Religion Classes F-16

This link points to presentations made during class this semester.

Introduction to Religious Studies

Introduction to Religious Studies section 2

This link points to presentations made during class this semester.

Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures

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RELG 313

As an introduction this course will provide a variety of tools to enable the student to appreciate and to read with insight the Hebrew Scriptures. As it is about the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) it will emphasize the reading of the text through a variety of lenses that will include but not be limited to the more familiar Christian (New Testament) lens. A major goal of the course is simply to read large sections of the text because this is one of the best ways to become familiar with an original text. The course intends to help the students gain a general familiarity with the contents of the Hebrew Scriptures which span an enormous time frame and include a wide variety of different genre. The course will provide basic tools for interpreting the text and a framework for developing more sophisticated abilities in interpretation.

RELG 101

The course provides an examination of the varying concepts of religion and the methods used in studying religious behavior and belief. It provides an introduction to the religious dimension of human existence, and it examines various concepts of religion and the methods used in studying religious behavior and belief. Through a series of selected readings, the class will reflect on and discuss key elements of the academic study of religion. Discussion and various group activities will highlights experiences that point toward the sacred in the world we live in.

From lectures and a synthesis of reading reflections and discussions the class highlight some of the major questions in the scholarly study of religion. What is religion? How does or should religion relate to morality? What is the relation of religion to culture?

The readings will illustrate that there are a wide variety of ways to approach the study of religion. Through discussion and guided exercises we will reflect critically on our own religious tradition in comparison to other traditions. We will identify some of the ways in which different religious traditions impact the world we live in.