Introduction to Religious Studies
This course is an introduction to the contemporary field of religious studies, focusing on both the theoretical investigations of religious traditions, as well as on the study of selected religious texts and practices (such as creation stories, sacred biographies, sacred scriptures of a religious tradition(s) rituals, ritual taboos, religiously motivated behaviors.
Outcomes: Students will be able to analyze and interpret various ways in which religious traditions intersect with contemporary issues.
This course is an introduction to the contemporary field of religious studies, focusing on both the theoretical investigations of religious traditions, as well as on the study of selected religious texts and practices (such as creation stories, sacred biographies, sacred scriptures of a religious tradition(s) rituals, ritual taboos, religiously motivated behaviors.
Outcomes: Students will be able to analyze and interpret various ways in which religious traditions intersect with contemporary issues.
Foundational Theological Knowledge
Interreligious and Interfaith Studies
Ritual in the Key of Life
This course will introduce students to the disciplined description, analysis, and interpretation of religion. This course is designed to help students with diverse interests and majors reflect on the role of religion today. How do religious rituals and beliefs shape our own communities? And, how might knowledge about religion enable critical reflection and ethical action in our personal and professional lives? Together we will survey a range of religious traditions (ancient and modern) practiced around the world. To see how beliefs are embodied in ritual practices, we will observe, describe, and analyze case studies from religious texts, ritual performances, and current affairs. We will pay special attention to examples in three thematic clusters: (1) religious scriptures; (2) gender and social structure; and (3) death and loss. This course is designed to help students develop the tools for critical and reflective thinking with a focus on the cross-cultural analysis of religion.
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