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2019-2020 College of Liberal Arts (Admitted Fall 2019/Spring 2020) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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PSCI 387 - Social Entrepreneurship: Theorizing Global Trends 4 credits
Using an interdisciplinary lens this course will explore how size, location, structure, mission and globalization have shaped decision making processes within social change organizations. The focus will be on nonprofits, cooperatives and firms with a commitment to achieving corporate social responsibility. A key question we will explore is why social entrepreneurship is increasingly associated with social change organizations. This question will be addressed through an exploration of both theoretical explanations and empirical examples of the economic, social and political challenges facing social change organizations. Case studies will focus on both US and international contexts. Signature of Instructor required for registration. Corequisite course: PSCI 287 . Equivalent to: BST 287 and ECON 287 . Offered every Spring semester. CLA-Breadth/Social Science, CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CLA-Off Campus
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PSCI 400 - Capstone Seminar 2 credits
This course integrates the political science major and provides a unified culminating experience for students. Not only will it serve as a means of pulling together the different strands of political science into a coherent whole, but it will also allow for effective evaluation of students’ ability to both think about and apply what they have learned in previous classes. It will be taught in seminar format. When there are two sections taught in the same semester, the sections will have shared speakers and faculty, and the two groups will occasionally be brought together for larger sessions, talks, and projects. Assignments for the course will consist of essays and a major paper. Students also participate in analysis of a major political event. The analysis includes oral presentation by each student in a seminar at the end of the term. CLA-Capstone
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PSCI 410 - Specialized Honors I
CLA-Capstone
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PSCI 411 - Specialized Honors II
CLA-Capstone
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PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology 4 credits
A consideration of the methods and discoveries of psychology in the study of behavior and experience. Includes both theoretical and experiential components. A prerequisite to all intermediate- and upper-level courses in psychology. Students may not receive credit for both AP psychology and PSYC 101. Offered every semester. CLA-Breadth/Social Science
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PSYC 110 - Psychology Preceptorial 4 credits
Topics in psychology are examined through reading, writing, critical analysis, and class discussion. Emphasis is on critiquing the literature and methods of psychology and on scientific writing in the style of the American Psychological Association. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and MATH 117 (or as co-requisite) CLA-Writing in the Major
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PSYC 207 - Small-Group Dynamics 4 credits
An examination of the phases of small-group development and the intrinsic factors that influence its unique evolution. Enrollment limit: 12. Enrollment priority: first- and second-year students. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 . Signature of instructor required for registration.
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PSYC 211 - Research Methods in Psychology 4 credits
An examination of research methods and statistical analysis in psychology, with emphasis on experimental methodologies. Students will gain experience in all aspects of empirical research and writing. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 , PSYC 110 , and a C- or better in MATH 117 . CLA-Quantitative
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PSYC 220 - Biological Psychology 4 credits
An examination of the biological bases of behavior. Topics include the anatomy and physiology of neuronal interactions, sensory systems, behavioral development, motivation, learning, memory, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and either PSYC 110 or permission of instructor CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary
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PSYC 222 - Sensation and Perception 4 credits
Covers the processes by which we convert sensory stimuli into neural activity and how that neural activity mediates our perceptual experience, helping us to navigate our environment. Explores each of the sensory modalities. Prerequisite: PSYC 101
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PSYC 231 - Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence 4 credits
An examination of biological, cognitive and social development during infancy, childhood and adolescence. The course focuses on major theoretical approaches as well as current research findings and their application to understanding development during these life periods. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Offered annually.
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PSYC 232 - Adulthood 4 credits
An examination of biological, cognitive, and social development during adulthood. The course focuses on major theoretical approaches as well as current research findings and their application to understanding development during this life period. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Offered annually.
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PSYC 270 - Selected Topics in Psychology 4 credits
An examination of a contemporary issue or topic in psychology. Selected topic and number of credits is determined at time of registration. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 . Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 272 - Stress and Coping 4 credits
Stress is our response, physical or emotional, to the changing demands of our environment. The experience of stress is not uncommon, and yet, our understandings of what stress is, what causes us to feel stress, and how to cope with stress is often limited. In this course we will explore the physiological and psychological experience of stress, focus on the experience and perception of stress in college students and others, and review adaptive and maladaptive methods of coping with stress. A significant portion of in-class time will be devoted to the acquisition and practice of a variety of stress management strategies and techniques.
Course offered annually CLA-Breadth/Social Science
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PSYC 312 - Advanced Research Project in Psychology 4 credits
A course in advanced research methodology in which upper-level students will design and execute an independent research project in psychology. Strongly recommended for all psychology majors, especially those who intend to complete an honor’s thesis in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 , third year or higher standing. General topic and other prerequisites announced at time of registration. CLA-Writing Intensive
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PSYC 333 - Aviation Psychology and Management 4 credits
Aviation Psychology has been the basis of Organizational Psychology in at least three domains: selection and assessment, safety ergonomics, and crew resource management or teamwork. Students are made familiar with aviation practices to discover how findings in aviation psychology have affected management practices, especially in high-risk industries. The diverse topics found in aviation psychology today will be centered around the theme of safety. The literature in this course is a combination of overview articles and in-depth studies, providing the tools to understand related literature on the course topics and encourage further reading. Equivalent: BST 333 CLA-Writing Intensive, CLA-Breadth Interdisciplinary
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PSYC 342 - Social Psychology 4 credits
An examination of how people think about, influence, and relate to others, as well as the ways in which their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by situations and social contexts. Topics include the social self, attribution, social cognition, attitudes and persuasion, social influence, attraction and relationships, stereotyping, aggression, and pro-social behaviors. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 , PSYC 211 and third-year or higher standing. Offered every semester.
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PSYC 345 - Theories of Personality 4 credits
An examination of major theories of personality with emphasis on strategies for studying personality, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, trait and factor, and transpersonal. Also examines psychotherapies as implementations of personality theory. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 , second year or higher standing.
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PSYC 348 - Abnormal Psychology 4 credits
An examination of the theories of psychopathology with emphasis on current theoretical models and the relationships of the study of psychopathology to social issues. Discussion of the nature, classification, causes, and treatment of major forms of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 , second year or higher standing required. Offered spring semester and occasional summers.
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PSYC 350 - Laboratory in Psychology 4 credits
An optional laboratory course to be taken after PSYC 211. Students will explore the methodological and measurement practices that are commonly employed in psychological research in several different areas of psychology by completing hands-on activities and projects. Multiple lab reports will be required. Course may be repeated as topic varies. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 or NEUR 210 . Offering to be determined. CLA-Writing Intensive
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PSYC 351 - Learning and Behavior 4 credits
This course examines the mechanisms of learning, with content derived from human and non-human research. Topics include non-associative learning, classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, observational learning, drug addiction, and the biological substrates of learning. In addition to examining basic learning mechanisms, the course explores the ways in which principles derived from basic research are applied in education and clinical settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 , NEUR 210 or permission of instructor.
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PSYC 353 - Cognition 4 credits
An examination of both the data and theory of cognition including such topics as: attention, perception, memory, imagery, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision making. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 , NEUR 210 or permission of instructor. Offered annually.
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PSYC 354 - Cognitive Neuroscience 4 credits
This course examines the mechanisms by which the nervous system supports higher mental functions, with a focus on how neural structures represent and transform information. The course draws on a variety of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neurobiology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. Discussion topics include perception, attention, memory, language, executive function, emotion, development, social cognition, consciousness, and neuroethics. Course activities will expose students to a variety of empirical research techniques, such as functional neuroimaging, single-neuron electrophysiology, and electroencephalography, commonly employed in cognitive neuroscience research. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 , NEUR 210 or permission of instructor. Same as: NEUR 354 .
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PSYC 360 - Psychology Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Psychology 4 credits
A review and discussion of contemporary issues in psychological theory and practice. Issues explored change from time to time. Selections are made by the department and announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 361 - Gender Violence and Women’s Resistance 4 credits
The goal of this course is to integrate the theory, research and practice of women’s resistance to gender violence. Although we will focus on psychological and feminist perspectives on resistance to gender violence, we will also incorporate theory and research from sociology, public health and policy, and law, and explore the cultural assumptions that contirbute to the gender violence. In addition, a comprehensive self defense program, IMPACT Basics (www.prepareinc.com) allows for reflection on the theories and research in the context of direct experience with resistance. IMPACT is a comprehensive personal safety program, and includes physical, verbal, and psychological skills and strategies. Techniques are taught in the context of realistic scenarios. Furthermore, the use of trained instructors in full padding allows for the learning and practicing of full contact, full force physical defense skills. Cross-listed with WGST 361 Offered Fall semester in alternate years Pre-requisite: PSYC 101 or WGST 101 and permission of instructor CLA-Breadth/Social Science
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PSYC 362 - Seminar in the Psychology of Women 4 credits
A review of research focusing on women. Draws upon findings from the various subfields of psychology, including stereotyping, the social construction of gender, female personality development, women and mental health, gender differences in brain lateralization, hormonal influences on behavior, the psychology of women’s health, and coping with victimization. Considers how psychological methodology enhances (or obfuscates) our knowledge about women’s lives and experiences. The interface between psychology of women as a subfield of psychology and mainstream psychology is explored. Instructor permission required
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PSYC 363 - Seminar in Developmental Psychology 4 credits
An investigation of one or more subject areas in developmental psychology. Topics vary with instructor expertise. Specific topic is announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated. Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 364 - Seminar in Biopsychology 4 credits
A review and discussion of current problems in the biological determinants of behavior. The particular issues explored are announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Instructor permission required Same as: NEUR 364 . Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 365 - Seminar in Social Psychology 4 credits
An investigation of one of more subject areas in social psychology. Topics vary with instructor expertise. Specific topic is announced at registration. Amount of credit is established at the time of registration. Course may be repeated. Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 366 - Seminar in Cognition 4 credits
An investigation of one or more subject areas in learning, memory, or cognition. Topics vary with instructor expertise. Specific topics are announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated. Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 367 - Seminar in Social Issues of Psychology 4 credits
Psychology has an almost 60-year history of involvement with social issues and social reform. This seminar focuses on psychological research on specific social issues as well as psychology’s role in developing social policy and social intervention related to that issue. Possible issues include poverty and homelessness; prejudice, racism, and genocide; and war and peace. The specific social issue to be studied is announced prior to registration. Course may be repeated. Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 368 - Seminar in Psychotherapy 4 credits
A detailed study of the theory of specific psychotherapies with an emphasis on the implications of those theories for our understanding of both normal and abnormal human functioning. Not intended as training in psychotherapeutic technique. At times the course reviews a variety of therapeutic systems, and at times the focus is on a specific approach to therapy. The specific topic for each offering of the seminar is announced prior to registration. This course may be repeated for credit when the specific therapeutic systems reviewed are different. Open only to students with third year or higher standing. Instructor permission required Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 369 - Seminar in Industrial Organizational Psychology 4 credits
A review of psychological theory and methodology as it applies to human behavior in the workplace. Topics include basic measurement theory, testing and assessment, personnel selection, job satisfaction, work motivation, leadership, and organization theory. Course may be repeated. Instructor permission required
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PSYC 370 - Advanced Topics in Psychology 4 credits
An in-depth exploration of a specialized issue or topic in psychology. Selected topic and number of credits is determined at time of registration. Course may be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and second-year standing or higher. Other prerequisites to be announced at time of registration. Offering to be determined.
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PSYC 372 - Organizational Psychology & Leadership 4 credits
In this course participants are taught how to understand, criticize and apply the concepts and tools developed in the mainstream literature from industrial & organizational psychology (I-O) in the contexts of managing and understanding an organization. Leadership is discussed as part of this literature. At the same time, understanding I-O literature is considered an essential skill for today’s leaders.
The literature in this course is a combination of overview articles and in-depth studies, providing the tools to understand related literature on the course topics and encourage further reading. CLA - Breadth / Interdisciplinary, CLA Writing Intensive
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PSYC 374 - Health Psychology 4 credits
This course examines psychological factors that affect physical health. Issues discussed include: health-promoting and health-compromising behaviors; patient-provider interaction; psychological factors that affect use of health services; resilience and coping with stress, pain, and chronic disease; psychoneuroimmunology. Can not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 Equivalent: PH 374 Offered alternating academic years.
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PSYC 375 - Community-Based Learning in Psychology 4 credits
This course is a community-based learning course, focused on making conenctions between a psychological topic and some form of applied work in the community. Amount of credit established at the time of registration. Students should expect to devote some hours to work with community organizations beyond the established class time. Course may be repeated as topic changes. CLA-Off Campus Experience
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PSYC 394 - Directed Research in Psychology 1-4 credits
Laboratory or field experience in psychology. Students participate in weekly lab meetings and all phases of ongoing psychological research. Final paper required. Number of credits are established at the time of registration. May be repeated for credit up to four times. Enrollment priority: Limited enrollment; consult department chair. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 and PSYC 211 . Offered each semester.
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PSYC 396 - Independent Research in Psychology 2-4 credits
Independent laboratory or field research in psychology on a topic chosen in consultation with a faculty sponsor. A final research report is required. An approved research proposal is required prior to the beginning of the research project. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 , PSYC 211 , and PSYC 312 . Signature of instructor is required for registration.
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PSYC 400 - Capstone Experience in Psychology 2 credits
A reflection on and integration of psychological concepts, principles, research, and theories and their application to real-world situations and problems. CLA-Capstone
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PSYC 410 - Specialized Honors in Psychology I 0 - 8 credits
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PSYC 411 - Specialized Honors in Psychology II 0 - 8 credits
CLA-Capstone
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REL 101 - Introduction to World Religions 4 credits
An introduction to the study of religion through an examination of the world religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students are introduced to the historical method of analyzing the making of each tradition over time, and to the comparative method of analyzing patterns across traditions towards creating a globally accurate definition of religion. The course investigates the variety of ways in which each tradition establishes beliefs and values, and its mobilization of them in experiences and practices. Through field trips to sacred spaces currently used for worship of each tradition in the U.S. context, the course explores religion’s connections with public space, community, and the arts. Offered spring semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Diversity US
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REL 102 - Introduction to World Religions - Off Campus Experience 0 credits
This course is the optional Off-Campus Experience component of REL 101 ; students who choose this option must concurrently enroll in REL 101 . Enrollment in REL 102 is not required for enrollment in REL 101 . Students enrolled in REL 102 will need to complete extra assignments in addition to the required assignments for REL 101 . These extra assignments include: 1) Attending all five field trips, 2) returning for independent study to one of the houses of worship, 3) attending a special day-long field trip to museums in New York City, and 4) writing a minimum four page paper on these extra assigned experiences. These extra assignments are fully explained on the syllabus. CLA-Off Campus Experience
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REL 130 - Introduction to the New Testament 4 credits
A study of the development of early Christian thought based on its earliest writings. Gives special treatment to the pre-literary origins of the gospel tradition, historical context and variety of early theological assessments of Jesus of Nazareth, and the development of Gentile Christianity out of Jewish Christianity. Offered fall semester CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 201 - Intermediate Topics in Religion 4 credits
This course examines topics in the study of religion at the intermediate level. The focus of this course will be on religions and their relevance within the United States. The course introduces students to the nature of religion as a defined area of human experience through beliefs, practices, and cultural identity. The course introduces students to methods such as phenomenological, thematic, historical, or comparative perspectives to analyze religious phenomena. May be repeated as topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 202 - Intermediate Topics in Religion: United States 4 credits
This course examines topics in the study of religion at the intermediate level. The focus of this course will be on religions and their relevance within the United States. The course introduces students to the nature of religion as a defined area of human experience through beliefs, practices, and cultural identity. The course introduces students to methods such as phenomenological, thematic, historical, or comparative perspectives to analyze religious phenomena. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity US
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REL 203 - Intermediate Topics in Religion: International 4 credits
This course examines topics in the study of religion at the intermediate level. The focus of this course will be on religions and their relevance around the world. The course introduces students to the nature of religion as a defined area of human experience through beliefs, practices, and cultural identity. The course introduces students to methods such as phenomenological, thematic, historical, or comparative perspectives to analyze religious phenomena. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 204 - Native American Religions 4 credits
This course investigates the origins of Native American religions, how they have changed, the reasons for those changes, and how Native Americans have influenced the beliefs of non Native Americans. History is the primary lens for this exploration. Issued such as Native American’s relationship with nature and the supernatural are analyzed. Core concepts are presented and critically assessed with an emphasis on why Native Americans understandings mat differ from those of other religious groups. In the depth case studies are included, for example of Pueblos, Tainos, and Lakotas. The case studies may vary from year to year. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 206 - Sociology of Religion 4 credits
An introduction to the sociology of religion. Discusses classical and contemporary theorists such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Wuthnow, Corbett, Bellah; explores the practical everyday world of religion; and analyzes the influence of cultural and social factors on religion. Organizing themes vary from year to year. Same as: SOC 206 . Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 207 - Women and Religion 4 credits
A cross-cultural consideration of images of women in myth and scripture as related to women’s actual roles in religious institutions and in societies at large. Signature of instructor required for registration. Same as: CHSOC+417S. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 208 - Religions of Africa 4 credits
An introduction to the basic themes within the traditional religions of Africa, including the nature of God, the significance of creation myths, the role of ancestors, the importance of religious leaders, and the problem of evil, sickness, and death. Explores the problematic Christian encounter with African religions, the Semitic connection and African Islam, and the role and function of the Independent African-Christian Churches. Same as: ANTH 208 and PAST 208 . Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 210 - Writing in the Discipline in the Study of Religion 2 credits
This two-credit course may be used to fulfill the Writing in the Major requirement. It must be taken on a co-requisite basis with a four-credit course in the department. In REL 210, students analyze materials covered in the four-credit course in greater depth, especially through the focus of what specific challenges are involved in writing about religion in academic essays. In addition to writing assignments done in fulfillment of the four-credit course, in REL 210 students write short papers on methods and approaches to writing in religion, and revise essays assigned in the four-credit course to demonstrate knowledge of ways in which writing about religion shapes knowledge of religion. Open only to students majoring in Religious Studies. Corequisite: any intermediate course in Religious Studies. CLA-Writing in the Major
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REL 211 - Judeo-Christian Ethics 4 credits
An examination of different ethical theories and approaches in Judeo-Christian traditions. Examines special topics, such as marriage, divorce, romantic love, human sexuality, and friendship, from perspectives in traditional and contemporary Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. Gives attention to certain topics in political thought, environmental, and medical ethics. Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 212 - Social Ethics 4 credits
An examination of various current and perennial problems in social morality. Topics included are natural law, the role of religion in the state, the morality of politics, economic justice, civil rights, civil liberties, gender issues, race issues, patriotism, capital punishment, warfare, ethics and business, and ethics and medicine. Offered spring semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 213 - Warfare and Ethics 4 credits
Moral and religious issues in warfare, including classical and contemporary views. The course will cover but not be limited to the following: Christian just war doctrine, moral realism and war, the rules of war, war crimes, guerrilla warfare, terrorism, nuclear weapons, spying and espionage, and war in Jewish and Islamic thought. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 214 - Business Ethics 4 credits
A philosophical and theological study of those ethical, religious, and social issues that play an important role in thinking morally about economic and business practices. Attention is paid to practical ethical problems arising out of the functional areas of management and the wider areas of business and social responsibility in relation to the community, ecology, minorities, the role of multinationals and public safety. Same as: PHIL 214 Offered spring semester and occasional summers CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 216 - Bio-Medical Ethics 4 credits
An examination of the issues from religious and ethical perspectives. Topics include physician-patient relationships, death and dying, obtaining organs and tissues for transplantation, patient competence, assisted suicide and euthanasia, abortion, reproductive technologies, genetic testing and engineering, stem cell research and cloning, experiments on humans, rationing health care, and justice and public health. Equivalent to:PHIL 216 Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 218 - Environmental Ethics 4 credits
The course provides a study of the moral and religious aspects of such problems in human ecology as pollution, overpopulation, resource depletion, animal rights, global justice and much more. The course relates these issues to religious perspectives of human nature, responsibilities to the earth and to future generations. While the ecological data and principles prove indispensable, the primary intent of the course is to focus on how people make the date speak, on what they bring to ecological issues, on methods, on assumptions, and on language. This will require critical thinking skills such as analyzing, evaluating, and comparing. Offered in spring semester of odd numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary
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REL 219 - Christian Fantasy Literature from King Arthur to The Lord of the Rings 4 credits
This course provides an analysis of Christian fantasy literature from its Medieval formation through the twentieth century. The course will draw upon the major works of fantasy literature with decidedly Christian themes of morality and religion. The major authors include: Thomas Malory, Oscar Wilde, George MacDonald, Charles Williams, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkein. The course will trace how these authors used the elements of the fantastic to explore moral and theological themes in a classical Christian context. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 220 - The Jewish Experience: An Introduction to Judaism 4 credits
A survey of the basic religious doctrines, ritual practice, and philosophical schools of the Jewish religion, from biblical times to the present. The course includes the analysis of Jewish theology, rational philosophy, mysticism, messianism, religious ceremonies, family life-cycle, and rites of passage, as well as universal concepts. Same as: JWST 220 . CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 222 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible 4 credits
A study of religious developments in ancient Israel in their historical contexts. Emphasizes the understandings of Israel as covenant people of God, the relation of religious understandings to historical and social circumstances, the role of prophecy, and the religious restoration following the exile. Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 224 - Selected Topics in Jewish Studies 4 credits
This course examines specific aspects of the Jewish Religion, such as medieval Jewish thought, Modern Jewish thought, the Jewish Scholastic tradition, Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism, major Jewish thinkers, monotheism, deism and pantheism in Jewish theology, etc. Course may be repeated Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 231 - Introduction to Christianity 4 credits
An examination of major and minor Christian traditions and their various approaches to rituals, symbolization, beliefs, morality, and governance. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 234 - Introduction to Early Christianity 4 credits
This course traces the history of Christianity from the death of Jesus to the break up of the Roman empire (seventh century) and the rise of Islam. Important theological questions (such as: who is Jesus [Christology]; what does he do [soteriology]; the nature of God; why is there evil in the world [theodicy]) are considered and placed in the context of ancient Roman history and philosophy. These considerations help us to understand the meaning of Christian martyrdom, the effect of Constantine’s conversion, the origins of Christian worship and sacred space (Constantine’s St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, in particular), ecclesiastical and clerical orders (bishops and priests, for example), monasticism, the doctrine of “original sin,” and apocalyptic expectations. The appeal of alternate Christianities such as Gnosticism and Arianism and the decline of Classical religion are also considered. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 235 - Introduction to Medieval Christianity 4 credits
This course traces the history of Christianity from the break up of the Roman Empire to the reformations of the sixteenth century (Protestant and Catholic). Important topics include: the rise of the Papacy, the break with Byzantine Christianity, monasticism, sacred space, the medieval “discovery of the self,” the mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans), Eucharistic theology, the origins of the university, natural theology, late medieval mysticism, and the break up of Christendom in the sixteenth century. “Popular” religious practices, such as cults of the saints, miracles, and the unique artistic genius of the medieval cathedral are placed in a broader context. Fruitful Christian coexistence as well as violent conflict with Islam and Judaism are also considered, as are the multiplicity of “heretical” Christianities (including Catharism and Waldensians). Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 238 - Crusade and Jihad Then and Now 4 credits
This course investigates and compares the relgious origins of the ideas of crusade and jihad. In both cases a devotional practice became militarized; we will discuss how these practices became militarized both theologically and practically. We consider the contested spaces of the Mediterranean, including Jerusalem, that fostered the delvelopment of these forms of religious warfare. We will then examine how these ideas became transformed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in movements and events as varied as romanticism, the Red Cross, colonialism, World War I, Pan-Arabism, and Wahhabism. All of these reimagined, idealized, and represented the medieval world (Latin or Arabic) so as to promote radically different agendas. Same as: HIST 238 . Offered fall semester in even-numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 239 - Topics in Christian Culture 4 credits
This course examines particular issues in the study of Christianity from the vantage of cultural studies. Topics will vary but include theology, devotional and ritual practice, history, and art. Approaches will be drawn from across disciplines and include anthropological, art historical, historical and literary methods. Students will be examined on and write about both primary materials and secondary scholarship pertaining to the semester’s topic. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary
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REL 240 - Dante: Hell, Heaven & Florence 4 credits
This course considers one of the most influential authors in the Western world. We will take the entire spiritual journey from hell to heaven and of Dante’s Divine Comedy and consider it in Dante’s medieval intellectual, literary and political context. In addition to the Comedy, we read selections from Dante’s On Monarchy and The New Life. Other primary texts include selections from Aquinas, Bonaventure, Guido Cavalcanti, Boccaccio’s Life of Dante, and Dino Compagni’s Chronicle of Florence, along with other contemporary chronicles as we examine medieval Florence and the intellectual background of the Comedy. This course is a seminar emphasizing class discussion and written research assignments of different lengths. This counts as an Italian “Language in Context” course. The course employs a student-generated “geographic database” as a research tool. This database of primary texts and images allows the students to rapidly immerse themselves in Dante’s contemporary Florence and better understand how Dante used the particular details of his surroundings to build poetic image and metaphor. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CLA-Writing in the Major
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REL 241 - Studies in the Gospels 4 credits
A detailed consideration of materials in the canonical and noncanonical gospels. Focuses on the variety of ways in which Jesus and his message were understood. Course may be repeated. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 242 - The Pauline Epistles 4 credits
An analysis of the letters of Paul, leading to an understanding of his significance in early Christianity and his contributions to subsequent Christian thought. Offered spring semester in even-numbered years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Writing Intensive, CLA-Writing in the Major
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REL 244 - Eastern Christianity I 4 credits
History of the four Ancient Patriarchates and the seven separated churches of the East until the time of the Roman Schism. Same as: CHIST+227. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 245 - Eastern Christianity II 4 credits
The Orthodox Church from the 11th century to the present; later history of the separated churches: the Uniates, Eastern dissenters, and Protestant Oriental communities. Same as: CHIST+228. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 248 - Contemporary American Catholicism 4 credits
An introduction to Roman Catholic life and thought as experienced in the United States, with emphasis upon the church’s ongoing pursuit of aggiornamento (rethinking basic issues) in such areas as doctrine, ecclesial structures, and problems of the modern world. Focuses on the dialectic between institutional conformity and the American democratic ideal of personal freedom, between traditional consciousness and contemporary culture, between the dynamics of human existence and dogmatic and moral tenets. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 249 - Modern Christian Lay Theologians 4 credits
A study of the works of selected 19th- and 20th-century Christian lay persons, many of them literary figures. The list of such nonprofessional and unofficial theologians includes Dostoevsky, Soren Kierkegaard, Khomiakov, Solovyov, Chesterton, Belloc, Charles Williams, Dorothy Sayers, C. S. Lewis, and T. S. Eliot. Announcement of specific figures to be studied is made in advance of course registration. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 250 - Introduction to Islam 4 credits
A broad introduction to the world’s second largest religion. Topics covered include a brief historical overview of the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad, the rise of the early Islamic community, and the formation of Islamic civilization. Additional units focus on the nature and structure of the Qur’an, the role of Islamic law, aspects of ritual practice, and expressions of Muslim spirituality. Relying heavily on primary textual sources in translation, students consider issues such as the relationship between religion and politics, women and society, and themes of unity and variety in the Islamic tradition. Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 252 - Introduction to the Qur’an 4 credits
A thematic and historical investigation of the central document of Islamic revelation. Devotes special attention to understanding conceptions of God, humanity, nature, community, holy law, prophethood, history, eschatology, and cosmology as reflected in both the Qur’an and in early Muslim theology. Seeks to provide historical and contextual appreciation of the Qur’an in various aspects of Islamic thought and practice. Comparison with both the Jewish and Christian scriptural tradition is encouraged where appropriate. Offering to be determined.
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REL 254 - Religion and Society in Modern Egypt 4 credits
An interdisciplinary examination of the role and place of religion in modern Egyptian society. Examines issues such as the impact of religion on the family, on politics, on education, and on various aspects of contemporary Egyptian intellectual and cultural life. Employs literature and film, as well as historical, sociological, anthropological, political science, and religious studies approaches to the study of religion. Focuses on comparing and contrasting Muslim and Christian experiences. Signature of instructor required for registration. Offering to be determined.
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REL 256 - Religion and Politics: Radical Islamic Movements 4 credits
An examination of modern currents in Islamic thought, focusing on the relation of religion to both political life and modernity. Emphasizes appreciating the diversity of contemporary Islamic thought through a reading of primary texts in translation. Evaluates both the continuities and contrasts between classical and modern Islamic thought. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 258 - The Sufi Path: Studies in Islamic Mysticism 4 credits
Mysticism has historically served as one of the three great paths to faith in the Islamic tradition. This course locates Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, within the larger context of Islamic spirituality. Explores the rich legacy of mysticism in Islam from its pre-Islamic roots through to the present. The primary approach to Sufism in this course is through examining the seminal texts of the great Sufi masters in translation. Offering to be determined.
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REL 260 - History and Culture of South Asia: Tradition & Today 4 credits
A survey course on foundational cultural ideas and practices that define and are characteristic of South Asia, foregrounding India, as they are instituted and developed through time in religion and related literature, arts and social practices. The course centrally deploys the methodologies of history and regional historical comparison. Thematic topics include social definitions of community, traditional depictions of status according to class and gender, and the creation of paths of ethical behavior that promote social cohesion. The course explores these themes through historical interactions among traditions as well as challenges to and the use of tradition in the present day. Primary texts in translation, art and documentary film are central to the course of study. Offered fall semester. Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 264 - Topics in Asian Religions 4 credits
An in-depth study of a selected religious topic pertaining to South Asian, Southeast Asian, and East Asian cultures, considered either comparatively or specific to one of the cultures. Topics vary from year to year. Uses a variety of methodologies, including history, anthropology, art history, and textual studies. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 270 - History and Culture of East Asia: Tradition & Today 4 credits
A survey course on foundational cultural ideas and practices that define and are characteristic of East Asia, foregrounding China and Japan, as they are instituted and developed through time in religion and related literature, arts and social practices. The course centrally deploys the methodologies of history and regional historical comparison. Thematic topics include social definitions of community, traditional depictions of status according to class and gender, and the creation of paths of ethical behavior that promote social cohesion. The course explores these themes through historical interactions among traditions as well as challenges to and the use of tradition in the present day. Primary texts in translation, art and documentary film are central to the course of study. The course includes field trips to Japanese traditional institutions devoted to the practice of Zen and the Way of Tea (Chado) in New York City. Offered spring semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 290 - Comparative Religion 4 credits
An intermediate course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course introduces students to the comparative method in the study of religion through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Past topics have included pilgrimage, marriage in world religions, and devotional literature in world religions. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Same as: HIST+52. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 291 - Comparative Religion: US Topics 4 credits
An intermediate course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course introduces students to the comparative method in the study of religion through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Past topics have included pilgrimage, marriage in world religions, devotional literature in world religions. This course focuses on engaging the comparative study of religion with religions in the United States. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity US
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REL 292 - Comparative Religion: International Topics 4 credits
An intermediate course in the study of Comparative Religion. This course introduces students to the comparative method in the study of religion through the consideration of a topical aspect of religion across Eastern and Western religions. Past topics have included pilgrimage, marriage in world religions, devotional literature in world religions. This course focuses on engaging the comparative study of religion with religions in international countries. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 295 - The Problem of Evil in World Religions 4 credits
This seminar offers a comparative examination of how Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism define evil and explain its existence in the world. Topics considered include why bad things happen to good people, why there is suffering in the world and, in traditions with a notion of a benevolent and all-knowing divinity, why the divinity allows evil and suffering to exist. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 296 - Cosmology in World Religions 4 credits
This seminar explores how five major world religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism, explain the origins and nature of the cosmos. Through classical texts in translation, students will compare how these five major religions understand how the universe came into existence, how it is ordered, what the purposes of the created universe are and how study of the cosmos reveals deeper understanding of the nature of ultimate sacred reality. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 297 - Comparative Fundamentalism 4 credits
An examination of the rise of religious fundamentalism in comparative perspective. Topics to be covered include the historical development of fundamentalism, the nature and organization of contemporary fundamentalism, the relationship between fundamentalism and the family, state, and education, and the significance of fundamentalism in domestic and international politics. Specific attention is given to case studies of the history and religious culture of fundamentalism in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, and comparisons between Western and Eastern religions, traditions will be made. The perspective of the course is sociological and theological, but the ethical and political issues and dilemmas raised by these groups will also be considered. Same as: SOC 297 . Offered fall semester. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 301 - Religions of the Ancient Near East 4 credits
A study of the religions of Mesopotamia (Sumeria, Babylonia, Assyria), Egypt, Anatolia, and Syria-Palestine (Canaan, Aram) through analysis of literature and archaeological remains. Focuses on general religious questions and the interrelationship of Israel and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 302 - Greek and Roman Religions 4 credits
An introduction to the religious thought and practices of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and (in this context) the early Christians. Topics include ritual, worship, and sacrifice; beliefs about the underworld and afterlife; the ancient mystery cults and the rise of Christianity; philosophical challenges to religion; the conflict of paganism and Christianity. Emphasis is placed on original literary, artistic, and archaeological sources. Prerequisite: A previous Classics course (preferably CLAS 215 ) or a previous REL course. Same as: CLAS 302 . Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 304 - Religion in America 4 credits
A historical approach to American religious developments. The goal is to understand religious dimensions of the pluralistic nature of society in the United States. Topics will vary by course offering but are likely to include a consdierationb of varieties of Christianity in the United States, including Puritanism, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, Revivalism, the rise of denominationalism, the emergence of sects and cults. Topics may also include African-American religion, civil religion, the interactions among Protestants, Catholics. and Jews in American society, and Middle Eastern and Asian religions in America. Course may be repeated as topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity US
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REL 310 - Independent Study for Writing in the Discipline of the Study of Religion 2 - 4 credits
This course is for students who seek to develop their writing in the Study of Religion by a self-designed research project undertaken with a full-time faculty member in the Religion department. The work in fulfillment of the course study involves discussion of the nature of and issues in writing in the discipline of Religion as relevant to the student’s project topic, and the project will result in a research paper. CLA-Writing in the Major
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REL 312 - Classical Morality & Religious Ethics from Plato to Machiavelli 4 credits
The course provides a history of classical moral thinking, both philosophical and theological, in the West by tracing this thought through Greek, Roman, and Christian philosophers, theologians, historians, dramatists, and Italian Renaissance Republicans. We will pay particular attention to how this intellectual history, found in philosophers and theologians, interacts with popular classical morality and piety as found in classical historians and dramatists, medieval morality dramatists, and biography. Topics to be covered will include but not be limited to: the nature of morality, moral realism, moral virtue, the relationship between tragedy and virtue, the goal of happiness and inner peace in the face of adversity, the interaction of religion and morality, love, marriage, friendship, sexual relations, raising children, and political ethics. The course will conclude with an overview of the recent revival of classical morality in religious and philosophical ethics. Offered Fall semester in even years. CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 320 - Seminar in Jewish Studies 4 credits
An in-depth study of a specific religious or philosophical aspect of Judaism, with an emphasis on the critical analysis of primary sources and traditional texts. Course may be repeated. Same as: JWST 320 . CLA-Breadth/Humanities
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REL 330 - Seminar in Christianity 4 credits
This course examines advanced questions in the study of Christianity. Topics will vary but include theology, ritual practice, history, and art. Students are expected to conduct primary research rooted in an understanding of relevant scholarship. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Writing Intensive
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REL 332 - The Reformation: Theology, Society, and Devotion 4 credits
This course begins by examining the origins of reformation in the history of Christianity. We trace some of the key questions that become central to the fifteenth- and sixteenth- century reformers. Topics will include: the nature, language and availability of the Bible; papal power; devotional practices (prayer books, indulgences, and the Eucharist); and grace and free will. We shall examine the critiques of these practices and theologies by reformers such as Wycliffe, Hus, Erasmus, Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin. We shall also examine the Catholic reformation, the Council of Trent and the origins of Roman Catholicism. Other topics include the rise of the modern state, witchcraft, Inquisition, and women as reformers and objects of reform. The final portion of the course will focus on the English Reformation and work directly with Drew’s 16th- and 17th- century collection of English prayer books in the Maser Collection. The course will have a midterm examination, and essays leading to a final research paper. CLA-Breadth/Humanities, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 350 - Seminar in Islamic Studies 4 credits
An intensive study of special topics in this field. Offering to be determined.
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REL 360 - Seminar in Asian Religions 4 credits
An advanced seminar-format study of a selected religious topic pertaining to South Asian, Southeast Asian, and East Asian cultures, considered either comparatively or specific to one of the cultures. Topics vary from year to year. Uses a variety of methodologies, including historical, anthropological, art historical, sociological and literature studies, on an interdisciplinary basis with the study of religion. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Offering to be determined. CLA-Breadth/Interdisciplinary, CLA-Diversity International
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REL 362 - Women in Asian Traditions 4 credits
This course critically examines traditional definitions of gender and the ways women both enact and challenge such definitions in the present day in Asia , through our reading of contemporary ethnographic (field research) studies on women and religion. The methodology of the course is to examine ways in which cultural history is both affirmed and changed in the present, through study of scholarly theories of intersections between the academic disciplines of history , ethnography and the history of religions . We perform gender analysis to contrast women ‘s social agency in past and present in order to situate the opportunities they have to participate in the shaping of tradition today, and to examine ways in which contemporary women are actively and authoritatively redefining tradition to shape their everyday lives in social and political context, engaging traditional cultural values in new definitions of rights and ways of acting in society. The world region/s of focus - South Asia, Southeast Asia, and/or East Asia- will vary by offering. Same as WGST 363 , HIST 362 . CLA-Diversity International, CLA-Writing Intensive
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