Religious Studies Course Descriptions

An introduction to the academic study of religion exploring cross-culturally some of the fundamental ways in which people experience and understand religion. Questions addressed include: What is religion? What are the basic forms of religious life? What connections exist among self-identity, the sacred, and society? How do those connections help to establish meaning and values in human existence? How is religious knowledge possible? Readings include primary religious texts and critical reflections on religion. Intended primarily for freshmen and sophomores or students with no prior work in the religious studies department.

This course will examine high points of the Hebrew Bible, beginning with the Torah but moving on to the history, poetry, wisdom, and prophetic voices that have made it a major work of world literature. We will start by thinking about how these works fit into a particular historical context, but move forward to sample how these texts have shaped Judaism and influenced other religious traditions and how its language and themes have been repurposed by literary writers and social activists.

A survey of the religious elements that constitute the broad system of beliefs known as Hinduism. Emphasis is placed on lived religious experience, but intellectual history and dominant patterns of ritual are also covered. Readings include primary texts, comic books, videos and other multimedia content.

An introductory survey of the history, development, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism. The course is modeled on a traditional Buddhist framework of teaching known as "hearing, contemplating, and meditating." In addition to reading primary and secondary sources, students will also be required to engage in some basic meditation practices as part of this course. Other assignments may include: exams, papers, and projects.

An introductory survey of primarily western Christianity. Our focus will be on selected "classic" works written by Christians over the last two thousand years. Discussion with occasional lectures. Assignments include short papers (3-5 pages) and in-class tests.

An introduction to Islam. Students begin with the Quran and gain familiarity with its themes and style. The second part is an examination of the mysticism of the Sufis. We see Islam rooted in a great medieval city like Cairo. Finally, we examine trends in contemporary Islam, ranging from fundamentalism to moderate versions of Islam in Senegal, Indonesia, and the US.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An examination of the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Topics will include: the place of religion in the public sphere (both historically and constitutionally); First Amendment protections and restrictions; Christianity and social justice movements (abolition, civil rights, abortion); the notion of “civil religion”; the rise of “Christian nationalism” in the 21st century.

Ghosts, angels, spirits, UFOs and reincarnation: cultures around the world feature reports (and everyday practices) involving a variety of extraordinary phenomena, supernatural powers, and more-than-human entities. This course draws on scholarship in anthropological, ethnographic, historical, and religious studies to examine how scholars have studied apparently paranormal phenomena, and the often significant effects that reports of such phenomena have in culture and society.

A look at how humans have made sense of existing in the biosphere. We will examine views on the nature of life in religious traditions like ancient Egypt and Jainism as well as early philosophical accounts. The second half will involve a close reading of Charles Darwin and reflection on resources offered by religious traditions to respond to the "sixth extinction." Lecture/discussion with written assignments and journaling on the coming of spring. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

A survey of the religious elements that constitute the broad system of beliefs known as Hinduism. Emphasis is placed on lived religious experience, but intellectual history and dominant patterns of ritual are also covered. Readings include primary texts, comic books, videos and other multimedia content.

This course will explore the complex dimensions of Buddhism in North America, covering the history and development of Buddhist traditions beginning in the 19th century, and the practices, beliefs, and traditions that have formed as a result. In studying contemporary developments within North American Buddhism, we will focus primarily on the writings and teachings of Asian-American and Black Buddhists in the United States. PREREQUISITES: Previous course in Buddhist Studies, or sophomore standing

An introduction to the thought of Augustine of Hippo. This late 4th/early 5th century "father" of classical Christianity is one of the most important and influential Christian thinkers in the west. We will concentrate on two of his works: Confesssions (his spiritual autobiography, describing his evolution from lusty adolescent, through the perils of heresy, to his conversion to Christianity) and City of God (his magnum opus that details the superiority of all things Christian over Roman life and culture, as well as providing a history of the world from Creation to Judgment Day). Course will be taught by discussion and will have both papers and a take- home exam.

An introduction to contemporary novels from the Middle East and North Africa that explores how Arab writers deal with religious, social, political and sexual taboos in their artistic works as well as issues of censorship and confiscation of literary productions. Lecture with group presentations, class discussions and a final analytical paper.

An examination of the representation of Cairene urban and social spaces in the fictions of contemporary Egyptian writers such as Naguib Mahfouz, Ahdaf Soueif and others. Literary analysis will lead the students to investigate how representations of urban changes become a means for the novelist to reflect on the social and political changes of postcolonial Egypt. Lectures, class discussion and a final paper.

This course will compare the origin story of AI with that of the internet, asking how they differ as mediums. How does Marshall McLuhan’s “The Medium Is the Message” dictum apply to AI? We will explore how AI is reshaping religious institutions and traditional authority through its expanding capacities. Finally, we will consider how popular AI chat interactions are transforming assumptions about the Self and fulfilling the ancient hope of getting God to talk back. Assignments include critical writing, hands-on prompt experimentation.

The rhetoric surrounding technology invokes revolution and newness, but the products and services fit with the individualism of American (and global) views of self and society. We will examine both the positive visions offered by tech thinkers like Steward Brand and Ray Kurzweil, as well as the destructive results that occur as corporations “move fast and break things.” Students will complete a video critique of a digital platform. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course examines the Heart Sutra, a short work that conveys the essence of Buddhist philosophy. Student learn to read the text in Tibetan (developing skills in pronunciation, basic grammar, and vocabulary). Students also engage English-language readings that explore philosophy, history, geography and gender in the Heart Sutra. Vocabulary and reading quizzes, short translations, short paper.

The Arabian Nights, or 1,001 Nights, offers a unique glimpse into medieval Islam. Our readings from these tales will be supplemented with travel narratives and Sufi texts building on this storytelling tradition. The course provides an expansive view of the Islamic tradition and a chance to think critically about later perceptions of the Middle East. Students will complete an interpretive paper or digital mapping project.

This course represents an exploration of a topic in religious studies. Topics will emphasize contemporary questions and experiential learning. Assignments will emphasize experiential learning and discussion. May be repeated when topic is different. TOPICS FOR Fall 2026: DANTE'S INFERNO PREREQUISITES: None This class devotes the term to reading through a modern English translation of the fourteenth-century Italian classic, Dante's "Inferno." We will discuss this exciting journey into the underworld from a variety of perspectives relating to its historical, artistic, theological, and linguistic contexts.

We will examine the religious tradition of Egypt as it developed in the old, middle, and new kingdoms. Ideas about eternal life as detailed in the Pyramid Texts and embodied in the Pyramids will be closely studied, along with the tradition of wisdom literature. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

This course provides the opportunity to experience a major religious tradition through a one- or two-week field experience accompanied by a professor. Class members will visit significant historical and contemporary sites and meet with practitioners during a break between terms. Students must register for the course in the term prior to travel and in the subsequent term, when they will complete a project. Travel program fee plus airfare.

This course is an examination of three contemporary positions which typically claim to be anti- or non-religious in orientation. We will explore the historical origins of each view (or, more precisely, each cluster of views) as well as analyzing its coherence and intelligibility. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course examines queer and trans approaches in religious studies. Discussions examine concepts of (homo)sexuality and (trans)gender in various global and historical contexts, ranging from ancient and medieval sources to contemporary communities. Readings include works in queer and trans religious studies (e.g., Gloria Anzaldua, Michel Foucault, Hsiao-Lan Hu, Afsaneh Najmabadi, Jasbir K. Puar, Max K. Strassfeld, Roberto Strongman, Melissa M. Wilcox). Discussion, presentation, final paper. Not open to students who have previously received or need to receive credit for RLST 512 or GEST 512.

An examination of the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche, focusing on his critique of Christianity and his general theory of religion, as well as what Paul Ricouer calls his "hermeneutics of suspicion." Some discussion of other 19th-century critiques of religion (e.g., Feuerbach, Marx) will be included to provide historical context and contrast. Seminar with short papers and in-class presentations. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

An examination of the range of views on the relationship between reason and religion, focusing in particular on theistic belief. Questions addressed include: Can God’s existence be proven? Is faith different from ordinary belief? Does mystical experience provide adequate grounds for religious belief? PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course will focus on the nature of God and the afterlife from the perspective of the Abrahamic and Indian Hindu and Buddhist traditions, including arguments for and against the existence of God and the afterlife. Does God or the afterlife exist? Does either provide us with reason to be good? Students will be evaluated on the basis of expository and critical essays and presentations.

This course focuses on the ideologies of European colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. It investigates the myths and realities of colonialism and compares the experiences of people in Africa, the Caribbean, Indonesia, and India. We pay attention to the way religious traditions are shaped and deformed in this process. Analysis is informed by essays written by anticolonial theorists such as Gandhi and Fanon, and by novels and films. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This discussion-based course investigates the ways in which women and gender minorities participate in Buddhist culture around the world. By reading texts by and about Buddhist women, this course will explore the extent to which gender affects social status, leadership roles, and access to education in Buddhist communities in South Asia, East Asia, and the United States.

An examination of the Quran in its historical context, which will include reading of pre-Islamic poetry and the earliest biographical traditions about Muhammad. We will read the work of recent historians like Fred Donner and Patricia Crone who have offered revisionist views of the earliest Islamic community. PREREQUISITES: RLST 240

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An examination of the problem of evil from three points of view: the philosophical (which treats evil as a logical and/or evidential problem for the existence of an omni-God); the theological (which regards evil as an existential and/or soteriological problem); the secular (which seeks to develop a vocabulary for speaking about evil in a non-religious, “post-metaphysical” context.) Taught by discussion; requirements include papers (5-7 pages in length), discussion forum posts, and bluebook tests. PREREQUISITES: One course in RLST recommended

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

A critical survey of one or more of the distinctive themes in the religious thought of the West since the Reformation. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course will focus on reading a classic text related to the field of religious studies. The work chosen could be related to the philosophy or sociology of religion or have theological or historical importance within a specific religious tradition. May be repeated when topic is different. TOPICS FOR Fall 2026: Dante's Inferno PREREQUISITES: sophomore standing This class devotes the term to reading through a modern English translation of the fourteenth-century Italian classic, Dante's Inferno from the Divine Comedy. We will discuss this journey into the underworld from a variety of perspectives relating to its historical, artistic, theological, and linguistic contexts.

Intensive study of the works of the Danish philosopher/theologian considered to be the father of Existentialism. Concentration on Kierkegaard’s view of the self and its relation to his stages of existence, with particular attention to his view of faith. Some consideration to the historical context of his thought and his influence on 20th-century theology and philosophy. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of the instructor.

Students are expected to complete the same assignments as students taking 312, along with additional readings (e.g., in studying Christianity, in addition to reading about Jesus in the Gospels, advanced students would also read about Paul's letters) and a longer paper. Not open to students who have previously received credit for RLST 312 or GEST 312.

This topics course offers advanced students a seminar in a topic related to a foundations/gateway course offered in the same term. Students engage with more challenging readings and pursue their own scholarship, presenting their research in the companion gateway course as the opportunity arises. Students may have previously taken the companion gateway course but may not enroll concurrently in that course. May be repeated when topic is different.

This seminar is an intensive study of Michel Foucault, focusing on his analyses of religion. This course also examines how scholars in religious studies have engaged Foucault from various theoretical vantage points (e.g., postcolonialism, feminism, Black studies, queer theory). Supplementary works may include Niki Kasumi Clements, Lynne Huffer, Mark Jordan, Saba Mahmood, Gayatri Spivak, Susan Stryker, Sylvia Wynter. Discussion, presentation, final paper.

Through comparative study, this course explores how communities sacralize space and time through ritual and narrative. Case studies will include the Hajj to Mecca, Japanese Shinto shrines, the Roman Catholic Mass, and Mormon settlement of Utah. Readings introduce theories of ritual and the sacred. When feasible, we will conduct site visits. Students design an individual project focused on a chosen tradition or anticipated travel. Seminar paper required.

This course will examine the transformations of Islam that have accompanied globalization. Our focus will be roughly split between the theoretical perspective on globalization offered by Olivier Roy and the work of Laila Ahmed on gender in contemporary Islam. Students will develop and write a major research paper. PREREQUISITES: RLST 240

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

The goal of this class is to give advanced RLST students (juniors or seniors) space to write a paper or finish a senior capstone. We will discuss the challenges of research and the use of sources. Reading will consist of contemporary academic articles designed to highlight styles of argument. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.