RELS — Religious Studies: Catalog Entries

6 catalog course(s) on file. Undergraduate courses are numbered 100–499; graduate courses 500–699. See the department page for faculty and program information.

RELS 101 — Introduction to World Religions(3 cr.)

Survey of major world religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students examine core beliefs, practices, and sacred texts within their historical contexts. Comparative themes such as ritual and sacred space recur throughout the course.

View Fall 2026 sections of this course

RELS 150 — Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel(3 cr.)

Study of the literature, history, and theology of the Hebrew Bible within its ancient Near Eastern context. Students read selected texts closely alongside archaeological and historical evidence. Attention is given to varied methods of biblical interpretation.

View Fall 2026 sections of this course

RELS 210 — New Testament Studies(3 cr.)

Examination of the origins, literature, and theology of the New Testament within the context of the early Christian movement. Students analyze the Gospels, Pauline letters, and other early Christian writings. Historical-critical methods of interpretation are introduced.

View Fall 2026 sections of this course

RELS 250 — Religion and Society(3 cr.)

Exploration of the relationship between religious institutions and social structures such as politics, gender, and economics. Case studies span multiple traditions and geographic regions. Students examine how religion shapes and is shaped by social change.

Prerequisite(s): RELS 101

View Fall 2026 sections of this course

RELS 310 — Comparative Mysticism(3 cr.)

Study of mystical experience and practice across religious traditions, including contemplative prayer, meditation, and ecstatic ritual. Primary texts from multiple traditions are read comparatively. Students consider the challenges of describing mystical experience across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): RELS 101

View Fall 2026 sections of this course

RELS 490 — Special Topics in Religious Studies(3 cr.)

Focused study of a selected topic such as religion and science, new religious movements, or sacred art. Content varies by semester according to instructor expertise. Students complete an extended research project on the chosen topic.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing

View Fall 2026 sections of this course