RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RST)
RST 271, 371, 471 Selected Topics (1-3) (1-3) (1-3)
An investigation of topics not offered in other courses, selected on the basis of student interest and available instruction.
RST 290, 390, 490 Directed Study (1-3) (1-3) (1-3)
An opportunity for supervised, independent study of a particular topic based on the interest of the student and the availability and approval of the faculty.
RST 305, 402 Christianity (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to Christian history, theology, culture, practice, and belief. We will survey the history of Christianity in various geographical contexts, as well as examine different areas of thought. We will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) gain an appreciation for and understanding of Christianity through examining its historical development; (2) discuss various theologies, beliefs, values, self understandings, aesthetic expressions, and intellectual claims of Christians and Christian thinkers throughout the ages; (3) experience Christian practice through reading and discussion, as well as a field trip and other practical experiences; (4) engage how Christianity has impacted and continues to impact our work today; (5) engage Christianity via fictional representations; and (6) develop students' own informed view(s) of the subject matter through reading primary and secondary sources; In-class discussion; firsthand experience; and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of (1) Christian thought and history; (2) the influence of Christianity on the arts and history; and (3) Christian practice. Prerequisite: none for RST 305; for RST 405, junior or senior standing. Offered alternate fall terms.
RST 309, 409 Judaism (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to Jewish history, theology, culture, practice, and belief. We will survey the history of Judaism in various geographical contexts, as well as examine different areas of thought. We will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) gain an appreciation for and understanding of Judaism through examining its historical development; (2) discuss various theologies, beliefs, values, self understandings, aesthetic expressions, and intellectual claims of Jews and Jewish thinkers throughout the ages; (3) experience Jewish practice through reading and discussion, as well as a field trip and other practical experiences; (4) engage how Judaism has impacted and continues to impact our world today; (5) engage Judaism via fictional representations; and (6) develop students' own informed view(s) of the subject matter through reading primary and secondary sources; in-class discussion; firsthand experience; and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of (1) Jewish thought and history; (2) the influence of Judaism on the arts and history; and (3) Jewish practice. Prerequisite: none for RST 309; for RST 409, junior or senior standing. Offered alternate spring terms.
RST 310 Jesus: History and Afterlives (3)
The first half of this course will focus on (a) the historical and religious context of Jesus' life and teachings, (b) the primary texts about Jesus, and (c) scholarly reconstruction of Jesus' life and teachings. The second half of this course will examine how Jesus has been interpreted in cultural discourses such as art, literature, film, and other popular cultural genres. Upon successful completion of the course, students will (a) be conversant with the primary texts about Jesus (b) have engaged in various scholarly understandings of Jesus' life and message, (c) examined the continuing reciprocal influence that exists between Jesus and the western aesthetic tradition, and (d) started to form their own informed view(s) of the subject matter through reading primary and secondary sources; in-class discussion; firsthand experience; and independent research.
RST 312 The Letters and Life of Paul (3)
An introduction to the content and background of the new Testament letters attributed to the Apostle Paul. Particular attention is devoted to the literary structure of the letters and the social context of Christian communities in
the Mediterranean world of the first century. There is also a consideration of the biography of Paul according to early Christian sources. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of: 1) the general contents of Paul's letters; 2) Greco-Roman antiquity as it serves as a backdrop for Paul; and 3) basic interpretive strategies. Offered alternate
spring terms.
RST 315, 415 Buddhism (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to Buddhist history, religious thought, culture, practice, and belief. We will survey the history of Buddhism in various geographical contexts, as well as examine different areas of though. We will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) gain an appreciation for and understanding of Buddhism through examining its historical development; (2) discuss various religious views, beliefs, values, self understandings, aesthetic expressions, and intellectual claims of Buddhists and Buddhist thinkers throughout the ages; (3) experience Buddhist practice through reading and discussion, as well as a field trip and other practical experiences; (4) engage how Buddhism has impacted and continues to impact our world today; (5) engage Buddhism via fictional representations; and (6) develop students' own informed view(s) of the subject matter through reading primary and secondary sources; in-class discussion; firsthand experience; and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of (1) Buddhist thought and history; (2) the influence of Buddhism on the arts and history; and (3) Buddhist practice. Prerequisite: none for RST 315; for RST 415, junior or senior standing. Offered alternate fall terms.
RST 316, 416 The Book of Genesis (3) (3)
A seminar-style study of Genesis. As a backdrop to the book, the course first explores ancient Near Eastern history and literature. Students are then introduced to classical and contemporary interpretive approaches and apply them to portions of Genesis. Careful reading of Genesis over the course of the semester will result in a deeper understanding of the stories, both in their antiquity and as they speak to us today. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of: 1) the ancient Near East as it serves as a backdrop for Genesis; 2) the general contents of Genesis;
and 3) basic interpretive strategies. Students may complete one level only. Offered alternate fall terms.
RST 318, 418 Islam (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to Islamic history, theology, culture, practice, and belief. We will survey the history of Islam in various geographical contexts, as well as examine different areas of thought. We will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) gain an appreciation for and understanding of Islam through examining its historical development; (2) discuss various theologies, beliefs, values, self understandings, aesthetic expressions, and intellectual claims of Muslims and Islamic thinkers throughout the ages; (3) experience Islamic practice through reading and discussion, as well as guest speakers and other practical experiences; (4) engage how Islam has impacted and continues to impact our world today; (5) engage Islam via fictional representations; and (6) develop students' own informed view(s) of the subject matter through reading primary and secondary sources; in-class discussion; firsthand experience; and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of (1) Muslim thought and history; (2) the influence of Islam on the arts and history; and (3) Muslim practice. Prerequisite: none for RST 318; for RST 418, junior or senior standing. Offered alternate fall terms.
RST 421 Religious Studies Internship (0-12)
On-the-job experience in religious studies. Prerequisite: CED 205 or permission. (Pass/Fail)
RST 495 Examination and Thesis (3)
A comprehensive examination, emphasizing depth and interrelationships among ideas, is required of every major. An individually chosen thesis is read to the faculty and other students. Prerequisite: One course in religious studies.
RST 498 Honors in Religious Studies (3)
Students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in religious studies are offered opportunities for academic enrichment, such as: reading projects, research and writing, teaching and tutorial assistance in courses. Upon successful completion of this experience, students will have gained a better understanding of research, professional writing, or instruction within the context of the discipline. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
PHILOSOPHY-RELIGION (PRE)
PRE 110 Philosophical Problems (3)
An examination of several major philosophical problems and traditionally influential solutions to them. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to develop their own solutions to the answers provided by the philosophers discussed.
PRE 111 Ethics (3)
An examination of theories and forms of reasoning about moral problems. Procedures for reasoning about ethical issues are examined as well as several major philosophical theories, such as Utilitarianism, which attempt to provide guidance in these issues. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to provide their own solutions to these problems, guided by the
theories discussed.
PRE 115 Comparative Religions (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to the major religious traditions of our world. Attention will be paid to primary sources as well as secondary literature, as well as history, culture, and aesthetic issues. The student should, by completion of course, be aware of the major tenets, aesthetic expressions, and lived practices in each tradition.
PRE 120 Understanding the Old Testament (3)
An introductory exploration of the Old Testament within the context of the ancient Near East. Students will become acquainted with the various types of literature that constitute the Old Testament canon and the people who
produced it. As modern readers of a different time and culture, students will learn to approach the Old Testament using sound strategies that are sensitive to these differences. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of: 1) the general contents of the Old Testament; 2) its presumed historical context in the ancient Near East; and 3) fundamental interpretive strategies.
PRE 121 Understanding the New Testament (3)
An introductory exploration of the New Testament within the context of the first-century Mediterranean world. Students will become acquainted with the gospels, letters, and other literary types that constitute the New Testament canon. As modern readers of a different time and culture, students will learn to approach the New Testament using sound strategies
that are sensitive to these differences. Upon successful completion of this Philosophy and Religious Studies / 183 course, students will have an understanding of: 1) the general contents of the New Testament; 2) its presumed historical context in Greco-Roman antiquity; and 3) fundamental interpretive strategies.
PRE 215 Introduction to Prophets and Wisdom Literature (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to the prophetic and wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible. We will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) engage the literature, figures, and critical issues associated with both the prophetic and wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible; (2) understand the literary; religious; historical; and cultural layers of meaning(s) in this literature; and (3) allow students to develop their own view(s) of the subject matter through reading, in-class discussion, and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the history behind these texts, their content, and their relevance in history.
PRE 231 History and Philosophy of Technology (3)
A focus on aspects of the history of technology; the moral and social dilemmas that past technologies gave rise to (even when those dilemmas were not clearly acknowledged); the potentials of selected current technologies; and the
moral and social dilemmas that those technologies raise. Students study the ways major thinkers have tried to deal with the dilemmas technologies have posed, and are asked to think through their own responsibilities concerning the technologies discussed. Offered spring term.
PRE 240 Introduction to Torah (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to the Torah of the Hebrew Bible, comprising Genesis-Deuteronomy. we will read primary and secondary texts in order to: (1) see the various ways in which biblical literature can and has been read in different settings; (2) understand both the literary and religious layers of meaning(s) in these stories, i.e., gain an appreciation for how these stories function as scripture as well as edificatory narratives; (3) gain an appreciation of the narrative art in the Hebrew Bible, as well as to recognize that many of these stories are culturally familiar and as such deserve to be read in their original context; and (4) allow students to develop their own view(s) of the subject matter through reading, in-class discussion, and independent research. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the content of these texts, how they have been read and interpreted by various communities both religious and secular, and their relevance in history and the arts.