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. Satisfies SEEDS Analyzing Cultures and Societies student learning outcome in alignment with Diversity and Intercultural Competency value.
Religion in America examines religion within the socio-historical context of the United States as a complex, contested, and evolving phenomenon. It challenges long-standing narratives that portray the nation as founded upon uniform Christian, particularly conservative, principles. Instead, students analyze how claims about religion, truth, rights, and political authority are constructed, contested, and deployed in American public life. Drawing on diverse sources and methodologies, students’ access, analyze, and evaluate information to identify bias and critically question how social, political, economic, and cultural power structures shape religious ideas and public discourse. Through this process, students synthesize multiple perspectives to make informed and reasoned judgments about religion’s role in society and its relationship to civic life. From the colonial period to the present, the course examines how sociopolitical movements have shaped struggles over religious liberty, pluralism, and public life, while exploring how immigration and globalization continue to challenge dominant frameworks and reshape American religious and civic landscapes. This course satisfies SEEDS Political and Civic Life student learning outcomes in alignment with Educated Citizenry value.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 107 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. Writing Intensive. Mutually Exclusive with ENG 227.
REL/AFS 232: Introduction to Islam introduces the foundational beliefs and practices of Islam within their historical, cultural, theological, political, and social contexts. It examines Islam’s origins in Arabia and its development into a globally diverse religious tradition. Cross-listed with Africana Studies, the course also explores Islamic traditions within African and Afro-diasporic contexts, highlighting their historical and intellectual contributions. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students analyze diverse interpretations of Islam across time and place, with attention to contemporary societies, including the United States. Topics include media representations of Islam, the impact of major global events on public perceptions, and intersections with race, gender, sexuality, political ethics, and ecology. The course emphasizes critical analysis of how religion shapes and is shaped by cultural exchange, power, and global systems. The course fulfills the SEEDS Analyzing Cultures and Societies learning outcome aligned with the Diversity and Intercultural Competence value.
This course explores various religious traditions and contemporary issues beyond standard curricula. It includes Western and non-Western religions, new religious movements, and examines religion's impact on literature, art, politics, and society. Students will analyze how religion shapes ethical frameworks and discuss topics such as social justice, global ethics, race, culture, gender, and sexuality. The course incorporates perspectives from theology, philosophy, social ethics, feminist/womanist and queer theories, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. It is repeatable for up to 12 credits. Satisfies SEEDS Analyzing Cultures and Societies student learning outcome in alignment with Diversity and Intercultural Competency value.
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. Equivalent course REL/AFS 360 effective through Summer 2026. Mutually Exclusive with AFS 260.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 108 or WRT 109 with a minimum grade of C- or higher. This course investigates the intersections of religion, gender, and sexuality. It looks into the role that societal norms and cultural values play in how social and religious institutions view sex, sexuality, and gender in relation to religious convictions and practices. It emphasizes that both religion and sexuality are shaped by social privileges, historical particularities, and experiences. Mutually Exclusive with WMS 280.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a project that shows not only their talents but also what they have learned about religion and society during their tenure at Bloomfield College. Students may decide to write a major research paper or create an artistic project.