Course Catalog 2012-2013
Associate Professor Harold Van Broekhoven, Chair
Professors John E. Cort, David O. Woodyard; Associate Professors John L. Jackson, Harold Van Broekhoven; Assistant Professors R. Jonathan Moore, K. Christine Pae; Academic Administrative Assistant Sandra Mead
Religion is an essential part of humanistic studies in a liberal arts education. The study of religion is one way to establish a view of reality, and more specifically a view of the meaning of human existence as individuals and as social beings in relation to ultimate reality.
The goals of the Department are to familiarize the student with the nature of religion, to give him or her an understanding of both Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic religious traditions, to help the student develop critical and analytical skills for examining the various religious systems offered in a pluralistic society, and to examine his or her own religious perceptions.
A Religion major requires nine courses. It has the following components: (1) A common set of five courses (201, 204, 211, 215, 224) from which four are required. (2) A concentration of at least three courses in designated areas. (3) A seminar for majors and minors only, designed around special topics that will be in a concentration area. (4) A comprehensive examination with take-home and in-class components. First-Year Seminars taught by a member of the department may count toward a concentration. Ordinarily, no more than one course at the 100-level may count. If a major has completed the common courses and fulfilled a concentration, a Senior Research Project may count toward the nine-course requirement.
A Religion minor consists of (1) a common set of five courses (201, 204, 211, 215, 224) from which four are required; (2) an elective course; (3) a seminar for majors and minors only, designed around special topics; and (4) an abbreviated comprehensive examination.
Introduction to Theology (REL-101). Theology is an attempt to understand ourselves and our world in relation to transcendent reality. It is simultaneously an attempt to state persuasively the claims of faith in relation to the controlling experiences of an era. The course will focus upon theological responses to issues like environmental deterioration, race and gender, violence and the death penalty. 4
Ethics, Society and the Moral Self (REL-102). Human beings are social beings. Our decisions influence our society and vice versa. From interfaith perspectives on ethics, this course will explore critical social issues such as religious conflict, racism, global poverty, environmental destruction, and heterosexism in religion. Through critical analysis of these issues, students are expected to contemplate how to live "peace, love, and justice," the basic principles taught by major world religions. 4
World Religions (REL-103). An introduction to the comparative study of religion, involving case study surveys of several of the major religious traditions of the contemporary world. Guiding questions include: What does it mean to live within each tradition? What does one do? How does one view the world? To what extent is religion a matter of personal experience and to what extent a matter of social and cultural experience? How have people in these traditions balanced the pursuit of wisdom and the practice of compassion in their lives? How do we begin to study the world's religious traditions? 4
Religions in India (REL-104). "Religions in India" is an introductory survey of the religious life of the South Asian subcontinent. The course provides an introduction to four religious traditions that originated in South Asia: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism; and looks at the South Asian expressions of five religions that originated outside South Asia: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Bahai. 4
Buddhism (REL-105). A historical and thematic survey of the Buddhist tradition from the time of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, until the present. Emphasis upon the ways in which Buddhist teachings and practices have interacted with and been changed by various cultures in Asia, and more recently in North America. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Introductory Topics in Religion (REL-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
The Reality of God (REL-201). The premise of the course is that the metaphors we use for God are profoundly consequential. The ways we image God affect our understanding of ourselves and our society. We will explore how particular metaphors impact economic justice, the ecological crisis, history and human oppression as well as our personal lives. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Jewish Studies (REL-202). The course is an inquiry into the nature of Judaism. The emphasis will be on the development of Rabbinic Judaism: Theology, History, and Rabbinic Literature. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Asian Religions in the U.S. (REL-203). Who are Asians and Asian-Americans in the 21st century's United States? What religions have they brought? How have they changed the ecology of our contemporary U.S. society? What issues are they facing? Particular attention goes to Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and urban immigrant Christianities. Mandatory site-visits to immigrant religious organizations in Greater Columbus are required. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Religious Pluralism and American Identity (REL-204). What does it mean to be "American" in the twenty-first century? Is it even possible for such a religiously diverse people to affirm a common identity of any substance? Today, citizens must negotiate among the often competing demands of religion, community, and nation. This course will examine how Americans have historically viewed religious diversity, consider theoretical approaches to religious pluralism, and explore how contemporary local conflicts illuminate just how religious does (not) and should (not) affect engaged, democratic citizenship. (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
Religion and Nature (REL-205). An investigation of the religious value of nature in Christianity and Buddhism, particularly in America and Japan. We look at how people in these cultures have viewed the place of humanity within the world of nature, and the relationships among humanity, God and nature. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Religion in American Politics and Law (REL-206). This course explores the interplay between religion and American culture through the lenses of politics and law. Is there an American view of religion? Is there a religious view of America? Is there an inherent tension between religion and constitutional democracy? Among the topics to be treated are the following: religion in education; science and religion; "civil religion"; war and religion, sects, cults and Native American practices; religious values in the making of public policy. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Religion and Art (REL-207). This course explores the relationship between artistic expression and religious experience. At the heart of the course is the question, "What is the relationship between religion and art?" To explore this question, we will undertake a comparative study of the use and critique of sacred images in Hinduism and Christianity. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
The Nature of Religion (REL-210). This course explores some of the ways different scholars have asked and attempted to answer the basic questions, What is religion? What is religious experience? Scholarly approaches include those of history, philosophy, theology, anthropology and psychology. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Introduction to the Bible (REL-211). An introduction to the Hebrew Bible and to the Early Christian (New Testament) interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. The course focuses on the development of the literature of the Bible as reflecting the history of debates over what constituted the religion and culture of ancient Israel and early Judaism. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Introduction to the New Testament (REL-212). This course introduces the main areas of New Testament studies: the history, culture, and religious background of the New Testament community and the characteristics, religious phenomena and theological themes of the New Testament writings. The course focuses on the historical Jesus and the historical Paul. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
History of Christian Thought (REL-213). A study in the development of Christian teachings to the early Middle Ages. Changing concepts of Church Doctrine and the nature of the church, with its approach to human problems are studied. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
The Christian Right in American Culture (REL-214). This course will examine the history, theology, practices, and politics of the so-called "Christian Right" in America. In coming to appreciate the complexities of pentecostalism, fundamentalism, and evangelicalism, we'll look at megachurches, speaking in tongues, the feminism of submissive wives, creation science, and the commercialization of contemporary conservative Christianity. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Hinduism (REL-215). One of the oldest surviving religions on the planet, what we call "Hinduism" is actually a complex of loosely related religious traditions that have been woven together by a shared geography and by historical circumstance. By reading primary texts--from the ancient Vedas and Puranas to the work of medieval poets and contemporary film makers--students will be invited into an encounter with the religious traditions and the world views that sprouted up in South Asia so long ago, and that continue to evolve even today. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Religions of China (REL-216). This course explores the basic teachings and historical development of the most influential religious traditions and schools of thought in East Asia, including Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto. Attention is given to classical texts, popular practice and the recent impact of Western culture on East Asian religion. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Sects and Cults (REL-217). A study of new religious movements, cults, and sects in modern America, this course will investigate the sociological and religious dimensions of such fascinating phenomena as Satanism, occultism, polygamy, witchcraft, new age religion, and UFO worship. Special attention will be given to the social-structural origins of cults and sects, to the church-sect continuum, and to the variety of social relationships that exist between religious groups and the larger society. The Unification Church, popularly known as the Moonies, Jimmy Jones’ Peoples’ Temple, the Hare Krishna Movement, the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate are among the many religious groups to be examined. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Islam (REL-218). A historical and thematic survey of the beliefs and practices of the Muslim tradition from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present. Emphasis upon the ways that Islamic teachings and practices have interacted with, changed, and been changed by various cultures in Asia, Africa, Europe, and more recently North America. (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
Christian Social Ethics (REL-224). Ethics, by all means, is the question of HOW TO LIVE. Among various discourses within Christian ethics, this course will focus on Christian social ethics. Christian Social Ethics encourages people to use their critical mind to analyze in what way Christianity participates in or fights against systematic oppression against human beings because of their race, gender, and class, etc. In this class, the students will explore the questions of how to critically interpret the scriptures, human experiences, Christian traditions, and secular teachings; how to make a good life for all living beings, how to be responsible social beings without harming others, and how to live peacefully and harmoniously with others in culturally, religiously, and ethnically pluralistic society. (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
Ethics and Institutional Morality (REL-225). A critical analysis of the prospects of morality functioning within organizations and affecting their interactions with other groups. Attention will be given to comparing the moral possibilities of individuals with those of institutions and collectives, and to exploring how institutional and group loyalties tend to shape the behavior of the individuals devoted to them. The course will include an in-depth examination of some of the significant moral dilemmas faced by those in a selected occupation involving institutional commitments (for example, hospital administrators, advertisers, business managers, etc.). Different occupations will be chosen in different semesters. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Women's Spiritual Activism (REL-227). What is women's spiritual activism in our contemporary society? What can we learn from those who have struggled to bring gender equality and peace in human society? Is religion anti-feminist or feminism anti-religious? In spite of cultural, racial and religious diversity among women across the globe, women often share the similar stories of physical and psychological suffering caused by their institutionalized religions and societies. Many of these women also testify that their religions enabled them to resist injustice and to build up solidarity with others including men. This course invites the students to explore the spiritual journeys of the feminist activists---their struggles for justice for all humanity. Cross-listed with WMST 227. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Rebellion, Resistance and Black Religion (REL-228). This course examines the cultural continuities between African traditional religions and Black religion in the United States. It also explores the connection between politics and religion among Black Americans and the role religion plays in the African-American quest for liberation. The course examines theological and ethical issues, such as the color of God and the moral justifiability of violent revolution. Students will be given an opportunity to study contemporary religious movements, such as Rastafarianism and the Nation of Islam, along with more traditional African sectarian practices such as voodoo and Santeria. (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
Women and Western Religion (REL-229). An introductory course analyzing the historical experiences of women within Western religion and contemporary trends in feminist theological thought. Although emphasis will vary, students will be asked to evaluate critical topics such as: how the Bible presents women, feminist reconstructions of Biblical texts, arguments that Christianity and Judaism are essentially sexist, feminist Christian and Jewish theological reconstructions and contemporary Western Goddess spirituality. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Special Topics (REL-240). Islam in America. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Intermediate Topics in Religion (REL-299). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Major/Minor Seminar (REL-300). (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
Seminar: Special Topics (REL-301). (Only offered Spring 2013) 4
New Testament Studies (REL-308). This seminar will examine in depth either a text or group of texts or a theme that is important in the New Testament. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Old Testament Studies (REL-309). This seminar will concentrate on either a text or a group of texts or a theme that is important in the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament). (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Religion and Society (REL-317). This course investigates the relationships between religion and society and the social dimension of religious truth-claims. The central theme entails a cross-cultural study of religious influences on both social stability and change or revolution. In exploring this tension between religion and existing socioeconomic and political orders, we will consider such examples as religious movements, civil religion, and liberation theology. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
The Human Condition: Economic Factors and Theological Perspectives (REL-319). Exploration of the interfaces between theological claims and economic policies. The focus will be on the impact of theology upon societal values and of societal values upon economic institutions. Of special concern will be the ways in which outmoded societal values are sustained in the form of economic institutions which may oppress a minority or even a majority in a society. The context of the study will include both the Third World and the United States. (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Individualism in U.S. Society (REL-331). (Not offered 2012-2013) 4
Seminar: Special Topics (REL-340). Woman and Social Ethics. (Only offered Fall 2012) 4
Independent Study (REL-363). 1-4
Independent Study (REL-364). 1-4
Advanced Topics in Religion (REL-399). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4