Brief Course Descriptions
Rel 12: Introduction to Religion
This course is an exploration of the nature of religion as
manifested in the variety of religious experiences and expressions, including symbols,
myths, rituals, and religious literature. The Bible serves as a primary text, and
there is an emphasis upon learning the stories and tradition that have so influenced
western culture. With this background comparative study of similar phenomena in
other world traditions is undertaken.
Rel 24: Religion in America
This course includes an historical survey of belief systems and
practices of the religious and civil religion of Americans. Emphasis is placed on
the principal denominations and movements within and growing out of Judaism and
Christianity. Native American religion, the American form of selected non-western
religions and larger cult groups are studied briefly.
Religion 38: Women and Religion
This course centers on an investigation into the roles of women,
feminine images, and women's issues in religion, especially in Christian tradition.
Also included is an exploration of the methods and thinking of feminist scholars in Bible,
ethics, theology, etc. and a discussion of contemporary women's spirituality.
Religion 221: Native Americans and the Nature of Religious
Experience
Evening
Division
While recognizing the diversity in Native American religion,
this course considers central themes common to many traditions. Several tribes are
used as illustrations. The approach involves an investigation of the way symbols,
enacted in ritual processes, give rise to both religious experience and to religious
worlds of meaning.