401 Religious Approaches to Sexuality

Human sexuality is explored from two main perspectives: first, the teachings and practices of various religious traditions; and second, contemporary developments in sexual and reproductive health and rights. Among the issues to be considered are sexuality and gender roles, contraception and abortion, marriage and family. Cross-listed as WMNS 411. Prerequisites: RELS 110 or WMNS 200. Three credits.

402 Religious Approaches to Sexual Diversity

This course will focus on religious teachings and traditions on sexual diversity within the broader context of human rights associated with sexual orientation and sexual differences. In particular, we will look at the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersexual and transgendered persons within religious communities. Cross-listed as WMNS 412. Prerequisites: RELS 110 or WMNS 200. Three credits.

440 Jesus

The course examines the answer, developed over centuries by the Christian church, to the question associated with Jesus in the three synoptic gospels: “Who do you say I am?” The class will study the beginnings of the answer found in the letters of Paul and in the four canonical gospels. Attention will be paid to recent writings on the historical Jesus. Prerequisite: RELS 100 or 110 or 120. Six credits.