A study of the major religious developments and issues within Islam, from Muhammad to the present. Christian Origins A study of the earliest extant literary portrayals of Jesus, with attention to what can be known about his life, message, activity, and fate as well as his significance for the origins of Christianity. The Letters of Paul A study of the extant writings attributed to Paul and included in the New Testament, with attention to the historical, cultural, religious, and literary context of these writings and to Paul's influence in early Christianity and in the history of Christian thought. A study of religious diversity in the United States with major emphasis on the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions. Attention may be given to such topics as Native American religion, civil religion, new religious movements, women in religion, and televangelism.
Field trips are an integral part of the course.
A philosophical analysis of religious experience, religious knowledge, and religious language. An examination in depth of specific contemporary issues in theology and philosophy of religion. Involves discussion of theological and non-theological sources. This course may be taken for credit once in each topic. An examination of a range of liberation theologies, including feminist theology, black theology, and Latin American liberation theology.