RELS 301/3.0 Themes in Religious Studies
A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 302/3.0 Traditions in Religious Studies
A topic of current interest in Religious Studies not covered in other available courses. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 312/3.0 Christian Feminist Theology
Issues raised by the feminist critique of traditional Christian theology and feminist attempts at theological reconstruction. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 314/3.0 Queering Religion
This course examines the complex intersection of gender, sexuality and religion and the ways in which religious traditions have shaped and continue to shape complex notions of gender and sexuality in the modern era. It considers a review of feminists, gender studies and queer theories, thereafter we will apply these concepts to case studies. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 316/3.0 Living with the Dead
In this interactive, inquiry-based course students will develop their own research project in order to explore how human beings attempt to live with the dead and to share spaces and lives with those who are no longer alive.
RELS 321/3.0 Greek and Roman Religions
A study of the development and organization of non-civic religious associations in the Greek and Roman empires using inscriptions, papyri, and literary texts. Insight into religious practices of the Greco-Roman period comes through exploration of groups organized by deity, cult, occupation, or ethnic identity, and the so-called mystery religions. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 322/3.0 Yoga in India and the West
Surveys the history and philosophy of yoga in India and the West. NOTE Yoga practicum: estimated cost $85. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 326/3.0 Religion and Politics in Muslim Societies
Explores the role of religion in the politics of Muslim societies with particular attention to the modern period. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 328/3.0 Apocalypse
The primary focus of the course will be the theological perspectives and social functions of apocalyptic in select religious traditions. The course will also survey the appropriation of apocalyptic themes throughout history in artistic forms such as art, fiction, and film, with particular attention to our modern times and cultures. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 331/3.0 Religion and Violence
Links between violence and religious beliefs, practices and institutions; for example, sacrifice, holy wars, scapegoating, and suicide. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 332/3.0 Race, Ethnicity, and Religion
The course will explore the intersection of race, ethnicity, and religion, alongside gender, sexuality, culture and more. It will challenge students to think about how racial identities, theories, and movements implicate(d) the way religious communities construct their own systems and worldviews. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 334/3.0 Jewish Views of the Other
A study of the tensions that come into play as Jews formulated views of the Other to balance co-existence with them. Source materials include authoritative writings of Jewish commentary and law and social scientific views of them. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 340/3.0 Religion and Democracy
Deals with the role of religion in the public sphere and its relation to liberal democracy. It examines the (in)compatibility of some tenets of certain religions with modern democratic principles. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 341/3.0 Spirituality, Secularity, and Nonreligion
A study of concepts intended to summarize positions which are necessarily defined in reference to religion but considered to be other than religious. We explore the origins and presents of perspectives and experiences including the secular, spiritual-but-not-religious, atheistic, and other forms of imitation, indifference, and hostility to religion. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 342/3.0 Indigenous Epistemologies of the Enivronment
The seminar deals with the knowledges and practices through which Indigenous peoples conceptualize and approach what the West calls "Nature". Applying their underlying principles, we further analyze contemporary initiatives to promote interspeciesism, and to grant rights to Nature and legal personhood to different elements of the environment. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 345/3.0 Religion and Art
An examination of discursive, historiographical, and affective aspects of a variety of historical and contemporary artistic expressions (e.g., painting, sculpture, video) through the lens of Religious Studies. NOTE Field trip: estimated cost $38. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 346/3.0 AI, Biohacking, and Future Technology
This course looks at issues raised by the intersection of religion and human enhancement technologies. We will consider categories of biohacking, AI, and possible future technologies including mind uploading. Engaging diverse religious issues, we will consider what it means to be human and "better". PREREQUISITE Level 3 and 6.0 units at the 200 level in RELS. EXCLUSION(S) RELS 353/6.0
RELS 347/3.0 Gender and Sexuality in Islam
This course explores conversations regarding women, gender, and sexuality in Islam from classical to the modern period. This is a survey course that utilizes gender and religious studies theories. We will engage with textual traditions of Muslim women and contemporary treatment of women and queer Muslims in Muslim societies.
RELS 354/3.0 Theory in Religious Studies
An introduction to major theoretical approaches to the study of religion, and training in the critical reading and writing techniques needed for religious studies. PREREQUISITE Level 3 and 6.0 units at the 200 level in RELS. EXCLUSION(S) RELS 353/6.0
RELS 356/3.0 Christianity and American Politics
Christianity has significantly shaped U.S. politics, policies, and societal norms. The course examines this impact, especially in light of the constitutional separation of church and state. It delves into how Christian beliefs influence political ideologies and legislation, and its role in shaping voter perceptions and behaviors. The course also addresses the ethics of religious influence in politics, policy-making, and electoral processes, and its global implications, particularly in foreign policy and international relations.
RELS 367/3.0 Religion and Biomedical Ethics
The aim of this course is to provide an overview of some ethical issues that arise at the intersection of biomedicine and religion. These ethical issues include moral distress, consent, beginning of life issues, indigeneity and healing, medically assisted death, gene editing, and anti-aging interventions. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS EQUIVALENCY RELS 268/3.0
RELS 368/3.0 Religion and Business Ethics
Students will develop background knowledge and analytic skills necessary to identify and negotiate religious commitments in business relationships and resolve ethical issues around the role of religion in business contexts. We will analyze case studies to explore various ways in which business practitioners can and do address questions arising in everyday interactions in the business world. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 385/3.0 Religious Fundamentalisms
Religious fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon not exclusive to any religion. In the past few decades, religious fundamentalist movements have been shaping new social,cultural and political norms in a predominately secular age. The course explores theoretical aspects and examines specific case studies across various religions and cultures. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 393/3.0 Buddhism in the Modern World
Encounter between Buddhism and the West, major movements and thinkers, and socio-politically engaged Buddhism. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 394/3.0 Religion and Politics in Contemporary China
Examines Chinese and foreign religions in mainland China from 1949 to the present day. Topics include the status of established religions, the political control of new religious movements and the resurgence of traditional Chinese religions and ideologies including Daoism and Confucianism. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 396/3.0 Islam in the Modern World
Exploration of Islamic developments since the 19th century: major thinkers, trends of thought, and contemporary movements as responses to modernity. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.
RELS 398/3.0 Judaism in the Modern Age
The development of modern Jewish thought and practice, including the Reform, Orthodox, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements. The consequences of the Holocaust and the establishment of the modern State of Israel. PREREQUISITE Level 3 or above or 6.0 units at the 100 level in RELS.