The course examines the plurality of rituals and devotional practices in Islam and the variety of spaces and places engendered by Muslim worship and devotion from early Islam to the contemporary period. It examines the diversity of forms of Muslim worship and devotional practices such as prayer, pilgrimage, tomb visitations, as well as individual contemplation […]
This course introduces students to some of the major aspects of classical Islamic thought focusing on their development, diversity, and influences. The course explores the writings of leading figures in Islamic theology, jurisprudence, mysticism and philosophy in the pre-modern period. The course uses Abdullah Saeed's Islamic Thought. An Introduction as a general textbook along with […]
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.
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
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 […]
This course investigates the origins, development, significance, and social functions of personified evil--Satan and his demons--in early Judaism and in the history of Christianity. We will consider some of the most important literary and visual depictions of this figure (and his story) from the ancient world through the middle ages to our own day. RELIGIOUS […]
Explores the key themes, critical questions, and entrenched conflicts about the place of religion during the long and varied history of American civic and cultural life. It analyzes Native-Newcomer religious tensions, disestablishment, uniquely American religions, and the intersections of religion with war, nationalism, immigration, race, science, expansion, urbanization, gender, counterculture, and new media. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) […]
Examines selected religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism with special reference to selected texts, traditions and thought. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple
An introduction to Gnosticism, a second century religious movement that intersected and overlapped with Christianity and Judaism. Emphasis will be on readings of primary sources. The course objective are to acquaint students with the theories behind the origins and nature of Gnosticism, examine gnostic literature from ancient Christian, Jewish, and “pagan” sources, note the continuation […]