This course examines the representation and the construction of the gendered roles of “Muslim Woman” and “Muslim Man” in different Islamic societies. Interdisciplinary in approach, the course exposes the students to a variety of Muslim and non-Muslim sources, including works of historiography, jurisprudence and literature which provide a fertile ground for the analysis of the […]
The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is one of the foundational texts of western culture. As such, it has had a history of interpretation and reinterpretation that has lasted for some 2000 years. During this period of time certain – oftentimes mutually contradictory – assumptions about what the text means have become entrenched among the various groups […]
Explores the stages of the developing Christian church from its origins in apostolic times to the late Middle Ages. Topics include personalities, institutional structure, leadership and rules, thought, education, liturgical and spiritual life, pastoral care, and the church in the secular world. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Christianity Cross-listed as AP/HIST 3809 6.00.
Introduces students to the foundational theorists and key questions in the history of the academic study of religion. This course examines the lenses through which we view religion, that is, how differing theoretical models shape our understanding of religion as a human phenomenon. Starting with Marx, Durkheim and Weber, the course explores a variety of […]
Explores the key approaches to the study of religion through an examination of various methodologies. Working through well-known case studies, students investigate a variety of approaches in practice to explore how questions of method shape our broader understanding of religious traditions. This course explores key disciplinary approaches in the study of religion to understand how […]
An overview of Sikhism, major texts of Sikh tradition, and the rich array of poetics, musical thought and languages involved. It exposes students to the Sikh geographical imagination which emerges in sacred texts, place and institutional development, and embodied practices. Students will also gain insights into the religious and cultural circulations between Punjab, South Asia, […]
This course explores the teachings of selected religious traditions of South Asian and examines the category of religion as it is applied to South Asia in the context of oriental discourses. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Hinduism
An interdisciplinary investigation into the changing nature of traditional religions in the digital age. This course examines ways in which religion is being shaped by digital culture, including the widespread social acceptance of new technologies and scientific ideals. The digital is changing human beings—we are adapting to new technologies more so than technologies adapting to […]
Offers a cross-cultural survey of the role of music in mythology and ritual focusing on exoteric form and esoteric meaning. Explores archetypes (e.g. deities, birds, angels, shamans, bards), mythologies, liturgies, and artistic traditions from the perspectives of history, social context,symbolism and spirituality. Relationships between traditions, relevance to contemporary culture, and the significance of music fulfilling […]
Introduces sociological approaches to religion in a contemporary social and global cultural context. Traces the changes from the sociological classics to contemporary theories of religion and secularism that reflect the intertwined nature of these categories as well as their contested character in public and political realms around the world. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple Cross-listed as […]