 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
||
|
|
|||
 |
 |
||
Next: Russian Studies (RSS) Up: Academic Information Previous: Psychology (PSY)
Religion (REL)
Charles Vernoff (chair), David Weddle
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 eight course credits, with at least six in Religion, including at least five courses of regular classroom instruction within the Department of Religion. Of these, there must be at least one 200-level and one 300-level course in two of the three areas of concentration, plus one course selected from the third area. The concentrations are: (1) Judaic Studies [JS], (2) Christian Studies [CS], (3) Comparative Religion [comp]. 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) [comp]
205. Spirits of the '60s
In the cultural and political tumult of the 1960s, 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 consciousness ever since. (Humanities) VERNOFF
206. History, Crisis, and Responsibility
Why is it often said that America ``has lost its sense of future,'' that young people today lack historical consciousness, personal commitment - the genuine hopefulness, idealistic vision and social activism that once motivated Americans? This course will probe the past and present of Western civilization for answers to such questions - not just in theory but as practical contributions toward a future of renewal for the American and for the global spirit alike. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. (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 [JS]
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 [JS]
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 [CS]
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 [CS]
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 [CS]
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 [JS]
326. Islam
Introduction to Muslim beliefs and practices, theology, law, and rituals in the context of the historical development of Islam into a world religion, with attention to such contemporary topics as the relation of politics to religion, the status of women, and Islamic ``fundamentalism.'' Recommended prerequisites: for Religion majors: either REL 101 or 202; for non-majors: junior standing. (Humanities) WEDDLE [comp]
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 [comp]
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 [CS]
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 [CS]
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 [CS]
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 [CS or comp]
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 [comp]
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 [JS or comp]
390. Individual Project: see Courses 390.
480. Internship in the Practice of Religion
Participation in the activities of a religious organization or institution. Prerequisites: junior standing and approval by the Department chair. (CR)
Next: Russian Studies (RSS)
Up: Academic Information
Previous: Psychology (PSY)
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
