Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide a basic introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Jewish Studies. We will begin by examining the state of Judaism today, and follow this by turning our attention to the past to see how Judaism came to this point. We will conclude with an anthropological exploration of the little traditions of Judaism. Students should come away with a basic understanding of the beliefs, practives, and history of the Jews.
Course Delivery- Hybrid: This course will be delivered synchronously remotely (either via Collaborate or Zoom) on Tuesdays and on campus on Thursdays. Students will have the choice of which session to attend. The remaining material will be delivered asynchronously online through readings, micro-lectures, and threaded discussions. All students will be expected to participate in the online component of the class.
Course Description: The history of early Christianity and the background, history, theology, and transmission of the literature of the New Testament. The work is at the introductory level. No prerequisite.
Course Delivery:
Course Description: A basic introduction to the Islamic tradition from the perspective of world events that occurred over the course of the past century or so. The main focus of the course will be the development of Islam in the modern period, but a basic understanding of earlier Islamic history will be introduced as needed. The course will cover such topics as the Prophet Muhammad's memory, law, gender, and interpretations of the Qur'an through a focus on Muslim communities living in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. We will examine how different, and often competing, understandings of Islam have arisen in the modern context. We will also explore what it means to be a Muslim in contemporary society and consider the impact of modernity on the development of Islam. No prerequisite. Group III Diversity
Course Delivery- Hybrid: Course will meet in person for those able, willing, and healthy enough to do so. For those who are unable to, an asynchronous, on-line element is available for class participation. Most assignments will be facilitated through Blackboard. Students will have opportunities to learn with and from each other and the instructor in order to create a meaningful and critical engagement with learning materials and assignments.
Course Description: An introduction to academic theology and ethics. The course provides a non-confessional critical analysis of Christian theology and religious ethics. Topics include: God's existence, creation, human nature, sin and salvation, grace and justice, myth, and theological language.
Course Delivery- Hybrid: In person, research, take home exams and papers by remote
Course Description: Exploration of Islamic society, history, and civilization from 1258, which marks the end of the Abbasid Caliphate as a result of the Mongol invasions, to 1798, the date of Napoleon Bonaparte’s arrival in Egypt, which is the traditional date marking the beginning of the modern period in the Muslim world. This period represents a remarkable intellectual florescence within the Islamic tradition, the transformation of cultural institutions, and a geo-political shift from the Arab world to Asia. We will explore life, intellectual currents, politics and law, institutions, gender relations, and culture under Muslim rule within the context of the major political powers, including the Mamluk, Timurid, Safavid, Mughal, and Ottoman dynasties. This course does not require any prior coursework in Islam.
Course Delivery- Hybrid: Course will meet in person for those able, willing, and healthy enough to do so. For those who are unable to, an asynchronous, on-line element is available for class participation. Most assignments will be facilitated through Blackboard. Students will have opportunities to learn with and from each other and the instructor in order to create a meaningful and critical engagement with learning materials and assignments.
Course Description: A study of contemporary radical or liberation theologies including Black, feminist, and political theologies. Students will read, study, and discuss selected key writers in each tradition.
Course Delivery- Hybrid: In person, research, take home exams and papers by remote
Course Description: Traditional and non-traditional religious perspectives on ethical problems current in American society. Exposure to current theological debate on selected issues, such as abortion and euthanasia, racism and sexism, colonialism and imperialism, the just war and pacifism, and poverty and wealth.
Course Delivery- Hybrid: In person, research, take home exams and papers by remote
Course Description: An investigation of some of the major philosophical questions and problems generated by eastern and western religious traditions, with emphasis on the latter. The course will focus on the assessment of religious arguments, the identification of the presuppositions that underlie religious claims, and the analysis of the meaning of religious utterances. Also listed as PHIL 345.
Course Delivery: Fully Remote