RELS-RELIGIOUS STUDIES – 2005-07 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 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 309  Monotheism: The Bible and the Quran (4)       GE C4

The monotheistic traditions of Christianity and Islam, with focus on their origins from Judaism and pre-Judaic Middle Eastern traditions, such Zoroastrianism. The Christian New Testament, formation of the Church, the Quran and Mohammad. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and C2..

RELS 310  Christianity (4)                         GE C4

The development of the Christian religion from the story of Jesus, the New Testament, Church formation, the role of St. Paul, dissenting ideas, Protestant and Catholic views, and contemporary issues of conscience, such as the Social Gospel and liberation theologies. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area A and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231.

RELS 311  Islam (4)                                   GE C4

The development of Islamic civilization from the inspiration of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad and the Sunni-Shi’i split to contemporary political and social issues. Emphasis of Sufi literature, art, architecture, and philosophies of Islam. 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.