Notice Board

Why take a Religious Studies course?
Despite many predictions, modernity has not diminished the religious impulse in people.  Religious buildings are prominent in most communities, and we brush shoulders with people of many faiths at school and work.  We encounter religion in many manifestations frequently on TV and the Internet:  breathtaking mosques, colossal Buddhas, the Pope addressing huge crowds, brutal religious wars, or unusual rituals.  Why NOT, then, study religion?  It is clearly one of the most widespread of human activities.  Understanding any society, past or present, requires understanding the religions of that society.

RELS1000A - Introduction to World Religions
MWF (2:00 - 2:50 p.m.)
Instructor(s):  Profs. Tom Robinson and Hillary Rodrigues
Learn about major religions, where they came from, what they believe, and why they do what they do.  No experience necessary!

2000 level prerequisite(s):  one of RELS1000 or four courses (12.0 credit hours) in Arts & Science.

RELS2200A - The Buddhist Tradition
MW (4:00 - 5:15 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. Hillary Rodrigues
A comprehensive survey covering the origins of Buddhism in India and its spread to Southeast Asia, China, and beyond, as well as an introduction to Buddhist teachings and worldview.

RELS2300A - East Asian Religions
TR (10:50 - 12:05 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. John Harding
A survey of the history, thought and practices of Chinese and Japanese religions including the traditions of Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), Shinto and East Asian Buddhism.

RELS2600A - Islam
MWF (11:00 - 11:50 a.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. Atif Khalil
Historical development of Islam from the pre-Islamic period to and including the Ottoman Empire, the Qur'an, beliefs and practices of Islam.

RELS3600A - Classical Islamic Thought
T (3:05 - 5:45 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. Atif Khalil
Prerequisite:  RELS2600
The course examines facets of medieval Islamic thought, ranging from debates around the nature of God, prophesy and the succession to Muhammed to human happiness and the afterlife.

RELS4001N - Concepts and Methods in the Study of Religion
M (6:00 - 8:50 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. Hillary Rodrigues
Prerequisite(s):  Four courses (12.0 credit hours) in RELS
This seminar capstone Religious Studies course is required by all majors.  Since it is only offered once every two years, majors in their final years of study must take it.  Students read and discuss seminal essays (by classical and contemporary thinkers) on the nature of religion and how it should be studied.

RELS4110A - Modern Buddhism
Thursdays (3:05 - 5:45 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. John Harding
Prerequisite(s):  RELS2200 OR RELS3300
This seminar explores the development of Buddhism from the late nineteenth century to the present in and beyond Asia.  By examining modernizing influences on Buddhism through readings and discussion, students engage with the global dimensions and connections that have shaped this tradition.

GREK1200A - Elementary Biblical Greek I
MWF (12:00 - 12:50 p.m.)
Instructor:  Prof. Thomas Robinson

LATI1000A - Elementary Latin I
MWF (1:00 - 1:50 p.m.)
Instructor:  Brian Smart