Schedule of Classes

Survey of human values and religious experiences found in major religions of the world.

An overview of both theory and method in the psychological study of religion. Emphasis will be on understanding the biological and psychological underpinnings of religious belief, behavior, and experience. Cross listed as PSY 280.

Human values relevant to contemporary life found in ancient writings of Judaism and Christianity.

Academic study of Christian asceticism from the fourth to the seventh centuries. This course analyzes the earliest literature of the Christian monastic movements, primarily located in Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean lands. The course gives particular attention to understanding moral values developed in monasticism that influenced Western civilization.

Historical and theoretical analysis of relationships between Muslims and Christians, including a careful examination of the Middle Eastern Christian communities at the time of Muhammad, and after. Explores the ways Muslims and Christians have developed theological and social categories for characterizing each other.

Multidisciplinary examination of the limits and possibilities of human nature. Evolutionary biology, developmental psychology, philosophical ethics, and contemporary religious thought.

Historical and cultural study of the religions of India, Southeast Asia, and China.

Historical and literary study of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Historical survey of the development of Buddhism in the civilizations of India, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Tibet. Origins of the Buddhist tradition and the development of its basic beliefs, practices, and institutions within the context of Asian civilizations.

Historical and cultural survey of Chinese religions. Development of Chinese religion and philosophy from ancient times until the present. Major traditions of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, as well as popular belief and culture.

Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes.

Primarily for undergraduate RLS majors: comprehensive and integrated survey of the discipline at an advanced level; projects in special areas.