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RELS-1113-001
Our approach to the study of religion in this class is comparative, historical, and analytical. In particular, we examine critical turning points in three religious traditions – Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. Students are introduced to foundational figures, events, and concepts within these religions, while also being exposed to the ways in which religions develop and change over time. The primary goals of the course include: preparing students to be more informed citizens capable of engaging in a religiously diverse world; training students to be more nuanced thinkers by equipping them with tools to understand the various ways in which humans across the globe conceptualize religion; and further developing students’ skills in close reading and careful writing. This course is divided into three 4-week units in which we focus on each of the religious traditions listed above. We meet twice a week. Typically, Tuesdays will consist of a lecture and discussion of a historical development within a religious tradition. Readings will be assigned from the textbooks as background. Thursdays will consist of a student-centered discussion of a primary text (including excerpts from scripture, theological treatises, videos, etc.).