The history, beliefs, and practices of major traditions of China and Japan, particularly Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Special attention will be paid to the evolution of diverse forms within each tradition, and to the interactions of the different traditions.

Offered every even-numbered year.

Examination and analysis of African myths, legends, fables, etc. The significance and functionalism of these and comparison to those in other world religions.

A history of how the forms, definitions, and goals of Christianity changed in late antique and medieval societies across Europe and the Mediterranean. Examines how the religion responded to and affected the way these societies understood their government, their wealth, their responsibilities, the cosmos, and themselves.

The origin and development of the phenomenon of prophecy as it existed throughout the history of ancient Israel.

Offered every even-numbered year.

Examination of the various methods used to study Native American cultures and religious traditions, including history, anthropology, literature, and history of religions.

Course covers the biblical books that are not covered in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Literature (the narrative books) and Prophetic Literature of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (the prophets). Included are poetry (Psalms), wisdom (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), and the Five Scrolls (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther).

Origins of the religion of ancient Israel, its emergence from and continuities with ancient West Semitic religion and culture. Historical and comparative methods, emphasizing current knowledge of Near Eastern history and religions contemporary with ancient Israel.

Offered every odd-numbered year.

An introduction to the Gospel of Mark and to select methods used in the academic study of the Gospels.

Offered fall semester every odd-numbered year.

 

Major and selected contemporary religious groups and movements among African Americans.

Offered every year.

Elements of religion in selected cultures of North America, with emphasis on issues of cross-cultural understanding.