As a general introduction to the academic study of religion, REL 100 examines the function of religion in relation to human beliefs, social practices, and culture in general. The course surveys a broad number of important debates in the history of religious studies, such as the definition of religion, the insider/outsider problem, theories on the origins of religion, the comparison of religions, religion's psychological, sociological, and political functions, and the manner in which human communities authorize systems of behavior.

An introduction or survey of the literature and social world of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. As a way of further illuminating these materials, attention will also be given to the history and religion of Israel as well as the other peoples of the ancient Near East. Fulfills the General Education Requirement.

This course is an introductory survey of the New Testament, including the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, apostolic history, related Greco-Roman history and archeology, principal critical issues, and the unity and diversity of New Testament theology. Fulfils the General Education Requirement.

A survey of Medieval Western Latin, Jewish, and Islamic philosophers. Identical with PHL 242. Credit cannot be received for both REL 242 and PHL 242.

Different themes and issues of significance in religion will be studied as announced.

Through the disciplines of English and Philosophy, this course will provide an introduction to myths and to the literature that recounts the myths, legends, and folktales of ancient Greece and Rome. This course will also look at how different writers treat the material and why their treatments vary. Cross-listed with EH 310, PHL 310 and CLA 310. Credit cannot be received for both REL 310 and either EH 310 or PHL 310 or CLA 310.

The history of England from the Roman occupation to the Age of Tudors. Identical with HY 331. Credit cannot be received for both REL 331 and HY 331.

The history of beliefs and practices concerning witches, magic, and witch-hunting in Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Identical with HY 343. Credit cannot be received for both REL 343 and HY 343.

The history of the systematic mass murder of Europe's Jews and other groups by Nazi Germany during World War II. Cross-listed with HY 347. Credit cannot be received for both REL 347 and HY 347.

Investigates the nature of religion, including religious experience, religious language, arguments for the existence of God, and the problem of evil. Identical with PHL 351. Credit cannot be received for both REL 351 and PHL 351.

This course is an introduction to the religions of the world. It is divided into three basic units: Indigenous Religions (of Africa, North America, and Oceania); Eastern Religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Jainism) and Western Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The emphasis is on grasping the core principles of each tradition, seeing the ways in which religion meets basic human needs, and religion as a cultural artifact that borrows, adapts, and changes over time. Course is identical with PHL 352 and SY 352. Credit cannot be received for both REL 352 and PHL 352 or SY 352.

The role of religious change in the 16th and 17th centuries. Identical with HY 353. Credit cannot be received for both REL 353 and HY 353.

Introduces the major religions and philosophies of India by way of the classical Realist/Antirealist debate in India. Study of the major religious doctrines of theistic and non-dualist Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism, and their philosophical articulation in the Nyaya, Advaita Vedanta, Madhyamaka, and other schools. Identical with PHL 354. Credit cannot be received for both REL 354 and PHL 354.

Introduces the major classical religious and philosophical systems of China by way of an examination of early Confucianism, Mohism, Yangism, Legalism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the role of these schools in the development of Chinese religion, morality, and political organization. Identical PHL 355. Credit cannot be received for both REL 355 and PHL 355.

This course will cover the political, economic, social, and cultural history of Islamic Civilization from its beginnings in the Arabian Peninsula in the sixth century to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Cross-listed with HY 364. Credit cannot be received for both REL 364 and HY 364.

This course will cover specific topics in the history of Islamic civilization. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status. Cross-listed with REL 365. Credit cannot be received for both HY 365 and REL 365.

Examines the role of religion in United States history from the colonial era to the present. Identical with HY 373. Credit cannot be received for both REL 373 and HY 373.

Different figures or topics of significance in religion will be studied as announced. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.

An analysis of religion as a social institution with emphasis on modern western societies. Topics include the functions of religion for society and individuals, changing patterns of religious belief and practice and the relationship between religion and other social institutions. Identical with SY 420. Credit cannot be received for both REL 420 and SY 420.

This course will cover specific topics in the history of Islamic civilization. May be repeated for credit when content varies. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status. Cross-listed with HY 465. Credit cannot be received for both REL 465 and HY 465.

An investigation of issues and concepts in religion for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. May be repeated, when content varies, for a total of six hours.

Directed research in religion under the guidance of a member of the department. Credit according to the magnitude of the individual project. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of three hours. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and approval of directing professor and department chair.

Extended research paper prepared under the direction of thesis advisor plus two-person committee selected by advisor in consultation with student. Prerequisites: The student must have developed a proposal for the thesis in consultation with the advisor, and received permission for the work from the committee. In addition, the student must be a senior major or minor, have completed the Common Core, and have at least a 3.3 GPA in the Religion Concentration of the Philosophy major. Credit for this course is only given as an addition to the hours required for the major.

Directed research in philosophy under the guidance of a member of the department. May be repeated, if content varies, for a total of six hours. Prerequisite: Graduate Student in Department conferring a Graduate Degree (hence not open to Philosophy majors in any Concentration in Philosophy.)