RELS-RELIGIOUS STUDIES -- 2001-03 Catalog
Philosophy Department

RELS 304 Judaism (4) GE C4

Origins, beliefs and practices of Judaism and central themes in the Hebrew Bible. The development of Judaism in the post-biblical and Talmudic period. Jewish philosophy, life, rituals and customs. The emergence of modern Judaism, Zionism and post-Holocaust philosophy. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231.

RELS 305 Christian Origins (4) GE C4

Origins, beliefs and practices of Christianity from its earliest roots in Judaism and its connection to the Greek mysteries. Emphasis on the Gospels, the life of Jesus, Paul's letters, Gnosticism and other heresies, apocalypticism, Orthodox and Roman Churches. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231.

RELS 306 Hinduism (4) GE C4

Origins, beliefs and practices of Hinduism from the Veda and the Upanishads through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas. Modern Hindu institutions, saints and sages, and social philosophy contrasted with the ancient. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231.

RELS 307 Buddhism (4) GE C4

Buddhist origins, viewpoints and practices will be seen in their development in India, Tibet, China, Japan, South Asia and America. The life of Buddha, Gautama, the rise of Theravada, Mahayana and Tantra. Encounters with Shinto and Confucianism. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231.

RELS 336 Religion, Gender and Society (4)
(Also listed as WS 336) GE C4 USCP

Critical examination of religious ideas and institutions in America in relation to gender, race and politics. Focus on women and religion, the religious experience of minorities, and on politics. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231; one Religious Studies course or consent of instructor.