This course introduces students to the academic study of religion. Various theories and methodologies are studied to understand the role of religion in society. This class focuses on theology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberationist theory, feminist/womanist theological ethics, and queer theory as a way to study religion critically.
REL 208 RELIGION IN AMERICA, The history of religion in the United States, from the colonial period to the present day., Topics will include: the religious situation in, Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries;, immigration patterns of the colonists; frontier, expansion and the industrial revolution; the, growth of denominationalism; religion and, science; liberal and conservative ends; civil, religion; "cults'' and other contemporary, issues. 1 c.u., , Prerequisite: WRT 107/108/109 with a final grade, of C- or better.
Selected poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction that explore such topics as faith, the nature and presence of God, death and immortality, spirituality, sin, and salvation. The course invites students to examine and reflect on the interrelationship of literary expression and a theological understanding of the world.
(Also AFS-232) This course will introduce the student to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam. It will also survey major historical, cultural, theological, and social developments. Special attention will be given to the Arabian origins of Islam and to its subsequent growth into a dynamic global tradition. The role of Islam in the modern world and its impact on American society will also be considered.
This course provides for the study of various religious traditions and topics not covered in the regular course offerings. Possible topics may include: contemporary issues in religion; "new" religious movements; religion and art; religion in ancient Egypt, etc. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 107, WRT 108, or WRT 109 with a C- or higher. (Also AFS 360) This course examines various expressions and forms of African spirituality, ethic, and culture. It challenges the long-standing myth that African religions are based on a monolithic cultural system. Religious traditions from West and Central Africa are central to the objectives of this course.