REL 200 Introduction to Religion 4 hrs. An introduction to the study of religion intended to be universal in scope, theoretical and scientific in intent, and humanistic in orientation, of the nature and history of religion wherever it may be found, whatever its context, no matter what its forms, and attempting to raise whatever questions are necessary to illuminate its character. This will involve attention to more than one religious tradition, a discussion of the problems of definition, theory and method, an acknowledgement of the interdisciplinary aspects of much of the inquiry, and an examination of the consequences of this inquiry for problems of self- understanding in the context of western culture in general, and American society in particular. Writing About Religion 3 hrs. This course enhances writing skills in the context of reading and discussing selected materials on religion.
Emphasis is upon the process of writing, with writing assignments in class and outside class.
Reading selections focus upon issues of contemporary interest. Required of all religion majors. REL 302 Religion in the Indian Tradition 4 hrs. To clarify problems, it examines social and political contexts in which various traditions have arisen. To exemplify solutions, it offers samples from religious literature, art, architecture, music, ritual, and spiritual discipline.