Religion (REL)

This course introduces the world's major religious traditions. Topics include Primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied.

This course introduces the major Asian religious traditions. Topics include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied.

This course introduces the major western religious traditions. Topics include Zoroastrianism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the religions studied.

This course is a survey of the literature of the Hebrews with readings from the law, prophets, and other writings. Emphasis is placed on the use of literary, historical, archeological, and cultural analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to use the tools of critical analysis to read and understand Old Testament literature.

This course is a survey of the literature of first-century Christianity with readings from the gospels, Acts, and the Pauline and pastoral letters. Topics include the literary structure, audience, and religious perspective of the writings, as well as the historical and cultural context of the early Christian community. Upon completion, students should be able to use the tools of critical analysis to read and understand New Testament literature.

This course is an examination of religious beliefs and practice in the United States. Emphasis is placed on mainstream religious traditions and non-traditional religious movements from the Colonial period to the present. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize and appreciate the diversity of religious traditions in America.