REL 130 - The Study of Religion

The focus of the course is not on the study of any particular mode of religious expression, but on the shape and development of the discipline of comparative religion as a field of inquiry. The major issues covered in this course concentrate on the nature of religion and the methods used to study religious phenomena. Some of the methodologies introduced are cultural, historical, sociological, psychological, artistic, phenomenological, theological and feminist theories. Readings include primary texts from the major theorists on the nature of religion, manifestations of the sacred or holy, religious symbolism, myths, ritual, religious language, sacred texts, religious communities, concepts of fate, afterlife, destiny and gender relations in religion and society. Through case studies in several world religions students analyze the religion’s history of interpretations and how these interpretations have impacted societal, cultural, and theological ideologies in a global context. (Offered every year.) 3 credits