This course is intended to improve the students' ability to conduct conversation in both practical and cultural situations, and to start training them to read some unannotated works written for Chinese readers. Dictionaries are introduced along with the methods of finding characters by radicals, stroke count, and Pinyin. Unannotated materials (topical pieces from newspapers, magazines) […]
This course uses sociological theories on religion to study the main issues, gains and struggles faced by women in religious traditions around the world. Students study women in religion at the macro and micro level of spirituality and femininity. While this course has no prerequisite, a background in Sociology would be helpful. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: […]
An examination of the background, structure and arguments of one of the great works of Plato or Aristotle. Alternatively, it may also focus on the works of others, including the Presocratics, the Stoics, the Epicureans and the Neoplatonists.
ANCILLARY COURSE. This course examines the early, radical alternative version of Christianity and Judaism based on mystical self-knowledge (gnosis), and the challenge it posed to orthodox views on such issues as authority, the role of women, wisdom and organizational structure.
Examines the remarkable cultural achievements of the Irish, how they kept the lamps of learning, literature and material culture (manuscript, painting, ornamental metalwork) burning following the barbarian invasions of the fifth century and the decline of Roman civilization on the continent.
A study of the life and seminal ideas of Augustine of Hippo. Setting his ideas in the context of his life story, the course explores his teaching on such themes as religion, education, philosophy, grade and free will, sexuality and politics.
ANCILLARY COURSE. This course analyzes texts excluded from the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Infancy Gospel of James, and the Apocalypse of Peter. It discusses what these texts truly say about Jesus and why they are important for the study of Early Christianity.
This course takes a historical approach to writings produced in the second generation of the Jesus movements, including the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.
This course explores the literary, social and cultural context of the apostle Paul and the recipients of his letters while also considering the legacies of Paul after his death.
ANCILLARY COURSE. The course will cover the origins of the Sassanians of Iran, their rise and domination of the Middle East, and their subsequent defeat and fall at the hands of the Arab Muslims.