2024-2025 Course Catalog

Please note: The information displayed here is current as of Thursday, November 21, 2024, but the official Course Catalog should be used for all official planning.

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Religious Studies

ProfessorK. Carr (McNaughton Rosebush Professor of Liberal Studies) (on leave term(s) III)
Associate professorsC. Kassor, M. Smith (chair term III) (on leave term(s) I)
Visiting Assistant ProfessorL. Foote

Religion is deeply intertwined with many aspects of human culture, connecting to morality and ethics, laws and politics, science, art, and music. Our department offers courses in religious traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, as well as interdisciplinary courses that explore the broader implications of religious traditions throughout history and around the world.

Students of any religious affiliation (or none), with any declared major (or none), can benefit from the academic study of religion. Our 100-level courses and most of our 200-level courses have no prerequisites. Upper-level courses consider specific traditions, texts, theories, and/or topics in greater detail. All of our courses encourage students to think critically, while fostering understandings of diverse viewpoints and ways of being in the world.


Required for the major in religious studies

Required for the Major in RLST: Ten six-unit courses, to include

RLST 100: Understanding Religion

One additional 100 level course on a religious tradition (ensuring some discussion of the historical dimensions of at least one tradition)

Four 200- or 300-level courses (ensuring the development of analytical skills for studying religion and religious phenomena)

One 400- or 500-level seminar (covering a tradition, text, theory, or topic in detail)

Two electives in RLST

RLST 610 (Senior Projects)

 

Independent Studies/tutorials may be used to fulfill only the elective requirements.

Majors must complete a senior capstone project which includes taking the Senior Projects course and presenting at the religious studies symposium at the end of spring term of their senior year.


Senior Experience in religious studies

The Senior Experience in religious studies consists of a one-term seminar (RLST 610, taught in the winter term) that gives students the opportunity to complete a project (usually a paper, but other formats are possible) that builds upon the previous course work and academic experiences of the student. The class also offers students an introduction to several theoretical perspectives that will enable them to see their project from a broadly comparative perspective. Additionally, students are required to participate in a departmental symposium, in which student work is presented and discussed by majors, minors, and faculty. Students pursuing double majors, double degrees, or teacher certification are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors and relevant departments to plan and negotiate their overall Senior Experience as early as possible.


Required for the minor in religious studies

The minor in religious studies is intended to enable students to concentrate on a particular religious tradition or set of issues connected to the academic study of religion.  It requires a minimum of five courses (30 units), which include:

One 100-level course

Two 200- or 300-level courses

A 400- or 500-level seminar

One additional six-unit course

 

RLST 100 is not required for the minor but may count for the 100-level requirement.


Graduate school

Students considering graduate work in religious studies should note that completion of a graduate degree typically requires demonstrated proficiency in at least one modern foreign language, normally French or German, as well as one or more additional languages depending on the area of concentration. College work leading toward graduate study should be planned with these requirements in mind.


Courses - Religious Studies

RLST 100: Understanding Religion

An introduction to the academic study of religion exploring cross-culturally some of the fundamental ways in which people experience and understand religion. Questions addressed include: What is religion? What are the basic forms of religious life? What connections exist among self-identity, the sacred, and society? How do those connections help to establish meaning and values in human existence? How is religious knowledge possible? Readings include primary religious texts and critical reflections on religion. Intended primarily for freshmen and sophomores or students with no prior work in the religious studies department.
Units: 6

RLST 140: Interfaith Dialogue

As our experiences of religious and spiritual life become increasingly diverse, narrative process has become essential to understand the rich landscape of multiple faiths. Students will explore the scope of the interfaith movement, consider dialogue as one tool for interfaith encounter, and practice constructing and sharing their own spiritual narratives. Our shared goal is an interfaith dialogue where deep listening and honest speaking lead to surprising discoveries. Discussion course with written assignments and a class project.
Units: 6

RLST 150: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

This course will examine high points of the Hebrew Bible, beginning with the Torah but moving on to the history, poetry, wisdom, and prophetic voices that have made it a major work of world literature. We will start by thinking about how these works fit into a particular historical context, but move forward to sample how these texts have shaped Judaism and influenced other religious traditions and how its language and themes have been repurposed by literary writers and social activists.
Units: 6

RLST 155: Hinduism

A survey of the religious elements that constitute the broad system of beliefs known as Hinduism. Emphasis is placed on lived religious experience, but intellectual history and dominant patterns of ritual are also covered. Readings include primary texts, comic books, videos and other multimedia content.
Units: 6

RLST 156: Buddhism

An introductory survey of the history, development, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism. The course is modeled on a traditional Buddhist framework of teaching known as "hearing, contemplating, and meditating." In addition to reading primary and secondary sources, students will also be required to engage in some basic meditation practices as part of this course. Other assignments may include: exams, papers, and projects.
Units: 6

RLST 160: Christianity

An introductory survey of primarily western Christianity. Our focus will be on selected "classic" works written by Christians over the last two thousand years. Discussion with occasional lectures. Assignments include short papers (3-5 pages) and in-class tests.
Units: 6

RLST 165: Islam

An introduction to Islam. Students will study primary sources beginning with the Quran and ending with a contemporary Muslim writer. Attention will be focussed on both the theological development of Islam and its lived experience as witnessed through the arts and architecture.
Units: 6

RLST 191: Directed Study in Religious Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 199: Independent Study in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 201: Religion and Politics in the United States

An examination of the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Topics will include: the place of religion in the public sphere (both historically and constitutionally); First Amendment protections and restrictions; Christianity and social justice movements (abolition, civil rights, abortion); the notion of “civil religion”; the rise of “Christian nationalism” in the 21st century.
Units: 6

RLST 203: Paranormal Religion

Ghosts, angels, spirits, UFOs and reincarnation: cultures around the world feature reports (and everyday practices) involving a variety of extraordinary phenomena, supernatural powers, and more-than-human entities. This course draws on scholarship in anthropological, ethnographic, historical, and religious studies to examine how scholars have studied apparently paranormal phenomena, and the often significant effects that reports of such phenomena have in culture and society.
Units: 6

RLST 205: Religion and the Biosphere

A look at how humans have made sense of existing in the biosphere. We will examine views on the nature of life in religious traditions like ancient Egypt and Jainism as well as early philosophical accounts. The second half will involve a close reading of Charles Darwin and reflection on resources offered by religious traditions to respond to the "sixth extinction." Lecture/discussion with written assignments and journaling on the coming of spring. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as Environmental Studies 370
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 211: Religion and Comics

This discussion-based course examines the role of comics and sequential art in religious traditions and explores religious themes in contemporary comics and graphic novels. By analyzing comics and related scholarship in the emerging field of comics studies, students will investigate the complex relationships between religion, images and culture. In addition to writing formal essays, students will also create their own digital comics.
Units: 6

RLST 214: Buddhism in North America

This course will explore the complex dimensions of Buddhism in North America, covering the history and development of Buddhist traditions beginning in the 19th century, and the practices, beliefs, and traditions that have formed as a result. In studying contemporary developments within North American Buddhism, we will focus primarily on the writings and teachings of Asian-American and Black Buddhists in the United States. PREREQUISITES: Previous course in Buddhist Studies, or sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Previous course in Buddhist Studies, or sophomore standing

RLST 217: Humanitarianism & Violence

This course will examine the religious motivations that have led religious groups to embrace global norms like human rights or reject them and turn to violence. We will examine liberation theology in Latin America and the writings of extremist thinker Sayyid Qutb. Much of the class will be centered on case studies such as Myanmar's Rohingya crisis where religion, immigration, and questions of human rights are at play. Offered in conjunction with Ripon College, with online interactions and travel to local places of worship. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as Global Studies 217
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 222: The Theology of St. Augustine: From Heretic to Saint

An introduction to the thought of Augustine of Hippo. This late 4th/early 5th century "father" of classical Christianity is one of the most important and influential Christian thinkers in the west. We will concentrate on two of his works: Confesssions (his spiritual autobiography, describing his evolution from lusty adolescent, through the perils of heresy, to his conversion to Christianity) and City of God (his magnum opus that details the superiority of all things Christian over Roman life and culture, as well as providing a history of the world from Creation to Judgment Day). Course will be taught by discussion and will have both papers and a take- home exam.
Units: 6

RLST 226: Religion in Indonesia

This course will study the religious traditions of Indonesia. We will concentrate on the island of Java and the history of the dominant Islamic faith, but we will also examine the Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian traditions in Indonesia and the form of civil religion known as Pancasila. Not open to students who have previously received, or need to receive credit for RLST 526.
Units: 6

RLST 228: Yoga: Theory and Practice

This course examines the history of yogic traditions in South Asia and explores contemporary developments of yoga practices around the world. In addition to studying primary texts and secondary literature students will also be instructed in basic pranayama (breathing) and asana (posture) practices by a qualified instructor. Students will write essays analyzing course materials through the lens of their own experiences with yoga practice. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore Standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing

RLST 236: The Arabic Novel and the Taboo

An introduction to contemporary novels from the Middle East and North Africa that explores how Arab writers deal with religious, social, political and sexual taboos in their artistic works as well as issues of censorship and confiscation of literary productions. Lecture with group presentations, class discussions and a final analytical paper.
Units: 6

RLST 237: Cairo: the Changing City

An examination of the representation of Cairene urban and social spaces in the fictions of contemporary Egyptian writers such as Naguib Mahfouz, Ahdaf Soueif and others. Literary analysis will lead the students to investigate how representations of urban changes become a means for the novelist to reflect on the social and political changes of postcolonial Egypt. Lectures, class discussion and a final paper.
Units: 6

RLST 240: Islam

An introduction to Islam. Students will study primary sources beginning with the Quran and ending with a contemporary Muslim writer. Attention will be focussed on both the theological development of Islam and its lived experience as witnessed through the arts and architecture.
Units: 6

RLST 245: Apple, Google, Facebook

The rhetoric surrounding technology invokes revolution and newness, but the products and services fit with the individualism of American (and global) views of self and society. We will examine both the positive visions offered by tech thinkers like Steward Brand and Ray Kurzweil, as well as the destructive results that occur as corporations “move fast and break things.” Students will complete a video critique of a digital platform. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as Global Studies 245
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 265: Arabian Nights

The Arabian Nights, or 1,001 Nights, offers a unique glimpse into medieval Islam. Our readings from these tales will be supplemented with travel narratives and Sufi texts building on this storytelling tradition. The course provides an expansive view of the Islamic tradition and a chance to think critically about later perceptions of the Middle East. Students will complete an interpretive paper or digital mapping project.
Units: 6

RLST 281: Topics in Religious Studies

This course represents an exploration of a topic in religious studies. Topics will emphasize contemporary questions and experiential learning. Assignments will emphasize experiential learning and discussion. May be repeated when topic is different.
Units: 6

RLST 291: Field Experience in Religious Studies

This course provides the opportunity to experience a major religious tradition through a one- or two-week field experience accompanied by a professor. Class members will visit significant historical and contemporary sites and meet with practitioners during a break between terms. Students must register for the course in the term prior to travel and in the subsequent term, when they will complete a project. Travel program fee plus airfare.
Units: 3

RLST 305: Atheism, Agnosticism, and Nihilism

This course is an examination of three contemporary positions which typically claim to be anti- or non-religious in orientation. We will explore the historical origins of each view (or, more precisely, each cluster of views) as well as analyzing its coherence and intelligibility. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 312: Queer and Trans Studies in Religion

This course examines queer and trans approaches in religious studies. Discussions examine concepts of (homo)sexuality and (trans)gender in various global and historical contexts, ranging from ancient and medieval sources to contemporary communities. Readings include works in queer and trans religious studies (e.g., Gloria Anzaldúa, Michel Foucault, Hsiao-Lan Hu, Afsaneh Najmabadi, Jasbir K. Puar, Max K. Strassfeld, Roberto Strongman, Melissa M. Wilcox). Discussion, presentation, final paper.
Units: 6
Also listed as Gender Studies 312

RLST 326: Nietzsche and 19th-Century Critiques of Religion

An examination of the thought of Friedrich Nietzsche, focusing on his critique of Christianity and his general theory of religion, as well as what Paul Ricouer calls his "hermeneutics of suspicion." Some discussion of other 19th-century critiques of religion (e.g., Feuerbach, Marx) will be included to provide historical context and contrast. Seminar with short papers and in-class presentations. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

RLST 330: Rationality and Religious Belief

An examination of the range of views on the relationship between reason and religion, focusing in particular on theistic belief. Questions addressed include: Can God’s existence be proven? Is faith different from ordinary belief? Does mystical experience provide adequate grounds for religious belief? PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as Philosophy 332
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 333: God and the Afterlife

This course will focus on the nature of God and the afterlife from the perspective of the Abrahamic and Indian Hindu and Buddhist traditions, including arguments for and against the existence of God and the afterlife. Does God or the afterlife exist? Does either provide us with reason to be good? Students will be evaluated on the basis of expository and critical essays and presentations.
Units: 6
Also listed as Philosophy 333

RLST 343: New England Puritan Poetry

A study of New England Puritan poetry in the context of new world spiritual aspirations and anxieties. Readings will include sections of Martin Luther's writings and Perry Miller's and others' criticism, as well as the poems of Anne Bradstreet, Edward Taylor, Michael Wiggelsworth, and other minor and post-Puritan poets. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as English 443
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 352: Colonialism and Global Structures

An overview of European colonialism in Africa and Asia, this course focuses on colonial ideologies in the 19th and 20th centuries. It will investigate the myths and realities of colonialism and compare the colonial practices of the Belgians, Dutch, English and French. Our analysis will be informed by essays written by leading colonial theorists, novels and films. Lecture/discussion with response essays and a final project. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Also listed as Global Studies 352
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 353: Buddhism and Gender

This discussion-based course investigates the ways in which women and gender minorities participate in Buddhist culture around the world. By reading texts by and about Buddhist women, this course will explore the extent to which gender affects social status, leadership roles, and access to education in Buddhist communities in South Asia, East Asia, and the United States.
Units: 6
Also listed as Gender Studies 353

RLST 355: Quran

An examination of the Quran in its historical context, which will include reading of pre-Islamic poetry and the earliest biographical traditions about Muhammad. We will read the work of recent historians like Fred Donner and Patricia Crone who have offered revisionist views of the earliest Islamic community. PREREQUISITES: RLST 240
Units: 6
Prerequisite: RLST 240

RLST 356: Meditation: Psychological and Buddhist Perspectives

This seminar-style course investigates the theory and practice of meditation from psychological and Buddhist perspectives. Topics to be considered include the effects of meditation on the brain, mindfulness, compassion, and the secularization of religious practices. Course meetings will focus on discussion of readings and experiential learning. Assessment will involve quizzes, reflection on experiential practice, and papers. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or instructor approval.
Units: 6
Also listed as Psychology 356
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or instructor approval.

RLST 365: Faith and Power in Mediterranean Cities

This course examines the complex histories of buildings and urban landscapes around the Mediterranean, emphasizing how religious and political structures transformed them from the Classical world, through Christian and Islamic empires, and down to modern nation states. The city of Istanbul will be a central focus, though case studies from other cities will be introduced. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 390: Tutorial Studies in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 391: Directed Study in Religious Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 399: Independent Study in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 400: Themes in Modern Western Religious Thought

A critical survey of one or more of the distinctive themes in the religious thought of the West since the Reformation. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing

RLST 450: Classic Texts in Religious Studies

This course will focus on reading a classic text related to the field of religious studies. The work chosen could be related to the philosophy or sociology of religion or have theological or historical importance within a specific religious tradition. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for
This course
Units: 3 OR 6
Prerequisite: sophomore standing

RLST 500: Seminar: Kierkegaard

Intensive study of the works of the Danish philosopher/theologian considered to be the father of Existentialism. Concentration on Kierkegaard’s view of the self and its relation to his stages of existence, with particular attention to his view of faith. Some consideration to the historical context of his thought and his influence on 20th-century theology and philosophy. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of the instructor.
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor.

RLST 535: Buddhist Philosophy: What is Real and How Do We Know?

An examination of the relationship between two principal schools of later (Mahāyāna) Buddhism and their concepts of emptiness. The Madhyamaka school views all things as devoid of independent, inherently existing essences, while the Yogācāra school believes that nothing is truly separate from the mind. We will consider fundamental texts in both traditions as they relate to metaphysics epistemology and the self. Seminar with papers. PREREQUISITES: One course in religious studies
Units: 6
Prerequisite: One course in religious studies

RLST 545: Advanced Topics in Religious Studies

This topics course offers advanced students a seminar in a topic related to a foundations/gateway course offered in the same term. Students engage with more challenging readings and pursue their own scholarship, presenting their research in the companion gateway course as the opportunity arises. Students may have previously taken the companion gateway course but may not enroll concurrently in that course. May be repeated when topic is different.

Topic for
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Instructor approval required

RLST 560: Seminar: The Problem of Evil

An examination of one of the classic problems of philosophy of religion; the course will examine both traditional theistic analyses of the problem (is the existence of an omni-god incompatible with the existence of evil?) as well as more recent, non-theistic analyses of evil as a social phenomenon. PREREQUISITES: RLST 330 or consent of instructor
Units: 6
Prerequisite: RLST 330 or consent of instructor

RLST 565: RELIGION & LIBERATION AFRICA

An intensive examination of the continuation of local traditions and the creative re-use of world religions around the continent of Africa. We will look at the coming of Islam to Africa and its interaction with traditional religion, uniquely African forms of Christianity (Ethiopia) and Islam (Senegal), and the more recent arrival of evangelizing religious sects. We will learn about Mandela's struggle against apartheid in South Africa and the challenge of megacities like Lagos.
Units: 6

RLST 580: Seminar: Islam and Globalization

This course will examine the transformations of Islam that have accompanied globalization. Our focus will be roughly split between the theoretical perspective on globalization offered by Olivier Roy and the work of Laila Ahmed on gender in contemporary Islam. Students will develop and write a major research paper. PREREQUISITES: RLST 240
Units: 6
Prerequisite: RLST 240

RLST 590: Tutorial Studies in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 591: Directed Study in Religious Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 599: Independent Study in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 610: Senior Projects

The goal of this class is to give advanced RLST students (juniors or seniors) space to write a paper or finish a senior capstone. We will discuss the challenges of research and the use of sources. Reading will consist of contemporary academic articles designed to highlight styles of argument. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing
Units: 6
Prerequisite: Junior standing

RLST 690: Tutorial Studies in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 691: Directed Study in Religious Studies

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

RLST 699: Independent Study in Religious Studies

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students planning an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98
Prerequisite: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.