Origin, belief and practices of Christianity. Its early roots in the Messianic idea in Judaism. The Gospels, the life and ministry of Jesus, the letters of Paul, the development of the Catholic Church, heresies, and apocalypticism will be emphasized. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ENGL 125 or PHIL 125 or SPC 125, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231 or permission of the instructor.

Origin, beliefs and practices of the Veda and the Upanisads. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The six systems of Hindu philosophy. Modern Hindu institutions and social philosophy. Encounter with heterodox religions, such as the Jains and Sikhs. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ENGL 125 or PHIL 125 or SPC 125, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231 or permission of the instructor.

Origin, beliefs, and practices of Buddhist traditions. The life of Gautama, the historical Buddha. Philosophies of Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrism. Development of Buddhism in China, Tibet, Japan, Southeast Asia. American encounter with Taoist, Shinto and Confucian traditions. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ENGL 125 or PHIL 125 or SPC 125, and PHIL 230 or PHIL 231 or permission of the instructor.

Beliefs, ethics and religious practices of Islam. Historical development of the Islamic tradition from the Prophet Muhammad. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: ENGL 125 or