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Next: Russian Studies (RST) Up: Courses of Instruction Previous: Psychology (PSY)
Religion (REL)
David Weddle (chair), Charles Vernoff
The curriculum in Religion centers on the two traditions which lie at the base of Western culture, Judaism and Christianity, and includes comparative study of other major religions. The Department of Religion assists interested students in preparing for seminary or graduate programs in religious studies.
Major: A minimum of 8 course credits, with at least six in Religion, including at least one course in Judaism and one course in Christianity; a 200-level and a 300-level course in each of two areas: (1) Judaic Studies, (2) Christian Studies, (3) Comparative Religion.
A maximum of two course credits may be chosen from the following:
- ANT 210 (Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft);
- CLA 216 (Classical Mythology); ENG 326 (Milton);
- HIS 301 (Europe: 400-1100), 302 (Europe: 1100-1300), 304 (Europe: Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries), 370 (Muslim, Jewish, and Christian Cultures in the Middle Ages);
- PHI 301 (Asian Philosophy), 355 (Philosophy of Religion);
- POL 324 (Christian Political Thought).
101. Introduction to Religion
Role of religion in human experience, with attention to the major historical forms of religion and a special focus upon the individual quest for meaning and religious understanding. (Humanities)
202. Religions of the World
Comparative survey of the major world religions, including monotheistic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; the dualist tradition of Persia; and the religions of India and East Asia. Systematic attention to the differences in world view and the significance of these differences for understanding human nature. (Humanities)
204. The American Dream
Influence of the religious dimension on social existence. Specific study of the American experience, tracing the formation of America's sense of reality from its earliest origins through the 19th century crystallization of a distinct American world view or ``civil religion.'' (Humanities) VERNOFF
205. Spirits of the '60s
In the cultural and political tumult of the 1960's, the ``American spirit'' first peaked, then fragmented into several ``spirits.'' This course will examine American civil religion in its historical crisis-portended by frontier closure, erupting in the '60s, reshaping American life and consiciousness ever since. (Humanities) VERNOFF
211. Hebrew Bible I: Israel and Torah
Historical development and character of Israelite religion through its reflections in Hebrew Scriptures from the Pentateuch to the founding of the monarchy. Consideration given to the problem of textual interpretation in light of differences between the traditional and critical approaches to the Bible. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
212. Hebrew Bible II: Poets and Prophets
Historical, literary, and interpretive study of the prophetic and hagiographic writings in Hebrew Scriptures. Problem of understanding the nature and significance of prophecy, both as a mode of religious experience and a development within the history of Biblical faith. Role of hagiographer in Biblical religion. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
251. Jesus in the Gospels
Interpretation of Jesus in early Christian literature, focusing on the theological and historical problems in the Gospels. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
252. The Epistles of Paul
Life and writings of the apostle Paul, with special attention to the theological controversies that surrounded his proclamation of the Christian faith. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
253. Apocalypse
Study of religious visions of the end of the world, including beliefs in divine judgement, resurrection, heaven, and hell. Primary texts are the Book of Revelation, Daniel, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, with consideration of selected later apocalyptic sects. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
321. Judaism
Basic concepts, practices, and world view of post-Biblical Judaism. Interpretation of Jewish religious life as it existed in Eastern Europe until recent times. Background readings in the history of Jewish people, religion, and thought. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
331. Mysticism: East and West
Mysticism in its historical diversity and possible essential unity. In particular, the problem of understanding and defining ``mysticism,'' given the variety of its forms and practices, arising in world religions of Semitic, Indian, and Chinese origins, including analysis of classic mystical texts. Registration, when the course is taught in Chicago, entails additional costs. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
332. The Problem of Evil
Analysis of the challenge to belief in God which is raised by the experience of suffering in the world, and consideration of a variety of theological responses to that challenge. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
333. The Question of Faith
Examination and assessment of the grounds for believing in God such as divine revelation, arguments from logic and evidence, and religious experience. Special attention to modern religious thinkers. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
334. The Idea of God
Alternative ways of thinking about, and imagining, the reality of God. Critique of traditional symbols and analysis of alternatives proposed by modern religious thinkers, including feminist and process theologians. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
352. Religious Sects in America
Major religious sects in contemporary America such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, and The Unification Church. Students will read primary texts and engage members of some groups in critical discussion. Alternate years. (Humanities) WEDDLE
355. Religions of Ancient Mexico
History and phenomenology of religions in Mesoamerica from Olmec beginnings, with special attention to the world views of Aztec and Mayan civilizations and their place in the global religious picture. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
361. Medical Ethics
Moral dilemmas in the practice of medicine and the delivery of health care. Topics include confidentiality, abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, treatment of the dying patient, and justice in the distribution of medical resources. (Humanities) JORDAN and WEDDLE
373. Post-Holocaust Religious Thought
Theological developments in the contemporary interaction between Judaism and Christianity as shaped by the watershed events of the Nazi Holocaust and the return of the Jewish People to the Land of Israel, with attention to the claim that basic changes in Western religious understanding are now inevitable. Alternate years. (Humanities) VERNOFF
480. Internship in the Practice of Religion
Participation in the activities of a religious organization or institution. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and approval by the Department chair. (CR)
Next: Russian Studies (RST) Up: Courses of Instruction Previous: Psychology (PSY)
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