Courses
Course Descriptions:
Please note: If more than one distribution area is listed, the
course can be used to satisfy ONE area only.
REL 0001 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION
An introduction to the field of religion to give the student an understanding
of the basic elements of the subject: the major characteristics, the forms and expressions,
and the contributions to man's personal and social orientation. This course meets
the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during fall semester.
REL 0006 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
Cross-listed as Philosophy 16
Introduction to the philosophical analysis of major religious concepts, such as
God, human nature, freedom of will, immortality, and the problem of evil, through
a study of representative types of religious philosophies. This course meets
the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during spring semester.
REL 0010 SPECIAL TOPICS
Directed reading and study in selected areas of religious thought and practice.
Credit as arranged. Please see semester-specific listings for subject details. Past
topics include Global Christianity, Sufism, Islam: Scripture, Authority & Canon;
The Passions of Jesus; and Religion & Sexual Ethics. This course meets the Humanities
distribution requirement and is offered fall and spring semesters.
REL 0021 INTRODUCTION TO HEBREW BIBLE
Survey of the Hebrew Bible in its historical context. Development of the religion
of Ancient Israel , the life of Moses, production of Israelite codes of law, construction
of theological language and imagery, rise of monarchy and temple, accounts of creation,
psalms and wisdom literature, and lives and legacies of the Israelite prophets.
This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during
fall semester. It also meets the Judaic Culture culture option.
REL 0022 INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT
Study of the origins of Christianity and the evolution of its earliest beliefs
and practices, as reflected in the writings ultimately selected for its canon. Jesus
and his interpreters, Paul and his letters, beginnings of the church, interaction
between Christians and their Jewish and Greco-Roman environments, women's paticipation
in the shaping of early Christian history. Occasional readings from non-canonical
literature to add perspectives. This course meets the Humanities distribution
requirement and is offered during spring semester.
REL 0034 THE CHURCH THROUGH THE CENTURIES
The origins and historical development of Christian churches to modern times.
Emphasis given to the various ideological systems that have been of primary influence.
This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement.
REL 0035 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY
This course surveys the development of Christianity from the first century to
the present. We will study the key figures, events and issues that helped shape
the Christian tradition in a variety of cultural, social and historical contexts.
In addition to exploring the major ideas, institutions and practices associated
with Christianity, we will pay close attention to the diverse forms and expressions
that Christian faith and life have taken in different time periods and among a range
of communities. This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement.
REL 0040 HISTORY OF RELIGION IN AMERICA
Historical survey of religion in America, from Columbus's voyage in 1492 to
the present. Native American and African-American traditions, the first plantings
of European traditions (Catholicism, Anglicanism, Puritanism, Lutheranism, and Judaism),
the birth of uniquely American denominations (Mormonism, Adventism, Christian Science,
and Pentecostalism). Colonialism, slavery, the Enlightenment, biblicism, church-state
relations, and the religious history of the Boston area. This course meets the
Humanities distribution requirement.
REL 0041 CONTEMPORARY RELIGION IN AMERICA
A survey of the major teachings and practices of the various expressions of
religion in contemporary America. Attention is given to Judaism, Catholicism, the
various denominations of Protestantism, and the so-called new religions, with a
view to the appreciation of the religious character of the average community.
This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during
fall semester.
REL 0043 ASIAN RELIGIONS
A survey of the living religions of Asia from a historical point of view. Special
attention is given to historical development, the major tenets of faith, and the
distinctive ceremonies. Religions studied include Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism,
Hinduism, and Buddhism. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization
distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets
the East Asian Culture and Diasporas and South and Southeast Asian Culture
culture options.
REL 0044 INTRODUCTION TO HINDUISM
Aspects of Hinduism, ancient and modern. Readings include the more important
texts of the tradition. Emphasis on issues of God, gods, the soul, ritual, and caste
duties. Modern Hindu practices in India and the impact of the Ramayana on religion
and politics. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution
requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the
East Asian Culture and Diasporas culture option. This course is offered during
fall semester.
REL 0045 INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM
The history, doctrines, and practices of Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, China,
Korea, and Japan. Philosophical theories of the Buddha, meditation, and nirvana.
Aspects of Buddhist social and institutional history. This course meets the Humanities
and World Civilization distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one
or the other. It also meets the East Asian Culture and Diasporas and South
and Southeast Asian Culture culture options.
REL 0048 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
Islam in its many facets. Pre-Islamic Arabia, the Prophet, the Qur'an, the prophetic
traditions, tradition and customs, law, theology, major denominations, philosophy,
and mysticism. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution
requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the
Middle Eastern Culture culture option. This course is offered during fall semester.
REL 0051 FUNDAMENTALISM IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Seminar on the worldwide surge of fundamentalism as a response to religious
modernism and liberalism. Comparative theories on fundamentalism, with Christianity
as the primary case study but with examinations of Jewish, Muslim, and other religious
contexts. The origins of the term "fundamentalist" in American Protestant discourse;
the relation of fundamentalism to global religious violence; and the influence of
printing, television, and other mass media. This course meets the Humanities
distribution requirement.
REL 0052 JUDAISM THROUGH THE CENTURIES
Survey of the background, emergence, development, and progress of the traditions
of the Jewish people and Judaism and their relationships with heathen, Christian,
Islamic, and secular societies over three millennia of time. This course meets
the Humanities distribution requirement and meets the Judaic Culture culture
option.
REL 0053 INTRODUCTION TO THE RELIGIONS OF CHINA
Cross-listed as Chinese 71
Historical introduction to texts and contexts of major Chinese religions from Shang
Dynasty shamanic practices to debates about religion in contemporary China. Historical
and literary approaches to the study of religions in China. Interactions between
folk and elite traditions, and alternating syncretism and competition between religions.
This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution requirements
and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the East Asian
Culture and Diasporas culture option.
REL 0054 JAPANESE RELIGION
A study of Shinto and Japanese Buddhism and their roles in Japanese society
and culture, with attention to recent developments, including nationalistic Shinto
and the new religions of Japan. This course meets the Humanities distribution
requirement and also meets the East Asian Culture and Diasporas culture option.
REL 0056 CATHOLICISM: PEOPLES, CULTURES, TRADITIONS, AND BELIEFS
An introduction to the development of the Catholic Church, exploring the key
historical epochs and events that shaped and created the contemporary church. The
dynamics of crisis and change as these are manifested in history and as they function
today. Doctrines, traditions, and institutional forms will be examined in their
specific historical and cultural contexts. This course meets the Humanities distribution
requirement.
REL 0065 INTRODUCTION YIDDISH CULTURE
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 65
From the shtetl to suburbia, a survey of the development of Yiddishkeit in Eastern
Europe from the Middle Ages to the present, with emphasis on language, literature,
culture, transition to America, Jewish-American literature. Readings include Sholom
Aleichem, I. B. Singer, Malamud, Bellow, Roth, and others. Meaning of modern revival
of ethnicity, ethnic chauvinism, stress on universal cultural patterns and similarities
of ethnic experience. This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement
and also meets the Judaic Culture culture option. This course is offered
during fall semester.
REL 0073 ASPECTS OF THE SEPHARDIC TRADITION
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 73
Introduction to the history and culture of the Sephardic Jews. The life and fortunes
of the Sephardim in Spain and Portugal, their contributions to the exploration,
settlement, and development of America, their folklore, and present attempts to
preserve and promote their heritage will be considered. Focus on prominent and interesting
Sephardic personalities from diverse countries and times, such as Maimonides, Dona
Gracia Nasi, Judah Touro, Haim Isaac Carigal, and Elias Canetti. This course
meets the Humanities distribution requirement and also meets the Judaic Culture
and Hispanic Culture culture option. This course is offered during fall semester.
REL 0078 JEWISH WOMEN
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 78
Images, experiences, and accomplishments of Jewish women in life, literature,
and tradition from Biblical times to the present. Focus on individual women from
various times and cultures; discussion of basic issues, present conditions, and
prospects. This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and also
meets the Judaic Culture culture option. This course is offered during spring
semester.
REL 0084 SOURCES JEWISH TRADITION
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 84
The major classics of Jewish literature, from the Bible to the twentieth century,
including the Haggadah, the Talmud, Midrash, Halevi's Kuzari, Maimonides' Guide
of the Perplexed, and the Zohar. An attempt will be made to understand these works
in their social and cultural settings, and to evaluate how and why they were considered
important. All texts read in English. This course meets the Humanities distribution
requirement and also meets the Judaic culture option. This course is offered
during fall semester.
REL 0096 INTRODUCTION TO THE TALMUD
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 96
Selected passages from the Talmud and rabbinic literature, Mishna, Gemara, Commentaries.
Relevance to contemporary moral and ethical issues. All texts in English. This
course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution requirements and
can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the Judaic Culture
culture option. This course is offered during fall semester.
REL 0098 MUSIC AND PRAYER IN THE JEWISH TRADITION
Cross-listed as Music 98
The role and function of music in Jewish worship and cultural identity. Focus
on the Kabbalat Shabbat. Topics to include participation vs. performance in worship,
music and historical authenticity in prayer, music and religious experience, and
the invention and presentation of tradition. Liturgical music and dual culturalism
in the American Jewish community. This course meets the Humanities and Arts distribution
requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the
Judaic Culture culture option. This course is offered during spring semester.
REL 0099 THEORY AND METHOD IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION
Seminar on selected theories and methods in religious studies; may include anthropological,
sociological, psychological, philosophical, text-critical, economic, feminist, and
Marxist perspectives. Required for Religion majors and minors. Two other Rel
This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during
fall semester. Prerequisites: at least two other Religion courses.
REL 0104 FEMINIST THEOLOGIES
Survey of feminism's impact on the religious commitments of women and on traditional
religious institutions, beliefs, and practices. Feminist scholarship in the study
of scriptural texts and other historical sources, the rise of women's rituals and
alternative spiritualities, religious feminism in relation to other struggles for
human dignity and liberation and how the inclusion of women's perspectives is influencing
the craft of theology itself. This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement.
REL 0106 CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS THOUGHT
Intensive reading and discussion of selected issues in contemporary religious
thought. Please see semester-specific listings for subject details. This course
meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during spring semester.
REL 0111 CATHOLIC MORAL AND SOCIAL TEACHING
Catholic moral and social teaching from the official magisterium and the full
spectrum of Catholic theologians. The history of Roman Catholic moral theology and
the origins of Catholic social, sexual, and medical ethics. Tensions between the
official teachers in the Church, the bishops, and the scholars/theologians. This
course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered during spring
semester.
REL 0126 ROOTS JEWISH IMAGINATION
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 126
An introduction to Jewish myths, legends, and mystical doctrines that were
influential in the formation of Jewish imaginative literature. Topics include the
life and death journey of the soul; Israel's exile among the nations; the Messiah
and the end of days; the Throne of Glory and the divine name; angels, demons, and
beasts of fancy. All texts read in English. This course meets the Humanities
and also meets the Judaic Culture culture option. This course is offered
during spring semester.
REL 0132 BOOK OF GENESIS AND ITS INTERPRETERS
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 132
A detailed study of the biblical book of Genesis, with special attention to
the role the book played in postbiblical Jewish tradition. All texts read in English.
This course meets the Humanities and also meets the Judaic Culture culture
option.
REL 0136 RELIGION IN JAPANESE HISTORY
Cross-listed as History 122
Traces development of religious ideas and institutions from prehistory to the present,
stressing connections to broad socioeconomic and cultural trends. Topics include
Buddhism, Shinto, Confucianism, Christian missions, and new religions. This course
meets the Humanities, Social Studies, and World Civilizations distribution requirements
and can be counted ONLY as one of the three. It also meets the Eastern Asian
Culture and Diasporas culture option. This course is offered during spring semester.
REL 0141 INDIAN PHILOSOPHIES
Cross-listed as Philosophy 122
Seminar on the doctrines and arguments of the major Indian schools of philosophy
(Samkhya, Buddhist, Vedanta, Nyaya-Vaisesika, and Navya-Nyaya). How these schools
attempt to ground their religious systems in logical argumentation about the human
soul, God, and the path to nirvana. This course meets the Humanities and World
Civilizations distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other.
It also meets the South and Southeast Asian Culture culture option.
Prerequisites: one of the following - Religion 43, 44, or 45; or Philosophy
33; or permission of instructor.
REL 0142 JEWISH EXPERIENCE ON FILM
Cross-listed as Judaic Studies 142
Selected classic and contemporary films dealing with aspects of Jewish experience
in America, Europe, and Israel, combined with reading on the cultural and philosophical
problems illuminated by each film. One weekly session will be devoted to screenings,
the other to discussion of the films and readings. In English. This course meets
the Humanities and Arts distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one
or the other. It also meets the Judaic Culture culture option. This
course is offered during spring semester.
REL 0144 TANTRA
Advanced seminar examining the origins and practices of Asian tantra and its
connections to indigenous medical and alchemical theories. Focus on theory and social
context of two systems: Saivism and Buddhist Vajrayana. This course meets the
Humanities distribution requirements also meets the South and Southeast Asian
Culture culture option. Prerequisites: permission of instructor.
REL 0150 INTRODUCTION TO THE QUR'AN
History of the qur'anic text, its nature, composition, key themes and place
in Islamic thought and piety. Islamic and Western perspectives of the text. Current
debates among Muslim thinkers on what the next may mean to contemporary Muslims.
This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution requirements
and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the Middle
Eastern Culture culture option.
REL 0151 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC LAW
Origins, theories, practice, and development of Islamic law. Sources of Islamic
law and the major legal schools of Sunnite and Shi'ite Islam. Theoretical and practical
problems raised by modern context. Muslim minorities in the West, their attempts
to secure recognition of some aspects of Islamic law, and the problems raised by
such attempts. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution
requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the
Middle Eastern Culture and South and Southeast Asian Culture culture options.
REL 0152 ISLAM AND MODERNITY
The encounter between Islam and modernity and the diverse ways Muslims have
responded to the challenges posed by modernity. Discourses of various Muslim thinkers
from the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Europe
will be examined. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution
requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the
Middle Eastern Culture and South and Southeast Asian Culture culture options.
REL 0191 SPECIAL TOPICS: RELIGIONS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This course meets the Humanities distribution requirement and is offered fall
semester.
REL 0192 SPECIAL TOPICS
Directed reading and study in selected areas of
religious thought and practice. Credit as arranged. Please see departmental website
for specific details. Please see semester-specific listings for subject details.
Past topics include God & Evil, Mahayana Buddhism, Women & Religion in America,
and Religion & Contemporary US Film. This course meets the Humanities distribution
requirement and is offered fall and spring semesters.
REL 0195 MYSTICS
An exploration of the mystics and of mysticism as experience, as spiritual knowledge,
and as a way of life. Reading, discussion, and reflection based on the mystics of
Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. This course meets the Humanities
and World Civilization distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one
or the other
REL 0199 SENIOR HONORS THESIS
Prerequisites: permission of instructor.