RLST 201
3 credits
Religions of the West
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 130
An examination of the religions of the Western tradition using their scriptures and other readings, lectures, discussions, and films. Judaism, Christianity and Islam will be considered in depth, and Wicca and New Age as response or counterpoint.
RLST 202
3 credits
Religions of the East
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 130
An examination of the religions of the Eastern tradition using their scriptures and other readings, lectures, discussions, and films. Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism-Taoism will be considered in depth, Jainism, Sikhism and Shintoism will also be examined. We will also explore the impact of the Eastern tradition on the western tradition.
RLST 320
3 credits
The Buddhist Tradition
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits of Arts and/or Applied Arts courses
The Buddhist Tradition is ancient and layered with insight, wisdom and compassion. This course will examine and reflect upon five major traditions within Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen and Pure Land. The course will conclude with a discussion of North American Buddhism.
RLST 330
3 credits
The Christian Tradition
Prerequisite(s): ANTH 130 or RLST 201 or PHIL 250
A critical and historical examination of the evolution of the Christian tradition, its contribution to western society, and its impact on the cultures and creeds of other parts of the world. Interactions with Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism will be explored. The course will be divided into (a) a historical overview of the evolution of the Christian community and (b) a discussion of the major issues facing Christianity at the end of the second millennium.
RLST 340
3 credits
The Islamic Tradition
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits of Arts and/or Applied Arts courses
The Islamic Tradition will be studied from a variety of approaches. This course will reflect upon the origins, development, and maturation of Islam in the past and present. The course will conclude with a discussion of the varieties of Islam today.
RLST 380
3 credits
Religion, Nature and Science
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits in Applied or Arts or Science programs, including 9 credits in Philosophy or Religious Studies; or permission of the instructor.
This course will examine, in an historic and thematic manner, how various religious traditions of West and East and science have interpreted Nature and the continuing consequences of such interpretations. Is nature benign to humans, a source of material and spiritual sustenance? Or is it indifferent, mere raw material to be mastered and used as we see fit? Or is nature a recurrent threat to our material and spiritual well-being? The relationship between theory and practice will be an essential aspect of this course.
