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Next: Russian Studies (RSS) Up: Courses of Instruction Previous: Psychology (PSY)
Religion (REL)
Charles Vernoff, David Weddle (chair)
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: Judaic Studies [JS], Christian Studies [CS], and 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 302 (Aquinas and Dante), 304 (Europe: Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries), 305 (Science and Religion in the Seventeenth Century), 370 (Creation and Science in the Middle Ages); PHI 301 (Asian Philosophy), 355 (Philosophy of Religion).
Minor: A minimum of five course credits in Religion which include REL 101; one course credit in the Bible (REL 211, 212, 251, 252, or 253); three 300-level courses with one in each of the subfields: Judaic Studies (REL 321 or 373); Christian Studies (REL 332, 333, 334, or 352); and Comparative Religion (REL 326, 331, 352, 355, or 373).
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 worldview and the significance of these
differences for understanding human nature. (Humanities)
[comp]
204. The American Dream
Americanism as civil religion, worldview and mythic system, treating
themes such as the Hebrew, Greek, and Enlightenment roots of Americanism,
America as ``modern Israel,'' the interpretation of American landscape
including the ``myth of the West,'' and the '60s counterculture as
apocalyptic phenomenon. Special in-depth study within one selected topic
area. Offered every third year. (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. Offered every third year. (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. Offered every third year. (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]
280/380. Internship in the Practice of
Religion
Participation in the activities of a
religious organization or institution. Prerequisite: approval of the
Department chair. See Courses 280/380. (CR)
290/390. Individual Project: see Courses 290/390.
321. Judaism
Basic concepts, practices, and worldview 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. Alternate years. (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 worldviews 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)
WEDDLE and JORDAN
365. Religion and Literature
Examination of religious themes in contemporary literature and film,
including works by such authors as Flannery O'Connor, Annie Dillard,
Frederick Buechner, and Zora Neale Hurston. Methods of analysis are
drawn from biblical narrative, feminist theory, developmental
psychology, and mythic archetypes. Alternate years. (Humanities)
GILLESPIE
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]
Next: Russian Studies (RSS)
Up: Courses of Instruction
Previous: Psychology (PSY)
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