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REL 101. Religions of the World [C2HQC] Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 003075
An investigation of the world’s major religions which will give attention to their origin, history, mythology and doctrines. May be used for general education credit.
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REL 101H. Religions of the World - Honors [C2HQC] Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 003056
An investigation of the world’s major religions which will give attention to their origin, history, mythology and doctrines. May be used for general education credit. Prerequisite: Honors Students
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REL 102. God, Meaning & Morality [C2HQC] Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 004581
A study of the ways in which various communities perceive and understand the basis of knowledge, reality, meaning and purpose, ethics, and aesthetics. Students will explore religious and nonreligious approaches to these issues. May be used for general education credit.
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REL 103. Introductory Topics in Religion and Theology Credits 1.00-6.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014241
Course on various topics in religious studies and/or theological studies. May be taken multiple times for credit.
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REL 200. Exploring Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002077
We live in an increasingly complex and globalized world, such that understanding religions is now part of cultural literacy. But how should we go about studying religion? This course will provide an introduction to some of the most influential thinkers, common methodologies, important debates and key concepts in the academic study of religion. The course will also consider recent challenges to this field of study. Emphasis will be on applying insights to real-world examples.
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REL 201. Introduction to Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 007471
A study of selected texts in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament using the methods of biblical studies, which examines texts in their original historical settings. No prior familiarity with the Bible is needed. Includes introductions to religious texts and cultures in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Levant. We will also consider how contemporary readers use the Bible to support a range of policy issues and social platforms as we reflect on how a biblical studies approach might inform these positions.
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REL 202. Introduction to the New Testament Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002935
This course discusses the literature of the New Testament in light of historical, social and religious conditions from which it emerged. Particular attention is given to historical issues related to Jesus and the origins of Christianity.
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REL 210. Religion in America Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013432
The purpose of this course is to offer students the opportunity to explore the broad contours of the intersection of religion with other important facets of American society, such as politics and law, civic space and social activism, social identities, intellectual life, and the arts and media. It will consider the relationship of religion to the constructing of an American identity rooted in ideas of pluralism, tolerance, equality, freedom of conscience, democracy and secularism.
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REL 218. Philosophy of Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 009636
Crosslisted with PHIL 218
An intensive examination of religion from the standpoint of philosophical thinking with particular emphasis on the way philosophers view such problems as the existence of God, evil, immortality, religious language, etc. Prerequisite: PHIL 101 or permission of the instructor.
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REL 240. Jesus and the Moral Life Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 010877
This is an introductory course that focuses on the ways in which the moral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, explored both from historical and multi-cultural perspectives, informed and continues to inform, personal ideas and moral visions of society.
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REL 250. Islamic Religious Traditions Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011617
What constitutes Islam and how has it been defined throughout history? Who represents and speaks for Islam? How have we come to our Islamic studies archive and how does it impact how we view Islam? We will discover the different ways Muslims and non-Muslims have answered these questions, in different places, times and social contexts. Based on the most recent research and original source material, we will cover major themes of Islamic religious thought including the Qur’ān and its interpretation, the intellectual history of Islam, Sufism, Islamic law, and Muslim reform and revivalism.We will explore how these components have manifested in diverse cultures throughout Islam’s history. In addition to gaining a solid understanding of the problems associated with the study of Islam, successful completion of this course should also equip students with the tools required to analyze broader theoretical issues pertinent to the study of religion. A further goal of this course is to provide a strong theoretical foundation in religious studies so that students are able to think and speak about religion in an informed and insightful manner. The scope of this course is not limited to Islam, as the example of Islam will be used as a case study to wrestle with broader intellectual issues relating to the intersection among religion, history and politics.
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REL 280. Religion and Science Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011598
This course will provide an historical survey of the relationship between religion and the sciences; offer overviews of scientific and theological theory; examine the development of theory formation; focus on issues in astronomy, physics, and biology; explore the ethical implications of scientific and religious theories; and trace developments.
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REL 288. Introduction to Buddhism Credits 3.00. PeopleSoft Course ID 013846
This course explores the historical origins of Buddhism, the central tenets of Buddhist thought, the major meditative practices Buddhists employ, and the relationship between meditation and social action in contemporary Buddhist communities.
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REL 300. Selected Topics in Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 006080
Selected topics in religion are studied in depth. See MyMadison for current topic. Course may be repeated for credit when content changes.
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REL 305. Islamic Religious Tradition Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011617
This course introduces the Islamic religious tradition from its inception to the present. Topics covered include the message and style of the Qu’ran, the life and experience of Muhammad, the major beliefs and practices of Islam, and the theological, philosophical and mystical movements in the Islamic empire. Attention is also given to modern Islamic movements and their relation to the modern world inside and outside the Middle East.
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REL 306. Women and Gender in Islam Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013146
This course investigates how particular gender roles, identities, and relationships become signified as Islamic, and the ways in which Muslim women continually re-negotiate the boundaries of gender in living an authentic religious life. Topics will include Qur`anic revelations, the formation of Islamic jurisprudence, sexual ethics, representations of Muslim women in colonial discourse, as well as the role of women in ritual practice and feminist movements.
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REL 309. Jihad in Islamic Traditions Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013454
This course examines jihad as it is debated and sanctioned throughout Islamic history. Jihad means ‘struggle’ and various Muslim interpreters have defined this struggle in two ways: some have claimed it encompasses violent, militaristic conflict, while others have emphasized the inner, spiritual struggle of an individual to follow God. This course traces how Muslims have interpreted this dual sense of jihad in diverse historical and cultural contexts, thereby laying the foundation to analyze the expression of jihad in the contemporary world.
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REL 310. (Re)thinking Order and Chaos: An Introduction to Hinduism Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 005192
This course introduces Hinduism through the concepts of order (dharma), chaos or disorder (non-dharma), and ethic of responsibility (karma), and their relationships to the pursuits of pleasure and material well being and the quest for liberation. It makes sense of chaos and discovers the lurking irrationality of order, and thereby suggests a creative role of chaos in order. This course also challenges the category of religion and the universalism associated with Western religious mythologies.
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REL 313. Classical Chinese Thought Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013864
This course is a introduction to early Chinese thought. The word “thought” is used instead of “philosophy” or “religion” because the Chinese intellectual tradition did not distinguish between philosophy and religion. We will examine how philosophical, religious, and literary elements are all uniquely deployed in texts such as the Analects of Confucius, the Dao De Jing, and other classics. Our approach will involve analysis of language, arguments, cultural context, and authorial intent.
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REL 314. Gandhi and the Other 9/11 Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011600
Mahatma Gandhi is unique as a social theorist, a moral and spiritual philosopher, and a social and political activist. He serves as a bridge from post-modern to modern and pre-modern thought. His experience transcends boundaries of culture, geography, religion and politics. In this course students explore the ideas and the story of Gandhi to reflect upon the issues facing the modern world, with an emphasis on the modern nonviolent movement that he launched on 9/11.
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REL 315. Women and Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002147
Students will explore the diverse relationships between women and the world’s major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam), both in the past and today. Topics will include women’s roles, rights, practices, bodies, sexualities, clothing, representations and more. Feminist approaches for critiquing religious histories, texts and traditions will also be considered.
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REL 317. Introduction to Daoism Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013838
Beginning with the earliest classics and continuing to the present, the course examines Daoism from historical, literary, philosophical and religious perspectives. It explores the difficulties categorizing Daoism as a “philosophy” or “religion,” and how it still informs political, philosophical and religious thought in China. First-person exercises in and out of class will yield a holistic and lived understanding of the Daoist tradition.
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REL 320. Judaism Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 005930
An examination of the beliefs, practices and historical development of the various forms of Judaism represented in America today: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist.
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REL 322. Sociology of Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 001565
Crosslisted with SOCI 322
This course is a sociological analysis of the nature, function, and structure of religion. Survey of the relationship between religion and society: the social nature of religious phenomena, the interaction between religious beliefs and practices and other arenas of secular societies, the social functions of religion, and the way religion changes and is changed by secular society.
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REL 323. Comparative Ethics East and West Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013840
Would Jesus have opposed war? What about Buddha? If both opposed war would they have made the same argument against it? In this course we will think about ethical questions from a crosscultural perspective. Analysis of ethical arguments made in Eastern and Western traditions will bring to light similarities as well as fundamental differences. Case studies will connect the course material to contemporary ethical debates.
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REL 324. Latinx and Latin American Christianity Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014086
The election of Pope Francis to the papacy reflects the growing influence of Latin America upon world Christianity. This course will provide a historical and thematic overview of the changes in the history of Latin American Christianity. It moves chronologically and geographically, from colonial Latin America to Hispanic immigrant communities. Topics covered include race and colonialism, the Cuban Revolution, the Second Vatican Council, social justice and Christianity, the rise of Pentecostalism, labor movements and inequality, and U.S. Hispanic political influence.
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REL 325. Catholicism in the Modern World Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 006033
Study of the variety of responses by contemporary Catholic theologians and philosophers to key elements in Christian doctrine and practice. Topics include Vatican II; scripture, tradition and modern scholarship; Jesus and Christology; contemporary Catholic spirituality; moral issues in the church; and ecumenism.
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REL 330. Religions of Africa and the African Diaspora Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 004712
An examination of the character of religious traditions, beliefs and liturgical practices of African and African-Diaspora communities. Both primary (historical and anthropological) and secondary sources examined.
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REL 332. Born Again Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012700
Evangelical Protestantism has played a vital role in shaping American religious history. The religious and social allegiances of evangelicalism are quite diverse, however. Evangelicals also maintain a paradoxical relationship with American society, functioning both as powerful insiders and vocal outsiders. This course is designed to introduce students to the history of evangelicalism, its religious patterns and its negotiations with contemporary American culture.
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REL 333. Angels, Demons and Dreams in Ancient Judaism and Christianity Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013721
This course will familiarize students with a broad range of early Jewish and Christian writings, found outside of the Jewish and Protestant Christian canon, that were held to be Scripture at the time of their production and reception ca. 300 B.C.E. - 200 C.E. Using a broad range of interdisciplinary methodologies drawn from biblical studies, students will study these Scriptures in the context of late Persian, Hellenistic and Roman cultures, as well as in light of archaeological findings.
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REL 334. New Religious Movements Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012425
America has proven to be fertile soil for the development of new religious traditions. It has encouraged religious pluralism, and has allowed hundreds of new communities to establish themselves as important elements of society. This course will consider some of the representative new religions in America by examining their histories, beliefs, and practices.
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REL 336. African-American Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012701
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the broad contours of the African American religious experience, and its history, practices, and communities by examining the intersection of race and religion in America. Through the close reading of primary texts and increased familiarity with significant scholarly literature, students will gain a basic understanding of the fundamental categories in African American religion.
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REL 340. Introduction to Christianity Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 008840
This course is designed to provide a broad survey of the Christian tradition, from its origins to its contemporary expressions. In addition to its historical development, the course will consider Christian belief, ritual, moral practice, and societal engagement. Major intellectual and theological traditions will be addressed through the study of foundational texts. Students will gain a working knowledge of major church communions as well and minor and marginalized movements.
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REL 341. Early Christian Gospels: Origins, History, and Conflict Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013453
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the familiar “canonical” gospels. In the early centuries of Christianity other gospels circulated: the Gospel of Peter, “Q”, Infancy Gospels and the so-called Gnostic gospels. This course examines the origins of the canonical and non-canonical gospels, the historical and theological factors at work in the emergence of the canonical gospels to a position of primacy, and the struggles within early Christianity to define its authoritative tradition.
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REL 342. The Historical Jesus Quest Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 010851
A study of the attempts of scholarship since the Enlightenment to discover the socalled historical Jesus. Includes discussion of historiographical problems raised in past and present scholarly “quests” for the historical Jesus, analysis of the relationship between memory and the Jesus traditions, and practice in situating the Gospel materials in the social and political context of ancient Roman Palestine.
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REL 343. Paul and the Origins of Christianity Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013594
Some scholars argue that the Apostle Paul was the “real” founder of Christianity, others that he was the faithful interpreter of the Jesus traditions to the Greco-Roman world. After reconstructing the historical course of Paul’s life and journeys from the available sources, the course will analyze selected Pauline epistles, sent to early Christian communities, in order to reconstruct his teaching and ethics and to assess his significance for the origins of Christianity.
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REL 348. Christianity in Global Context Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012954
Christianity plays a vital role in many societies around the world. Though often treated as a mostly western or European religion, it was in fact a global religion first and foremost. This course examines Christianity from that global perspective. What does Christianity look like around the world? How have indigenous cultures fashioned their own versions of Christianity in the modern world? Is there unity in the diversity of these global Christianities?
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REL 360. History of Christian Thought Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 003213
A survey of the development of Christian Thought with primary emphasis on the peoples, ideas, and historical events around which the developments took place. Thus material from Christian origins through to the present will be examined in their historical contexts.
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REL 362. Introduction to U.S. Religious History Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011970
Crosslisted with HIST 362
The course introduces the religious history of the colonies and the United States, from native traditions through the 20th century. We examine the historical/social impact of groups ranging from Roman Catholic migrants to evangelical Protestants and Scientologists. Special attention is paid to the extraordinary and persistent levels of religious diversity and adherence throughout U.S. history.
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REL 363. Apocalypticism, Religious Terrorism and Peace Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012677
Crosslisted with IA 363
This course traces apocalypticism from its ancient Jewish and Christian roots to its contemporary manifestations in religious groups around the world. Since apocalypticism is a worldview that cuts across religious traditions, the course covers a variety of religious groups. The last half of the course focuses on the complex relationships between apocalyptic thinking and religious terrorism and entails an independent research project.
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REL 365. Religion and Film Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013998
In this course, students will explore the appearance of the major world religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism) as well as religious themes (such as redemption or the afterlife) in the medium of film. Students will learn to critique cinematic representations and misrepresentations of religion and to analyze their impact on viewers, as well as to consider how films may provide rituals and other experiences that serve a religious function.
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REL 366. Religion, Animals and the Environment Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014080
Crosslisted with ENVT 366
This course analyzes the ways in which various religions, especially Judaism and Christianity, understand the relationship of human beings to the environment and non-human animals. We will explore how religious worldviews translate into human impact on the non-human biosphere. Given the global reach of American environmental policies and lifestyles, and the prominent role that biblical interpretation has played in shaping American attitudes and policy, special emphasis will be placed on historical interpretations of the Bible, ranging from human dominionism to human responsibility in caring for the earth, its creatures and its ecosystems. The course explores the complexities involved in using religious positions, interpretations of biblical texts and apocalyptic arguments to inform both environmentalism and policy debates related to the environment. Students will gain a basic introduction to methods of biblical scholarship and familiarity with the general state of scientific consensus on environmental challenges.
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REL 371. Religion and Disability Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014228
What is disability and how is it constructed? What have the major world religions, on their own and in conversation, decided is ‘normal’ and what they have decided is ‘other?’ How do they view and treat those individuals/groups they have deemed disabled? How do people with disabilities create their own meaning within and beyond their own religion? This course will investigate the nature of disability in five of the world’s religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam). While we will become familiar with how disability intersects with and across each of these religions, the heart of this course will be deep explorations of specific case studies as well as personal reflections on the students’ and others’ intersectional identities in the context of various communities.
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REL 372. Religion and Medicine, East and West Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014087
What is the relationship between religion and medicine? How has the idea of healing been influenced by religious faith, historically and philosophically? This course explores a broad range of issues at the intersection of religion and science, from the question of what counts as “proof” to the existential crises that sickness can provoke. Historical perspective is balanced with case studies and current events to show how theorectical concerns affect real-world scenarios. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
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REL 375. Nineteenth Century Philosophy and Theology Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002827
Crosslisted with PHIL 375
A selected study of 19th-century philosophers and theologians with special attention to rationalism, romanticism and idealism. Views of Hegel, Schleiermacher, Ritschl, Marx and others are considered.
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REL 377. Hermeneutics Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012384
Crosslisted with PHIL 377
This course will examine the main features of hermeneutics with particular emphasis on its contemporary perspectives. Discussion will focus on such themes as human understanding and human finitude, the nature of history and tradition, linguisticality and textuality of experience. Readings may address Gadamer, Ricoeur, Schleiermacher, and Dilthey.
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REL 380. Contemporary Theologies Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 001539
A survey of one or more of the following contemporary theological movements: continental, North American, African and South American, including Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant approaches, and covering themes such as the conflict between history and faith, Christology, fundamentalism and liberalism, and the emergence of liberation, feminist, black, neo-conservative, secular, pluralist and ecological theologies.
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REL 383. The Global Refugee Crisis and Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014098
Focused on the contemporary refugee crisis, this course investigates the intersection of religion with human experiences of displacement, migration, resettlement, and welcome. We also analyze the place of religion in refugee policy debates as well as the role of faith-based organizations in refugee relief and resettlement. Prerequisite: none Corequisite: none
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REL 386. Topics in Buddhist Studies Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 012914
Study of major issues and thinkers in the Buddhist tradition from ancient times to the present. May be repeated for credit when course content changes.
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REL 387. Buddhist Literature and Liberation Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013999
Focused on the interpretation of Buddhist texts, this course explores how Buddhists have envisioned literary activity as part of a path to spiritual liberation. Students read and analyze a variety of literary genres, from hagiography to haiku; investigate the ritual dimensions of scribing and printing Buddhist scriptures; and apply contemplative disciplines to creative writing assignments.
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REL 388. Tibetan Buddhism Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013847
This course explores the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism as they are practiced and experienced in communities on the Tibetan Plateau. Student research projects investigate the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, especially through the public life of the Dalai Lama, as well as Tibetan Buddhism`s relationship to topics like nonviolence, compassion, mindfulness, interfaith dialogue, psychology and politics.
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REL 410. Dharma/Adharma: Hindu Ethical Reasoning Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 011599
What values are advanced in Hindu religious and ethical teachings? How do Hindu texts and traditions define and teach the good life and virtuous living? Is moral responsibility conditioned by caste, class, gender or other socioeconomic factors? These are some of the questions that will be considered in this study on Hindu modes of moral reasoning.This course will also make sense of the structure of chaos (adharma) and the chaos of structure (dharma) and thereby suggest that adharma might somewhat make more sense than dharma.
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REL 440. Topics in Religion in America Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 007096
This course serves as a senior seminar (capstone) for majors in Religion, centered around the subject of Religion in America. As a capstone course, students will pursue their own advanced research projects after an initial, intensive introduction to the subject. Rotating topics include “Mormonism and American Culture” and “American Evangelicalism,” as well as others.
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REL 450. Religion and Society Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002087
An advanced exploration of diverse ways in which one or more of the world’s religions have engaged questions of significant social impact. Specific course themes vary by year and instructor. Original student research, writing and oral presentation are the centerpieces of this religion capstone course. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
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REL 460. Topics in Ancient Jewish and Early Christian Literature Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 000953
An in-depth examination, using critical academic methods, of the historical , literary, and cultural dimensions of selected texts from the literatures of Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. Prerequisite: REL 201 or REL 202 or permission of the instructor.
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REL 488. Buddhism in the Modern World Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 014000
This capstone course in the study of religion applies knowledge of Buddhist thought and practice to contemporary global expressions of Buddhism. A key theme of the course is the tension between tradition and modernity in Buddhist communities, especially in light of post-colonialism and globalization. Specific course themes and content rotate by year. Original student research, writing and oral presentation are the centerpieces of this capstone experience. Fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
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REL 490. Special Studies Religion Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 009310
Designed to give capable students an opportunity to complete independent study in religion under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Permission of the department head. May be repeated for credit.
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REL 493. Religion Course Assistantship Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013500
Students participate as course assistants in religion. Assistantships provide students with a sense of what it is like to teach a religion course by allowing them to work closely with faculty members through different phases of course preparation, presentation and evaluation. Assistantships may also provide opportunities for student assistants to lead discussion and to help their peers review the material outside the classroom. Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of the department head.
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REL 495. Religion Internship Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 013029
Gives the structured opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience while serving the community. Prerequisite: Philosophy and Religion Major or Minor (Religion Concentration), junior or senior standing.
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REL 499A. Honors Credits 1.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 007203
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REL 499B. Honors Credits 3.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 000923
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REL 499C. Honors Thesis Credits 2.00 PeopleSoft Course ID 002093
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