Religious Studies Course Descriptions
RE 103(I) Religions of the West. An introduction to the major religions of the Western world. The beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam will receive primary attention. Particular attention will be paid to similarities and differences among these three faiths. Offered as needed.
RE 105(I) Religions of the East. An introduction to the major religions of Asia with particular attention to those traditions which have attracted attention in the West. Certain distinctions between Eastern and Western culture are suggested. Offered fall and spring semesters.
RE 110(I) Introduction to Religion. An introduction to the study of religion as an academic discipline. The focus of the course is on religion as a dimension of human life. Its aim is to acquaint the student with the complex problems and issues which arise in the attempt to study and understand religious phenomena in their broadest human context. Offered fall and spring semesters.
RE 203 Spiritual Quest in Literature. An examination of some major pieces of fiction concerned with heroes on a search for meaning and purpose in their lives? Their search often leads them far from traditional religious beliefs. (Cross-listed as English 203). Offered either fall or spring semester.
RE 204 Death and Beyond. A cross-cultural study of beliefs and practices regarding death and the afterlife. Among the issues considered will be funeral rituals, the judgment of the dead, immortality of the soul, karma and reincarnation. Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, ancient Egyptian and other systems will be considered. Offered spring semester.
RE 205 Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This course is offered under the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) program in spring semester with an experiential learning at overseas during the spring semester. The course examines the comparative religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and analyzes the origins of these faith communities' histories in light of current religious-political conflicts in Israel. Primary reading is from Molloy's "Experiencing the World's Religions." The course includes a field trip to Israel supplemented by in-class discussions. Cross-listed with GOV 250. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor (Course fee to cover overseas trip is required.)
RE 209 Is Religion "Man-made?" Are religious "truths" divinely given or are they created by human beings. We will unravel this issue by approaching the question from various perspectives. We will consider, for example, the psychological approach of Freud as well as the anthropological approach of Malinowski. We will also consider the manner in which Christian beliefs are conditioned, even determined, by historical and political circumstances. The creative use of religious symbolism may be illustrated through an examination of various novels and movies. (Cross-listed as Psychology 209.) Offered either fall or spring semester.