RELS 3810 Religion, Society, and Culture
is a study of modern attempts to analyze, interpret, and reassess the place and significance of religion in human life. Attention will be given to thinkers such as Nietzsche, Marx, Freud, and Durkheim.
CR: the former RELS 3531

RELS 3811 Contemporary Spiritualism
is an in-depth examination of the religion of Spiritualism in historic and contemporary contexts. Students will study the origins, beliefs, practices, and reformist tendencies of Spiritualism from the 19th century to the present day. In particular, the suffragist and abolitionist emphasis of 19th-century Spiritualism and the influential role of Black Spiritualists in the development of the modern-day movement will be explored.

RELS 3812 Religion and Disney Films: Not Just Another Mickey Mouse Course
provides an in-depth examination of religious themes and issues arising from and within the philosophies of Walt Disney, Disney animated films, and other Disney entertainment products. Theoretical models drawn from the field of Religion and Popular Culture will provide the lens through which the religious dimensions of Disney films will be explored.
PR: successful completion of RELS 2812 is recommended but not required

RELS 3820 Religion and the Arts
is an examination of the role of art in the expression of religious ideas, together with a study of specific religious themes and concerns in one or more of the following: literature, film, music, painting, sculpture, and dance.
EQ: Visual Arts 3820

RELS 3840 Rites of Passage
is an introduction to the scholarly study of ritual, focusing on lifecycle transitions: birth and initiation rites, weddings, and funerals. In addition to studying practices from a range of religious traditions, consideration is given to contemporary images, perceptions, and stories of passage, as well as to classical rites of passage theory.

RELS 3860 From Elvis to the Undertaker: Religion Outside the Box
explores the idea that religion, the sacred, and/or spirituality can manifest outside the confines of conventionally defined religious spaces. In particular, this course draws upon a variety of theoretical models to examine the idea that religion is found within popular culture, and within popular culture fan communities.

RELS 3880 Religion, Worldviews, and the Environment
examines the human connection to the natural world as expressed in traditional religions, indigenous worldviews and contemporary approaches to environmental crises.

RELS 4001 Religious Texts and Traditions
is an advanced seminar course that examines religious texts from a variety of religious traditions. Study may involve an exploration of sacred texts, traditions, and their interpreters. Content will vary with instructor.

RELS 4002 Religion, Culture, and Society
is an advanced seminar course that examines religious themes and issues as they affect culture. Study may involve the exploration of institutions, rituals, built environments, and spaces. Content will vary with instructor.

RELS 4300-4330 World Religions: Special Subjects
are courses which will be offered at the discretion of the Department on specialized topics in religious traditions, texts, and histories.