Religious Studies Department Courses
Honors Religious Studies
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HRE285* HNR WCH Amish, Brethren, and Mennonites
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) An interdisciplinary study of the Amish, Brethren and Mennonite experience (beliefs, history and practices) in the context of modern American culture with primary focus upon understanding how these religious communities responded to major developments in American society since 1850 - the industrial revolution, the modern state, individuation, modern warfare, conscription, the rise of technology, compulsory public education, theological liberalism and religious pluralism. How changes in the larger society have encouraged assimilation, fragmentation, and, in some cases, reactionary (old order) movements within Anabaptist and Pietist groups is explored. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Spring semesters. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course - Honors) An interdisciplinary study of the Amish, Brethren and Mennonite experience (beliefs, history and practices) in the context of modern American culture with primary focus upon understanding how these religious communities responded to major developments in American society since 1850 - the industrial revolution, the modern state, individuation, modern warfare, conscription, the rise of technology, compulsory public education, theological liberalism and religious pluralism. How changes in the larger society have encouraged assimilation, fragmentation, and, in some cases, reactionary (old order) movements within Anabaptist and Pietist groups is explored. *A Writing and Research Intensive course. Spring semesters. Register by Instructor.
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HRE289 HNR Communal and Utopian Societies
- 4.00 credits. This course will examine various types of communal societies, frequently known as utopian or intentional communities, that have sought to institute an ideal social order, a "heaven on earth." Historic and contemporary religious expressions of American communal development are emphasized. Case studies include the Ephrata Society, Brook Farm, Oneida, New Harmony, The Amana Colonies, the Hutterites, the Shakers, Reba Place Church and the Catholic Worker Movement, among others. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. This course will examine various types of communal societies, frequently known as utopian or intentional communities, that have sought to institute an ideal social order, a "heaven on earth." Historic and contemporary religious expressions of American communal development are emphasized. Case studies include the Ephrata Society, Brook Farm, Oneida, New Harmony, The Amana Colonies, the Hutterites, the Shakers, Reba Place Church and the Catholic Worker Movement, among others. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
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PCS160 Conflict Resolution Practicum
- Variable credit. Basic skills required for nonadversarial conflict resolution are provided with significant devotion to exercises and simulated conflict solutions that teach the practice of alternative dispute resolution. Two principal paradigms of conflict resolution: mediation and conferencing receive specific attention.
- Variable credit. Basic skills required for nonadversarial conflict resolution are provided with significant devotion to exercises and simulated conflict solutions that teach the practice of alternative dispute resolution. Two principal paradigms of conflict resolution: mediation and conferencing receive specific attention.
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PCS465 Directed Research Project in Peace and Conflict Studies
- 4.00 credits. This course is a capstone seminar designed to integrate previous course work and produce a major research project. *Prerequisites: all other requirements for the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
- 4.00 credits. This course is a capstone seminar designed to integrate previous course work and produce a major research project. *Prerequisites: all other requirements for the Peace and Conflict Studies minor.
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PCS470 Peace and Conflict Studies Internship
- Variable credit. Internships with advocacy groups, government agencies, research institutes, and other not-for-profit organizations in the fields of nonviolence, social justice, human rights, disarmament, environmental protection, and Third World development are encouraged. Up to six hours of academic credit may be earned for the internship. *Prerequisites: PCS 160 and 165. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Internships with advocacy groups, government agencies, research institutes, and other not-for-profit organizations in the fields of nonviolence, social justice, human rights, disarmament, environmental protection, and Third World development are encouraged. Up to six hours of academic credit may be earned for the internship. *Prerequisites: PCS 160 and 165. Register by Instructor.
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REL105* HUM Exploring Religion and Religions
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) A survey introducing historical origins, practices and beliefs of many of the world's religious traditions and the methods of inquiry in the various disciplines in the field of religious studies. Theories of the nature and origin of religion, and categories such as the sacred, myth, scripture, ritual, ethics, religious change and questions of religious truth are explored. Significant attention to the contemporary environment of religion is granted.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) A survey introducing historical origins, practices and beliefs of many of the world's religious traditions and the methods of inquiry in the various disciplines in the field of religious studies. Theories of the nature and origin of religion, and categories such as the sacred, myth, scripture, ritual, ethics, religious change and questions of religious truth are explored. Significant attention to the contemporary environment of religion is granted.
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REL145* HUM Jesus and Moral Life
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Area of Core) This survey course explores the moral vision of Jesus and introduces Christian ethical reflections on social institutions (for example, the state and market) and social actions (for example, peacemaking and distributing capital). A fundamental part of this course is an exploration of the sources, types and contexts of Christian social ethics.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Area of Core) This survey course explores the moral vision of Jesus and introduces Christian ethical reflections on social institutions (for example, the state and market) and social actions (for example, peacemaking and distributing capital). A fundamental part of this course is an exploration of the sources, types and contexts of Christian social ethics.
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REL151 Life Meaning and Purposeful Work
- 2.00 credits. This course will explore what it means to live purposefully in terms of traditional and contemporary understandings of vocation and life calling. Emphasis will be placed on the nexus between theological and philosophical understandings of the meaning of life and the moral life. Students will be invited to think about specific life work and career choices within the context of larger theological, ethical, aesthetic or philosophical commitments.
- 2.00 credits. This course will explore what it means to live purposefully in terms of traditional and contemporary understandings of vocation and life calling. Emphasis will be placed on the nexus between theological and philosophical understandings of the meaning of life and the moral life. Students will be invited to think about specific life work and career choices within the context of larger theological, ethical, aesthetic or philosophical commitments.
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REL185 In the Way: Introduction to the History and Thought of Christianity
- 3.00 credits. This course introduces major themes in the study of the history of Christianity from its origins to the present. The course also explores some historical developments of doctrine and ritual. Students will study some aspects of women's involvement in the history of Christianity. The course will introduce students to some of the historical developments of Christian architecture, art and music.
- 3.00 credits. This course introduces major themes in the study of the history of Christianity from its origins to the present. The course also explores some historical developments of doctrine and ritual. Students will study some aspects of women's involvement in the history of Christianity. The course will introduce students to some of the historical developments of Christian architecture, art and music.
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REL213* PLO Biblical Hebrew I
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A beginning study of the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, with the final goal of reading the Tanakh in its original language. Offered as needed.
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A beginning study of the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, with the final goal of reading the Tanakh in its original language. Offered as needed.
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REL214 Biblical Hebrew II
- 4.00 credits. Continues the study of Biblical Hebrew grammar and vocabulary. *Prerequisite: REL 213, or permission of the instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Continues the study of Biblical Hebrew grammar and vocabulary. *Prerequisite: REL 213, or permission of the instructor.
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REL215* PLO Koiné Greek I
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A beginning study of the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek, designed to develop basic reading competence and an understanding of some of the challenges one faces when translating the New Testament into English.
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) A beginning study of the alphabet, grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek, designed to develop basic reading competence and an understanding of some of the challenges one faces when translating the New Testament into English.
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REL216 Koiné Greek II
- 4.00 credits. Continued study of Koine Greek grammar and vocabulary. Translation exercises are taken from the Septuagint and the New Testament. Offered as needed. *Prerequisite: REL 215, or permission of instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Continued study of Koine Greek grammar and vocabulary. Translation exercises are taken from the Septuagint and the New Testament. Offered as needed. *Prerequisite: REL 215, or permission of instructor.
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REL217* PLO Sanskrit I
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) This course is an introduction to Sanskrit, designed to develop basic reading competence as well as a general knowledge of grammatical principles, an elementary vocabulary, and a sense of the relationship of the structure of the Sanskrit language to classical Indian culture and philosophy. Offered as needed.
- 4.00 credits. (Power of Language Core Course) This course is an introduction to Sanskrit, designed to develop basic reading competence as well as a general knowledge of grammatical principles, an elementary vocabulary, and a sense of the relationship of the structure of the Sanskrit language to classical Indian culture and philosophy. Offered as needed.
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REL218 Sanskrit II
- 4.00 credits. This course is a continuation of Sanskrit I, designed to further develop and enhance basic reading competence and to broaden general knowledge of grammatical principles, an elementary vocabulary, and a sense of the relationship of the structure of the Sanskrit language to classical Indian culture and philosophy. Offered as needed. *Prerequisite: REL 217.
- 4.00 credits. This course is a continuation of Sanskrit I, designed to further develop and enhance basic reading competence and to broaden general knowledge of grammatical principles, an elementary vocabulary, and a sense of the relationship of the structure of the Sanskrit language to classical Indian culture and philosophy. Offered as needed. *Prerequisite: REL 217.
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REL225* NCH The Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Hebrew Bible with emphasis on its ancient Near Eastern context. Readings will include myths, stories, laws, hymns, poetry and wisdom texts from Egypt, Babylonia and Ugarit, in addition to selected readings from the Bible (Tanakh or Old Testament). *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Hebrew Bible with emphasis on its ancient Near Eastern context. Readings will include myths, stories, laws, hymns, poetry and wisdom texts from Egypt, Babylonia and Ugarit, in addition to selected readings from the Bible (Tanakh or Old Testament). *A Writing and Research Intensive Course.
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REL226* WCH The New Testament
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the literature of the New Testament, with emphasis on the first-century Mediterranean context. Spring semester. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the literature of the New Testament, with emphasis on the first-century Mediterranean context. Spring semester. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
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REL235 Emerging Religions
- 3.00 credits. This course is a comparative and interdisciplinary introduction to the growing number of New Religious Movements (NRMs) appearing worldwide in the last 175 years. Topics focus on charismatic leaders, the Anti-cult Movement, gender issues, and violence and abuse within NRMs. The course also explores why NRMs have formed in increasingly greater numbers, especially in the United States., since World War II, and the role that secularization and environmental concerns has played in their formation. Spring semester, alternating years.
- 3.00 credits. This course is a comparative and interdisciplinary introduction to the growing number of New Religious Movements (NRMs) appearing worldwide in the last 175 years. Topics focus on charismatic leaders, the Anti-cult Movement, gender issues, and violence and abuse within NRMs. The course also explores why NRMs have formed in increasingly greater numbers, especially in the United States., since World War II, and the role that secularization and environmental concerns has played in their formation. Spring semester, alternating years.
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REL236 Myth, Magic, and Religion
- 3.00 credits. This introductory course focuses on the origins of mythology, as well as the expression and development of myths and mythic themes throughout the ages. It is a cross-cultural exploration of the relationship between mythology, systems of ritual magic, and the development of early forms of religion, especially those of ancient Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The course is interdisciplinary, focusing on the historical, anthropological, and psychological, aspects of mythology and religion. Spring semester, alternating years.
- 3.00 credits. This introductory course focuses on the origins of mythology, as well as the expression and development of myths and mythic themes throughout the ages. It is a cross-cultural exploration of the relationship between mythology, systems of ritual magic, and the development of early forms of religion, especially those of ancient Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The course is interdisciplinary, focusing on the historical, anthropological, and psychological, aspects of mythology and religion. Spring semester, alternating years.
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REL237 Polytheism, Animism, and Shamanism
- 3.00 credits. A survey of indigenous religious traditions worldwide, both ancient and contemporary, with a theoretical and comparative introduction to the way in which these traditions incorporate the practices of polytheism, animism and shamanism. The course explores religious traditions from ancient cultures including Japan, India, Greece and Scandinavia. Comparisons are made with contemporary practices in cultures ranging from Oceania and the Americas to Africa and Asia, focusing on the incorporation of nature into religious practice and belief. Fall semester, alternating years.
- 3.00 credits. A survey of indigenous religious traditions worldwide, both ancient and contemporary, with a theoretical and comparative introduction to the way in which these traditions incorporate the practices of polytheism, animism and shamanism. The course explores religious traditions from ancient cultures including Japan, India, Greece and Scandinavia. Comparisons are made with contemporary practices in cultures ranging from Oceania and the Americas to Africa and Asia, focusing on the incorporation of nature into religious practice and belief. Fall semester, alternating years.
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REL238 Contemporary Pagan Religions
- 3.00 credits. This course is a comparative introduction to the contemporary revival and indigenous survival of various pagan traditions existing before the current era, especially those found in western and northern Europe. Primary resources will include current Pagan journals, websites and writings. The course reviews the main traditions found in modern Paganism, including Wicca, Druidry, Heathenism, shamanism and Goddess Spirituality. Special attention will be given to comparing polytheistic traditions, from ancient roots to recent syncretistic revivals. Fall semester, alternating years.
- 3.00 credits. This course is a comparative introduction to the contemporary revival and indigenous survival of various pagan traditions existing before the current era, especially those found in western and northern Europe. Primary resources will include current Pagan journals, websites and writings. The course reviews the main traditions found in modern Paganism, including Wicca, Druidry, Heathenism, shamanism and Goddess Spirituality. Special attention will be given to comparing polytheistic traditions, from ancient roots to recent syncretistic revivals. Fall semester, alternating years.
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REL252 Vocation and Church in the 21st Century
- 4.00 credits. This course invites students to reflect theologically on vocation and the church within the context of the changing landscape of the postmodern world. Emphasis will be placed on the trends and issues that challenge the church in the 21st century. While the course and its readings will focus primarily on the Christian church in the United States, the course also will discuss trends, issues and methods that may apply to synagogue, temple or mosque. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. This course invites students to reflect theologically on vocation and the church within the context of the changing landscape of the postmodern world. Emphasis will be placed on the trends and issues that challenge the church in the 21st century. While the course and its readings will focus primarily on the Christian church in the United States, the course also will discuss trends, issues and methods that may apply to synagogue, temple or mosque. Alternate years.
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REL253 Theology Through Film
- 4.00 credits. This course invites students to reflect theologically on the content of contemporary films. While film style and technique will be discussed to a limited extent, the course will be oriented unapologetically toward viewing narrative, plot, character development, imagery, symbols and values in the light of implicit and explicit religious, spiritual, mythological, ideological and ethical themes. Some attention will be given to various methodologies and theoretical issues in the field of religion and film. Spring semester, alternating years.
- 4.00 credits. This course invites students to reflect theologically on the content of contemporary films. While film style and technique will be discussed to a limited extent, the course will be oriented unapologetically toward viewing narrative, plot, character development, imagery, symbols and values in the light of implicit and explicit religious, spiritual, mythological, ideological and ethical themes. Some attention will be given to various methodologies and theoretical issues in the field of religion and film. Spring semester, alternating years.
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REL261 Peacemaking and Social Justice in the Bible
- 4.00 credits. An examination of biblical texts relating to peacemaking and social justice and the ways in which those texts have been interpreted by Christian ethicists and theologians. Every four years.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of biblical texts relating to peacemaking and social justice and the ways in which those texts have been interpreted by Christian ethicists and theologians. Every four years.
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REL264 Religion and Violence
- 4.00 credits. Through an exploration of a variety of religious traditions and historical case studies, this course engages in a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary examination of the role of religion in promoting both violence and nonviolence. Topics include religiously motivated terrorism, religious responses to globalization and secularism, religion and the politics of identity, and religious views on the ethical treatment of animals and the environment. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. Through an exploration of a variety of religious traditions and historical case studies, this course engages in a cross-cultural, multidisciplinary examination of the role of religion in promoting both violence and nonviolence. Topics include religiously motivated terrorism, religious responses to globalization and secularism, religion and the politics of identity, and religious views on the ethical treatment of animals and the environment. Alternate years.
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REL284 Anabaptist and Pietist Movements
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the major events, personalities, beliefs and cultural life of representative Anabaptist and Pietist movements. Primary focus will be given to the European origins and immigration to America of the Mennonites, Amish, Brethren and Moravians. Special attention will be given to the background of these movements in the Protestant Reformation, and their place within the wider Believer's Church, or Free Church, wing of European and American religious life. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the major events, personalities, beliefs and cultural life of representative Anabaptist and Pietist movements. Primary focus will be given to the European origins and immigration to America of the Mennonites, Amish, Brethren and Moravians. Special attention will be given to the background of these movements in the Protestant Reformation, and their place within the wider Believer's Church, or Free Church, wing of European and American religious life. Fall semester.
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REL291* NCH Indic Religions: Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Hindu tradition and the traditions that have emerged from it - Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism - as well as its historical interactions with Islam, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. Basic Hindu concepts and practices are introduced and the history of the tradition is explored from the ancient Harappan civilization to modern times.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Hindu tradition and the traditions that have emerged from it - Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism - as well as its historical interactions with Islam, Zoroastrianism and Christianity. Basic Hindu concepts and practices are introduced and the history of the tradition is explored from the ancient Harappan civilization to modern times.
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REL292* NCH Buddhism
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Buddhist tradition in all of its various forms - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana - and its interactions with Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Basic Buddhist concepts and practices are introduced and the history of the tradition is explored from the life of the Buddha to modern times. Issues range from the paranormal (karma, reincarnation and the nature of the Buddha) to the political with strong emphasis on Buddhist philosophy.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) An introduction to the Buddhist tradition in all of its various forms - Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana - and its interactions with Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto. Basic Buddhist concepts and practices are introduced and the history of the tradition is explored from the life of the Buddha to modern times. Issues range from the paranormal (karma, reincarnation and the nature of the Buddha) to the political with strong emphasis on Buddhist philosophy.
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REL293 Islam
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the teachings, practices and history of Islam. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the teachings, practices and history of Islam. Alternate years.
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REL313 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
- Variable (1.00 to 4.00) credit(s). This course is designed to develop students' ability to read and translate Biblical Hebrew. The class meets weekly to read, translate and discuss a short passage from the Bible. Students will prepare the passage in advance of the session. Students may choose to take this course for one to four credits, with there being one hour of class time for every credit earned. Assignments will be determined based on the number of credits chosen. The course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Offered as needed.
- Variable (1.00 to 4.00) credit(s). This course is designed to develop students' ability to read and translate Biblical Hebrew. The class meets weekly to read, translate and discuss a short passage from the Bible. Students will prepare the passage in advance of the session. Students may choose to take this course for one to four credits, with there being one hour of class time for every credit earned. Assignments will be determined based on the number of credits chosen. The course may be repeated for a maximum of eight credits. Offered as needed.
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REL323 Women, Gender, and the Hebrew Bible
- 4.00 credits. An upper-level seminar in biblical studies offering advanced study of selected Hebrew Bible texts that reflect attitudes about women, sexuality and gender. Readings will include selections from both the Hebrew Bible and related secondary literature. Emphasis is on the study of women and gender in the Hebrew Bible, and students will read primarily feminist scholarship. Some attention is given to gender from the perspective of the more recent fields of gender studies and men's studies. *Prerequisite: REL 211 or 225. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. An upper-level seminar in biblical studies offering advanced study of selected Hebrew Bible texts that reflect attitudes about women, sexuality and gender. Readings will include selections from both the Hebrew Bible and related secondary literature. Emphasis is on the study of women and gender in the Hebrew Bible, and students will read primarily feminist scholarship. Some attention is given to gender from the perspective of the more recent fields of gender studies and men's studies. *Prerequisite: REL 211 or 225. Alternate years.
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REL325 Seminar in Biblical Studies
- 4.00 credits. Advanced work in the field of biblical studies. Changing topics. Possible topics include Wisdom Literature, Prophecy and Apocalyptic, Book of Genesis, Jesus and the Gospels, and The Apostle Paul. *Prerequisite: REL 225 for seminars in Hebrew Bible; REL 226 for seminars in New Testament. Every four years.
- 4.00 credits. Advanced work in the field of biblical studies. Changing topics. Possible topics include Wisdom Literature, Prophecy and Apocalyptic, Book of Genesis, Jesus and the Gospels, and The Apostle Paul. *Prerequisite: REL 225 for seminars in Hebrew Bible; REL 226 for seminars in New Testament. Every four years.
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REL344 Social Ethics of Martin Luther King
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the social ethics of Martin Luther King Jr., the course explores the sources, substantive content and evolution of King’s reflections on social institutions (the state and market), social actions (peacemaking and redistributing resources), social roles (prophet and politician), and moral character. King’s social ethics in relationship to his theological beliefs and personal practices are examined. *Prerequisite: REL 245. Every four years.
- 4.00 credits. An introduction to the social ethics of Martin Luther King Jr., the course explores the sources, substantive content and evolution of King’s reflections on social institutions (the state and market), social actions (peacemaking and redistributing resources), social roles (prophet and politician), and moral character. King’s social ethics in relationship to his theological beliefs and personal practices are examined. *Prerequisite: REL 245. Every four years.
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REL345 Seminar in Christian Social Ethics
- 4.00 credits. Upper-level seminar, designed especially for students with a concentrated interest in theology and ethics, offers an advanced study of major issues and figures in Christian social ethics. Sections include Christianity and politics, Christian liberation ethics, and Christian attitudes toward war and peace. The seminar, led in part by students, is devoted to careful exegeses of, and writing about, the primary texts of major Christian ethicists. *Prerequisite: REL 245, or permission of the instructor. Every three years.
- 4.00 credits. Upper-level seminar, designed especially for students with a concentrated interest in theology and ethics, offers an advanced study of major issues and figures in Christian social ethics. Sections include Christianity and politics, Christian liberation ethics, and Christian attitudes toward war and peace. The seminar, led in part by students, is devoted to careful exegeses of, and writing about, the primary texts of major Christian ethicists. *Prerequisite: REL 245, or permission of the instructor. Every three years.
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REL352 Psychology of Religion
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the classic issues in the psychology of religion. Readings in William James, Peter Berger, Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Alternate years.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the classic issues in the psychology of religion. Readings in William James, Peter Berger, Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Alternate years.
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REL355 Seminar in Ministry Studies
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth examination of specialized topics and issues in the area of ministry studies. Theoretical models, contemporary issues and practical applications in specific ministry contexts are emphasized. Topics vary, so the course may be repeated under new topics. Sections may include Servant Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Ministry with Children and Youth, and Women in Ministry. *Prerequisite: REL 252, or permission of the instructor.
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth examination of specialized topics and issues in the area of ministry studies. Theoretical models, contemporary issues and practical applications in specific ministry contexts are emphasized. Topics vary, so the course may be repeated under new topics. Sections may include Servant Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Ministry with Children and Youth, and Women in Ministry. *Prerequisite: REL 252, or permission of the instructor.
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REL364 Amish Society (SO 364)
- 4.00 credits. The history, culture and social organization of the Old Order Amish. Sociological theories and models utilized by social scientists to describe and analyze the Amish will be presented. Special attention will be paid to recent social changes among the Amish.
- 4.00 credits. The history, culture and social organization of the Old Order Amish. Sociological theories and models utilized by social scientists to describe and analyze the Amish will be presented. Special attention will be paid to recent social changes among the Amish.
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REL370 Special Topics in Religious Studies
- 4.00 credits. Topics not included in the regular curriculum. Offered as needed. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. Topics not included in the regular curriculum. Offered as needed. Register by Instructor.
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REL385 Seminar in History of Christianity
- 4.00 credits. Offers advanced work in the History of Christianity. Topics include "Brethren Life and Thought." Offered as needed.
- 4.00 credits. Offers advanced work in the History of Christianity. Topics include "Brethren Life and Thought." Offered as needed.
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REL391 Hinduism and Modernity
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration, building on the foundation established in Religious Studies 291, of issues facing contemporary Hinduism. This course covers the British colonization of India; the Bengal Renaissance; Hindu reform movements; the life and teachings of such figures as Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo; Hinduism and science; and Hindu nationalism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Particular attention will be paid to issues arising from the spread of Hinduism beyond the subcontinent, especially in the West, and the impact of Hinduism upon Western culture, from the transcendentalists to the theosophists to the Beatles. *Prerequisite: REL 291.
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration, building on the foundation established in Religious Studies 291, of issues facing contemporary Hinduism. This course covers the British colonization of India; the Bengal Renaissance; Hindu reform movements; the life and teachings of such figures as Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo; Hinduism and science; and Hindu nationalism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Particular attention will be paid to issues arising from the spread of Hinduism beyond the subcontinent, especially in the West, and the impact of Hinduism upon Western culture, from the transcendentalists to the theosophists to the Beatles. *Prerequisite: REL 291.
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REL392 Religion in China and Japan
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration, building on the foundation established in Religious Studies 292, of the religious traditions of China and Japan: Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Chinese and Japanese forms of Buddhism. Readings will be drawn mainly from primary sources in English translation, such as the Daodejing, the Chuang-tzu, the Analects of Confucius, the Kojiki, and the Shobogenzo of Dogen, as well as writings by modern Zen masters and scholars such as D.T. Suzuki and Alan Watts. *Prerequisite: REL 292.
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration, building on the foundation established in Religious Studies 292, of the religious traditions of China and Japan: Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Chinese and Japanese forms of Buddhism. Readings will be drawn mainly from primary sources in English translation, such as the Daodejing, the Chuang-tzu, the Analects of Confucius, the Kojiki, and the Shobogenzo of Dogen, as well as writings by modern Zen masters and scholars such as D.T. Suzuki and Alan Watts. *Prerequisite: REL 292.
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REL393 Indian Philosophy
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration of classical Indian philosophy: Hindu, Buddhist and Jain. Readings will be drawn mainly from primary sources in English translation, such as the Upanishads, the Tripitaka, the Bhagavad-Gita and the Tattvartha Sutra, and the writings of such central figures of the Indic philosophical tradition as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Shankara, Ramanuja and Haribhadrasuri. *Prerequisitews: REL 291 and 292.
- 4.00 credits. An in-depth exploration of classical Indian philosophy: Hindu, Buddhist and Jain. Readings will be drawn mainly from primary sources in English translation, such as the Upanishads, the Tripitaka, the Bhagavad-Gita and the Tattvartha Sutra, and the writings of such central figures of the Indic philosophical tradition as Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Shankara, Ramanuja and Haribhadrasuri. *Prerequisitews: REL 291 and 292.
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REL471 Internship in Religious Studies
- Variable (3.00 to 15.00) credits. Students spend one full day a week working in a church, nonprofit institution or research organization with religious-based interests in return for three academic hours of credit. Internships are primarily unpaid experiences, but some organizations may offer a stipend or form of payment. Course requirements are decreased or increased as deemed appropriate by the Internship Advisor. Register by Instructor.
- Variable (3.00 to 15.00) credits. Students spend one full day a week working in a church, nonprofit institution or research organization with religious-based interests in return for three academic hours of credit. Internships are primarily unpaid experiences, but some organizations may offer a stipend or form of payment. Course requirements are decreased or increased as deemed appropriate by the Internship Advisor. Register by Instructor.
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REL481 Independent Study in Religious Studies
- Variable credit. Individual study in areas of interest for students capable of conducting independent research. *Prerequisites: approval of the Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Individual study in areas of interest for students capable of conducting independent research. *Prerequisites: approval of the Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
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REL490 Senior Research
- 4.00 credits. A specialized independent study in the student's senior year. Required of students concentrating in Asian Religions, Biblical Studies, Ethics and Society, and History of Christianity, but optional for Ministry Studies students. For Honors students majoring in Religious Studies, this is their Honors thesis. Students invited to undertake Honors in the Discipline research take this course. Register by Instructor.
- 4.00 credits. A specialized independent study in the student's senior year. Required of students concentrating in Asian Religions, Biblical Studies, Ethics and Society, and History of Christianity, but optional for Ministry Studies students. For Honors students majoring in Religious Studies, this is their Honors thesis. Students invited to undertake Honors in the Discipline research take this course. Register by Instructor.
