An introduction to the academic study of religions, including myths, beliefs, rituals, values, social forms. Examples chosen from oral cultures and major religions of the world. Introductory study of the major beliefs, practices, and institutions of American Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam with emphasis on the diversity of religion in America, and attention to issues of gender, race, and class. Basic overview of the contents of the Old and New Testament in light of their ancient socio-historical background, and with attention to a variety of interpretations and relevance to modern American society. An introduction to basic Judaism.
Special attention is given to Jewish sacred texts, rituals, social practices, and modern forms.
An introduction to Christian thought and practice from an historical point of view, stressing the development of belief, spirituality, and organization, and the continuities and changes involved in these developments. Explores in detail the relationship between religious beliefs and moral practice. An introduction to Catholic belief and practice. The Catholic ethos will be located in the context of other world religions, and special stress will be placed on the central beliefs of the Creed as understood by Catholics, and on sacramentality as the distinguishing mark of the Catholic worldview. An in-depth study of the literature and religion of ancient Israel in light of recent archaeological discoveries, research about the ancient Near East, and a variety of interpretations.