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. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Christianity
How major anthropological thinkers seek to explain the variety and complexity of human ritual and symbolic behaviour informs this course. Ethnographic examples and materials on ritual events, religious symbolism, and belief systems will enrich this anthropological perspective. A series of topics will be investigated including shamans, sorcery and witchcraft, specific examples of Asian and European […]
This course examines Greek myths of gods and heroes in their social, religious and historical contexts through close reading of primary texts and visual representations and through analysis of modern comparative, psychoanalytical and structuralist theories. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Greek and Roman Religions
A survey of the history of ancient Israel within its ancient Near Eastern context from its putative origins in the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1550-1200 BCE) through its flowering in the Iron Age (or First Temple Period, ca. 1200-539 BCE). As time permits, we will expand our focus and follow the course of Israelite history […]
This course examines Greek and Roman religious beliefs and practices from an interdisciplinary perspective. Special attention is given to four major approaches to the divine (ritual, myth, art and philosophy) and their integration with other aspects of society and culture. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Greek and Roman Religions
How do theistic philosophies deal with the fact of evil? Are religious language and forms of knowing distinct from other forms? What are the moral and ethical issues inherent in religious propagation? RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple Cross-listed as AP/PHIL 3095 3.00.
This course explores the development and nature of Islamic civilization from the seventh century to 1400 AD. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Islam Cross-listed as AP/HIST 2790 6.00.
Does God exist? Can religious belief be explained away? What is the relationship between faith and reason? Through a selection of classic readings, this course provides a survey of some central topics in the philosophy of religion. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple Cross-listed as AP/PHIL 2090 3.0.
An introduction to some of the key figures, seminal texts, and main themes of Islamic philosophy in the classical period. Authors may include: al-Farabi, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd (Averroes). RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Islam Cross-listed as AP/PHIL 2040 3.00.
An introduction to the major philosophical traditions of India and China. RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Multiple Cross-listed as AP/PHIL 2035 3.00.