism in Asian literature, with a focus on China and Japan.

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.

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.

The role of religion in modern society from the standpoint of sociological theory and research.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

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

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.

Comparative and transhistorical methods for understanding the most prominent developments in premodern or modern globalized Christianity.

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

Skills for academic professionalization, presentation of research in progress and formal responses to academic writing.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded CR/NC.