Thus, Religious Studies in the modern sense is as new a thing as the airplane. It exists because, under modern conditions, an unprecedented engagement among the cultures of the world has come about. The corresponding fact is that in Religious Studies we are powerfully and intimately challenged to understand ourselves as members of global humanity. The purpose of this course is to identify and begin to work through some of the most important issues that arise in trying to understand the human unity and diversity of religion.
Evidence is drawn from a variety of traditions and from many different kinds of sources.
There is no prerequisite. This course studies intersections of various kinds between moral and religious life. It might take up a particular set of moral and religious concerns, such as biomedical ethics or social justice. Whatever its focus, the aim of the course will be to broaden and enrich the contexts in which we assess significant human choices. There is no prerequisite.