Religious Studies (RS)

RS 483 - History of World Religions

Credits: 4

Introduces the religions of the world in terms of historical development, relationship to society, belief system, central texts, and ritual practices. Begins with the religions of small and tribal societies (e.g., African, Native American), moves through religions of complex societies (e.g., Hinduism), and then studies the various traditions that emanated from ancient revelations: Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and certain new forms of Christianity.

Attributes: Historical Perspectives(Disc)

Equivalent(s): HIST 483

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RS 505 - Introduction to Religion

Credits: 4

This course provides an introduction to religion, exploring the various ways that this phenomenon has been understood, approached, practiced, and studied across human history. The course will examine the different ways that religion can be defined, drawing from a variety of humanities and other disciplines. Foundational theories explaining the origins, persistence, and continued relevance of religion will be compared and applied to different traditions. Topics include concepts of divinity, rituals, myth, mysticism and spirituality, pilgrimage, death and the afterlife, and ultimate reality.

Attributes: Humanities(Disc)

Equivalent(s): HUMA 505

Grade Mode: Letter Grading