Religion
RE 1731. INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
Cat. I This course provides an overview of key concepts, methods and authors in both fields. These introduce the student to the types of reasoning required for the pursuit of in-depth analysis in each discipline. Emphasis on topics and authors varies with the particular instructor.
RE 2721. RELIGION AND CULTURE
Cat. I The purpose of this course is to examine how the two institutions of religion and culture interact and mutually influence one another. To do this a variety of definitions of religion and culture will be presented as well as an analysis of how religion interacts with such cultural phenomena as economics, politics, the state, war and the basic problem of social change. The purpose of this is to obtain a variety of perspectives on both religion and culture so that one can begin to articulate more clearly the different influences that occur in the development of one?s own personal history and the culture in which one lives. Suggested background: knowledge of key terms and concepts as given in PY/RE 1731.
RE 2722. QUESTIONS OF EVIL AND GOOD
Cat. I Notions of good and evil shape many of our day to day religious and philosophical claims and arguments. This course concerns questions and approaches to what is often called ?evil,? through a study of classical and contemporary texts and problems. The focus of the course will vary, but will include metaphysical, moral, and political ideas about kinds and relations of goods and evils from different religious and philosophical perspectives. This study takes into account notions of error, ignorance, wrong-doing, freedom and responsibility evident in contemporary religious and philosophical debate.
RE 2723. RELIGIONS OF THE WEST
Cat. II The purpose of this course is to examine, from an historical, doctrinal, scriptural and philosophical perspective, major Western religions. The course will focus primarily on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Other religions will be examined. The course will attend to the social context in which these religions developed and will examine their continuing influence on Western society. Suggested background: RE/PY 1731 and RE 2721. This course will be offered in 2014-15 and in alternating years thereafter.
RE 2724. RELIGIONS OF THE EAST
Cat. II The purpose of this course is to examine, from the perspectives of history text, practice, and philosophy, some or all of the following religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. The course will attend to the social context in which these religions began, their relations with their culture, their rituals and their continuing influences in the East and West. Suggested background: PY/RE 1731 and RE 2721. This course will be offered in 2013-14 and in alternating years thereafter.
RE 2731. INTRODUCTORY ETHICS
Cat. I This course will review at an introductory level theories of ethics, individual figures in the history of ethics, and selected problems in ethics. The emphasis will be on philosophical or religious ethics depending on the instructor.
RE 3721. TOPICS IN RELIGION
Cat. I The purpose of this course is to expose students to somewhat more advanced or specialized study in religion. The focus will vary, but the material will be drawn from a particular religious thinker, a particular religious tradition or a particular historical or contemporary problem. Suggested background: three other courses in religion.
RE 3731. PROBLEMS IN ETHICS AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
Cat. I This course will examine in depth selected problems in ethical theory and social philosophy. The specific content or emphasis will be determined by the instructor. Suggested background: knowledge of either RE/PY 2731 or PY 2712.
