Social Sciences

thinking, to develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills, and to expand their aesthetic awareness. 106 Women, Religion, and Spirituality (CSI, G) A rediscovery of women’s religious activities and women-centered spirituality in a variety of cultural and religious settings, ranging from ancient to contemporary traditions, and from local to world religions. Includes cross-cultural comparisons of women’s writings about their encounters with the sacred. Offered in alternate years. 110 Religions of the World (CSI, G) An introduction to the variety of religious traditions and communities throughout the world, emphasizing their contemporary cultural and social contexts. Included for study will be the beliefs and practices of the world religions as well as the religions of indigenous peoples. Offered in alternate years. 120 Introduction to Biblical Studies (IT) Focuses on understanding the historical, cultural and religious traditions within the biblical narratives, the process of the canonization of the biblical texts, and the variety of methods of interpretation used to study the biblical materials. Offered annually. 170 Special Topics Introductory study of selected topics in textual studies, contemporary religious thought, or the history of religions. May be repeated if subject matter is different. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Offered occasionally. 210 Greek Myth and the Hero (IT) (Cross-listed with GRS 210) In our society, “myth” is often perceived as “storytelling” that has an element of falsehood built into it. For archaic Greek society, like many traditional societies that operate on ancestral principles, myths are the ultimate way of encoding truth values. Storytelling, therefore, is not just entertainment; it is a set of patterns set up by a specific society that gives the members of the culture a sense of their own identity. In this course we will begin to understand how the storytelling traditions of Greece established social order and define what it means to be truly civilized. Offered annually.

242 Philosophers Read the Bible (IT, W) (Cross-listed with PHIL 242)

Philosophers have long been avid readers of the Bible, frequently debating questions of authority and meaning regarding text. In this class, we will grapple with philosophical debates over the meanings of specific passages of the Bible as well as explore disputes over such topics as revelation and prophecy. Offered in alternate years. 246 Who is (not) a Jew? (IT) The institution of ‘Jewishness’ has carried with it significant religious, ethnic and social connotations. In this course we will examine representations of Jews in countries where Jews are the minorities (especially in predominantly Christian countries) by exploring both how Jews conceive of themselves in regard to nonJews, and how non-Jews understand themselves with regard to Jews. Offered occasionally. 270 Special Topics Intermediate study of selected topics in textual studies, contemporary religious thought, or the history of religions. May be repeated if subject matter is different. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Offered occasionally. 296 What is Religion? (IT, W) (Cross-listed with PHIL 296) This course introduces students to the academic study of religion by exploring major questions such as: What is religion? Is it universal? What religions all have in common? How can we best study this phenomenon? Can someone understand a religion of which they are not a member? In this course, we will examine the ways scholars study different religious traditions and we will explore disagreements and controversies. Offered in alternate years. 310 Cults in America (CSI, U) (Cross-listed with HIST 310) A critical investigation of so-called “cults,” New Religious Movements, sects, and alternative spirituality formed over the past 150 years in the United States. Includes study of a wide range of phenomena,

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Religious Studies Courses