200 Introduction to Religious Ethics

An introduction to religious ethics, this course examines Christian and other religious traditions and their approaches to social justice, ecology, pluralism, healthcare, and non-violence. Six credits.

210 The Bible and Film

This course examines the impact of the Bible on film, and introduces major biblical themes in films with, and films without, explicit religious content. Students will learn how biblical knowledge can enrich our understanding of modern culture and important human issues, such as creation, redemption, election, messiah-ship, charisma, and tradition. Three credits.

215 Sociology of Religion

An introduction to the sociological study of religion. Topics include: social factors that influence religion at individual and communal levels; religion as agent of social cohesion and social conflict; religion and power structures; the impact of pluralism and globalization on religion today. Prerequisite: SOCI 100 or ANTH 110 or RELS 100, 110, or 120. Cross-listed as SOCI 227. Three credits.

225 Cults and New Religious Movements

A study of cults in the context of 20th-century North American society, beginning with defining cults in relation to sects and churches. Topics include: neo-paganism; Hare Krishna; the theosophical tradition; the Unification Church; tragic endings to cults such as the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate; why people join cults; and the religio-cultural significance of cults today. Prerequisite: SOCI 100 or ANTH 110 or RELS 100, 110, or 120. Cross-listed as SOCI 226. Three credits.

253 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament

Designed for students who wish to begin a systematic study of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Each biblical book will be placed in its historical, theological, and literary context, and will be augmented by archeological data, historical background, and contemporary scholarship. Three credits.

255 Introduction to the New Testament

This course is designed for students who wish to begin a systematic study of the New Testament. Each biblical book will be placed in its historical, theological, and literary context, and will be augmented by archeological data, historical background, and contemporary scholarship. Three credits.

265 Introduction to the Gospels

In this course, students will employ source, form, and redaction criticism to explore the four canonical gospels, and to examine ideas about the kingdom of God, the parables, and the quest for the historical Jesus. Three credits.

275 Introduction to Paul’s Letters

The course will consist of a literary and historical study of the letters ascribed to Paul in the New Testament. Attention will be given to recent research on Paul and Judaism; Paul and the Law; the Pauline churches. Three credits.

295 Religion and Politics

An examination of the impact of religion on politics and politics on religion. Students will consider the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East, Northern Ireland, India and Pakistan, Eastern Europe and North America. Case studies will demonstrate interactions between the state and Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, as well as the influence of religion on citizenship, education, the party system, and social issues. Cross-listed as PSCI 295. Three credits.