• 2009-2010 Courses:
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Fall 2009

• RELG 100: Faith, Hope and Love: Religious Responses to Human Suffering

  The first of the great teachings of Buddhism is "there is suffering." One of the central teachings of classical Christianity is that "faith, hope and love abide ... and the greatest of these is love." In this seminar we will investigate the many ways in which religious faith confronts the challenges posed by human suffering. Using a range of fictional, religious and psychological materials, we will explore how religions can enable people to endure, and even find meaning within, the most difficult circumstances. 6; S/CR/NC; Humanities; offered Fall 2009 -- L. Newman

• RELG 110: Introduction to Religion

  This course offers an opportunity to reflect upon religion in human life. Sections vary with professors' aims, but all sections encounter material from more than one religious tradition, and probe theories of religion from several disciplinary perspectives. The study of individual quests highlights the personal dimension of religion, while the examination of historical cases brings out its cultural and political dimensions. Issues of gender, power, and social location also receive attention. Although Religion 110 makes no attempt to survey the world's religions, it provides an introduction to aspects of religious life and to the academic field of religious studies. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- L. Pearson, A. Sango, S. Sippy

• RELG 122: Introduction to Islam

  This course introduces Islam, a 1400-year old religion whose more than one billion adherents are spread throughout the world today. Of the various ways of approaching such an extensive tradition, we will follow a socio-cultural method with particular emphasis on how various types of Muslims have understood and interpreted their religion over the course of history. We will examine Islamic religious ideals, practices, institutions, and personalities to elicit the broad parameters that give coherence to Islamic religion and civilization. The course will also emphasize the diversity of Islamic religious perspectives, paying attention to social factors such as language affiliation, ethnicity, nationality, and gender. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- A. Ozdemir

• RELG 150: Religions of South Asia

  A survey of the origins and classical development of the major religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Primary attention will be given to the Hindu and Buddhist communities, but Islam and the Jain and Sikh traditions also are considered. Readings are drawn mainly from Indian sources in English translation. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- S. Sippy

• RELG 152: Religions in Japanese Culture

  An introduction to the major religious traditions of Japan, from earliest times to the present. Combining thematic and historical approaches, this course will scrutinize both defining characteristics of, and interactions among, various religious traditions, including worship of the kami (local dieties), Buddhism, shamanistic practices, Christianity, and new religious movements. We also will discuss issues crucial in the study of religion, such as the relation between religion and violence, gender, modernity, nationalism and war. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- A. Sango

• RELG 222: The State of Judaism in the State of Israel

  The course will explore the complex relationship between Judaism and social-political realities of modern Israel. What is the role of Judaism in the modern, largely, secular, State of Israel? How and why did the early Zionists’ anti-religious ideology give rise to such enormous religious passions? How have traditional Jewish practices been adapted to this new environment? Readings will range from biblical texts to the works of contemporary "post-Zionist" Israeli thinkers. This course is part of the off-campus winter break program to Israel. Winter break programs involve two linked classes in fall and winter terms, and this class is the first class in the sequence. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009 -- L. Newman

• RELG 225: Catholicism

  An introduction to the histories, cultures, doctrines, and practices of Catholicism. We will explore aspects of the global history of the Catholic tradition, distinctively Catholic theologies and ethics, liturgical and sacramental practices, the roles of the hierarchy and the laity, and popular religiosity among Catholics in the Americas. Our sources will include primary historical texts, official church documents, contemporary theology, literature, and film, and field study. Previous study of Christianity is recommended but not required. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009 -- A. Chor

• RELG 243: Native American Religious Freedom

  This course explores historical and legal contexts in which Native Americans have practiced their religions in the United States. Making reference to the cultural background of Native traditions, and the history of First Amendment law, the course explores landmark court cases in Sacred Lands, Peyotism, free exercise in prisons, and sacralized traditional practices (whaling, fishing, hunting) and critically examines the conceptual framework of "religion" as it has been applied to the practice of Native American traditions. Service projects will integrate academic learning and student involvement in matters of particular concern to contemporary native communities. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- M. McNally

• RELG 255: Social Engagement in Asian Religions

  This course explores religions in contemporary Asia while focusing on their energetic engagement with social and political issues and crises. In Vietnam, Burma, and Tibet, for example, Buddhists famously protested against war and violence by quietly marching, fasting, or immolating themselves. Yet in Japan and China, many religious groups are criticized for having justified imperialism, engaged in terrorist activities, or become mere money-making machines. Can religions serve as a vehicle of social and political activism? Do they potentially change or passively maintain the status quo? We will critically examine both examples and counter-examples of social engagement in Asian religions. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Fall 2009 -- A. Sango

• RELG 380: Radical Critiques of Christianity

  This course introduces students to some of the most radical critiques brought against the foundations of Christian theology (by philosophers and theologians, outsiders and insiders, alike) in the modern period. We examine critiques concerning the authority and historical veracity of scripture, the nature and status of Christian doctrines, the true meaning of faith, the relation between Christian theology and oppressive power, and the value of Christian morality. We also consider the work of Christian theologians who have embraced these critical perspectives and who have put them to use in their efforts to reform and redefine Christianity. Prerequisites: Prior coursework in philosophy or Christian theology is desirable, but there is no prerequisite for the course. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009 -- L. Pearson

Winter 2010

• RELG 110: Introduction to Religion

  This course offers an opportunity to reflect upon religion in human life. Sections vary with professors' aims, but all sections encounter material from more than one religious tradition, and probe theories of religion from several disciplinary perspectives. The study of individual quests highlights the personal dimension of religion, while the examination of historical cases brings out its cultural and political dimensions. Issues of gender, power, and social location also receive attention. Although Religion 110 makes no attempt to survey the world's religions, it provides an introduction to aspects of religious life and to the academic field of religious studies. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- L. Pearson, A. Sango, S. Sippy

• RELG 120: Introduction to Judaism

  How does a religious tradition evolve over time? This course provides an overview of the Judaic tradition as a whole, exploring its history, modes of expression, and characteristic polarities as they have emerged in various times and places. The contours of classical Jewish life and thought are explored, as well as the crises, challenges, and choices confronting Jews and Judaism today. 6; Humanities; offered Winter 2010 -- L. Newman

• RELG 223: Research on Israel

  This course is the second part of a two-term sequence beginning with Religion 222 and will give students an opportunity to develop a research project on a topic of their choice on the state of Judaism in Israel. It is anticipated that research projects will be shared in a public symposium at the end of the term. 6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- L. Newman

• RELG 230: Feminist Theologies

  How have feminist theologians attempted to understand and transform religious traditions they find both oppressive and liberating where justice for women is concerned? This course examines works by feminist scholars (from Christian and Jewish traditions) who have sought to re-think fundamental categories, symbols, questions, and methods related to the study of scripture, ethics, and theology. We explore the ways in which theologians from various cultural backgrounds have worked toward women’s empowerment through critiques of sexism, racism, and colonialism, and through feminist models of community, identity, and justice. Topics include: gender and biblical interpretation, God-language, redemption, sexual ethics, and ecofeminism. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- L. Pearson

• RELG 256: Modern Hinduism: Encounters with the West

  A controversial statement: "Modern Hinduism was defined in engagement with Western discourses of 'religion.'" This course will begin with the ideas of such prominent Hindu thinkers as Rammohan Ray, Vivekananda, Savarkar, and Gandhi, looking to a range of historical and critical materials to ground their voices in the experience of colonialism. We’ll move on to consider contemporary contexts: strains of Indian nationalism; migration and the growth of diasporic Hindu communities overseas; conversion and the transnational spread of modern guru movements; consumerism and globalization. Throughout we'll remain mindful of the question: Why is the theme of this class controversial? 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- S. Sippy

• RELG 268: Encountering Islam: Dialogue and Difference

  This course explores discourses that emerged as Islamic traditions encountered other cultures, from the medieval and colonial to the modern. Reading texts--historical, fictional, and ethnographic--we will consider how different religious, political, civic and cultural formations (i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Feminism and the Secular State) engage with Islam. Focused on questions about representation--the perception of Islam by "others," and Muslim self-representation--we will explore the nature of dialogue and alliance, both on the interfaith community and geo-political levels. Students will also explore Minnesota's varied Muslim populations and the nuances at work in contemporary American encounters with Islam. 6; Humanities; offered Winter 2010 -- S. Sippy

• RELG 300: Issues in the Study of Religion

  This seminar is designed to acquaint junior religion majors with some of the basic theories, methods, and problems in the field of religious studies. 6; Humanities; offered Winter 2010 -- L. Pearson

• RELG 356: Buddhism and Ecology

  Both environmental scholars and activists have been vigorously discussing the role that religion plays in shaping our attitudes towards the environment. In this course, we carry on this conversation through a unique vantage point, Buddhism. Western environmentalists often assume Buddhism to be "eco-friendly." Together, we will critically rethink this benign image, exploring the parallels and the divergences between Buddhism and ecological practice, as well as the problems and the prospects of Buddhist environmentalism. 6; Humanities; offered Winter 2010 -- A. Sango

• RELG 399: Senior Research Seminar

  This seminar will acquaint students with research tools in various fields of religious studies, provide an opportunity to present and discuss research work in progress, hone writing skills, and improve oral presentation techniques. Prerequisite: Religion 300 and acceptance of proposal for senior integrative exercise and instructor's permission. 6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010 -- M. McNally

• RELG 400: Integrative Exercise

  3; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff

Spring 2010

• RELG 110: Introduction to Religion

  This course offers an opportunity to reflect upon religion in human life. Sections vary with professors' aims, but all sections encounter material from more than one religious tradition, and probe theories of religion from several disciplinary perspectives. The study of individual quests highlights the personal dimension of religion, while the examination of historical cases brings out its cultural and political dimensions. Issues of gender, power, and social location also receive attention. Although Religion 110 makes no attempt to survey the world's religions, it provides an introduction to aspects of religious life and to the academic field of religious studies. 6; Humanities; offered Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- L. Pearson, A. Sango, S. Sippy

• RELG 151: Religions in Chinese Culture

  An introduction to the major religious traditions of China, from earliest times to the present. Combining thematic and historical approaches, this course will scrutinize both defining charactersistics of, and interactions among, various religious traditions, including Buddhism, Daoism, and the Confuciansim, as well as Christianity and new religious movements. We also will discuss issues crucial in the study of religion, such as the relation between religion and violence, gender, modernity, nationalism and war. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- A. Sango

• RELG 162: Jesus, Paul, and Christian Origins (New Testament)

  This course introduces students to the diverse literature and theologies of the New Testament and to the origins and social worlds of early Christian movements. Possible topics include: Jesus and his message; Paul and women's spiritual authority; non-canonical gospels (Mary, Thomas, Judas, etc.); relations between Christians and Jews in the first century; and more. Attention is given to the interpretation of New Testament texts in their historical settings, and to the various ways contemporary scholars and groups interpret the New Testament as a source for theological reflection. Formerly Religion 221. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- L. Pearson

• RELG 163: The Qur’an

  An exploration of the most influential single authority for Muslims world-wide, the Arabic text received by the prophet Muhammad in the seventh century known as "The Recitation," or Qur’an. We will investigate questions regarding its transmission, redaction, interpretation, and ritual uses. Our major concern will be to utilize the contents of the Qur’an as a window on the Islamic world-view, and to consider issues that arise from diverse attempts to read and understand it in the context of contemporary Muslim experience. 6; Humanities, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Spring 2010 -- A Ozdemir

• RELG 228: Christian Ethics

  How do Christians live, imagine, and speak of the moral life? In this course, we will explore central questions in Christian ethics (such as love and justice, sin and free will, the authority of Scripture in ethics) in the thought of historical and contemporary Christian thinkers, from the Gospel writers and Augustine to Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Paul II. We will also consider practical questions in Christian ethics through a particular focus on sexual ethics and the ethics of war and peace. Previous study of Christianity and/or ethics is recommended but not required. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- A. Chor

• RELG 249: Religion and American Public Life

  This course explores the contentious place of religion in American public life. What roles do religious organizations and religious motivations play in the public arenas of electoral politics, policy-making, schools, courts, social service delivery, media, and marketplace? What roles ought they play? In a pluralistic society, how are Americans to balance diverse moral positions with our shared civic life? Engaging the insights of sociologists of religion, legal scholars, ethicists, political theorists, and cultural critics this course will refine the language with which we address such broad questions. Students will apply those insights to focused critical analyses of issues they choose. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- M. McNally

• RELG 267: Contemporary Jewish Thought

  This course introduces students to contemporary (Post-World War II) Jewish theology. We will explore the creative and diverse ways in which modern Jewish thinkers have combined elements of modernity (e.g. the emphasis on autonomy and freedom) with traditional Jewish beliefs about God, revelation, and redemption. The course will include representative selections from rationalists and mystics, feminists, traditionalists and post-modernists. Prior study of religion and/or philosophy will be helpful. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- L. Newman

• RELG 285: Goddesses

  This class examines goddesses both ancient and modern, from Mesopotamia, Europe, South Asia, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. It introduces some of the world’s most complex deified figures through their mythical narratives, visual representations, and ritual practices. This course places goddess worship within the context of human gender roles and relations and considers theoretical issues regarding the goddess's function as a role model for women. The course pays particular attention to issues of iconography, sacrifice, the political and social significance of goddess worship, the phenomenon of goddess possession, and what goddesses do for--and with--men. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- E. Pérez

• RELG 286: Religion and Music in Cuba

  This course tells the story of Cuba’s religious formations through their musical genres. Readings draw from ethnomusicology, history, anthropology, and religious studies to provide an understanding of the role music plays in celebrating deities, ancestors, and community. We focus on the relationship between music and dance, spirit possession, and mythology, as well as the construction of nation, race, and gender through music. Among the music to be considered is that of the all-male secret society Abakuá; French-Haitian Tumba Francesa; the initiatory traditions of Lucumí and Palo Monte; and Havana-based hip-hop. Some Spanish language competence not a prerequisite but strongly recommended. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- E. Pérez

• RELG 381: Religion and Nationalism

  From the pageantry of patriotic rituals to the bloody sacrifices of martyrdom, the link between religion and nationalism is unmistakable. In this course, we will ask: Is nationalism itself a religion? How does religious identity support and/or undermine nationalism? Is religious nationalism necessarily violent? Is it compatible with democracy? What are the religious ethics of nationalism? Drawing on diverse disciplines, we will focus on the dynamics of religion and nationalism in selected cases (examples may include the U.S., Ireland, Israel, and the former Yugoslavia). We will conclude by considering religious responses to the problems (and possibilities) of nationalism. Background in Religion recommended, but not required. 6; Humanities; offered Spring 2010 -- A. Chor

• RELG 400: Integrative Exercise

  3; S/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Winter 2010, Spring 2010 -- Staff