Study of Religion

Description:
A study of three great paradigmatic figures and the different ways of life and views of reality which they represented. Attention to the social-cultural contexts in which they emerged; critical evaluation of Socrates and Jesus as sources of Western values; and exploration of why the Buddha has recently become an attractive alternative.

Academic Information:
Prerequisite: None.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: Humanities.
Diversity Area: None.

Description:
This course focuses mainly on Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism, briefly touching on Hinduism, Confucianism, and Shinto. It situates the classical teachings of these traditions in their historical contexts in India and East Asia, compares them to other world views more prevalent in the West, and invites students to consider their possible relevance to life in the world today.

Academic Information:
Prerequisite: None.
Distribution I Area: Philosophical and Humanistic Studies.
Distribution II Area: World Cultures.
Diversity Area: None.

Description:
Increasingly our religious practices as well as our work, studies, and leisure activities involve or are informed by the media arts. As a result, it becomes increasing important that we understand the possibilities as well as the limitations of popular media. This course is an introductory consideration of some of the ways religious traditions and themes as well as multicultural themes are represented in and influenced by media. Students will be introduced to a sample of cultural studies theories and methods. Although focus will be placed on the global implications of various media forms and faith traditions, particular attention will be given to implications in the U.S. and in Christianity. The goals of the course are to broaden students’ knowledge, appreciation, and critical thinking about historical and contemporary developments in popular media. Focus will be placed on new media (e.g. the Internet and mobile technologies) in relation to more traditional media forms (e.g. print, radio, television and film). 

Academic Information:
Prerequisite: None.
Distribution I Area: None.
Distribution II Area: None.
Diversity Area: None.