Religious Studies RELS

RELS 200 201 203 205 300 301 302 303 305 307 309 310 312 313 314 316 317 319 320 322 323 324 327 329 331 333 335 338 339 340 341 343 344 348 349 353 357 359 360 363 367 369 370 373 377 381 383 385 387 389 397 398 399 417 437 439 440 444 445 447 451 453 461 463 469 473 474 479 484 491 494 525 577 590 595 601 603 605 607 609 681 683 685 701 703 705 707 709

For more information about these courses, see the Department of Classics and Religion website: .

Junior Courses

Religious Studies 200

Religious Myths and Worldviews

Readings (in English translation) from the classical literatures of middle Eastern and Asian religions. Introduction to the evolving mythological traditions from three geo-cultural centres (the middle East, India, and China) by examining religious themes: cosmology; existential values and goals; destinies of humans, the world, and the cosmos.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 201

Jews, Christians and Muslims

Introduction to Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 203

Asian Religions

Introduction to Eastern religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 205

Religion and The Good Life

An introduction to the academic study of religion with particular emphasis on the nature of religion, its role as a response to existential questions, and the relationship of religion to contemporary thought and culture.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 205 and 350 will not be allowed.

Senior Courses

Religious Studies 300

Classical Hebrew I

Classical or Biblical Hebrew language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient texts. No attempt will be made to provide any competence in medieval or modern Hebrew.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 300 and 207 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 301

Studies in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

An introduction to the critical study and reading of the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in English translation. The course focuses on the Bible as religious literature.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 302

Classical Hebrew II

Continuation of Religious Studies 300.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 300.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 302 and 209 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 303

Introduction to Hinduism

The history, textual traditions, schools and sectarian traditions of Hinduism.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 305

Greek Religion

A survey of religious beliefs and practices in the pre-Christian Greek World.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units from Greek and Roman Studies 205, 209, Religious Studies 201, 205.
Also known as: (Greek and Roman Studies 305)

Religious Studies 307

Popular Hinduism

An introductory survey of the contemporary practices of Hinduism in South Asia and in diaspora Hindu communities throughout the world. Focus on recent ethnographic research and the diversity of popular Hindu practices with special attention to differences defined by region, language, caste, and gender. Topics may include the structure of social and family life, the organization of sacred space and time, ritual practices, and the influence and impact of modernity in Hindu life.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 309

Religious Experience

A study of philosophical and psychological theories of the nature and function of religious experiences and an introduction to a variety of religious experiences, which may include theophany, mysticism, enlightenment, conversion, and guilt.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 310

Sanskrit I

Classical Sanskrit language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Hindu or Buddhist texts.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 310 and 211 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 312

Sanskrit II

Continuation of Religious Studies 310.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 310.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 312 and 213 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 313

Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhist developments from the time of Buddha to the development of Mahayana.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 314

Tibetan I

Classical Tibetan language; the development of ability in the critical reading of ancient Bon and Buddhist texts.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 314 and 215 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 316

Tibetan II

Continuation of Religious Studies 314.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 314.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 217)

Religious Studies 317

Religion in South Asia

An in-depth survey of the religious traditions of the Indian sub-continent. Special attention to the long history of religious pluralism and recent communal conflicts in South Asia. Covers religious traditions that have come to South Asia from other parts of the world (primarily Islam, but also Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Baha鈥檌).
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 319

Esoteric Buddhism

The development of Vajrayana, Tantric and other esoteric traditions of Buddhism in India, Tibet, China, Japan and in the West from medieval times to the present.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 320

Classical Chinese for Religious Texts I

Introduction to Classical Chinese language, with emphasis on developing the ability to read ancient Chinese religious texts.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 219)

Religious Studies 322

Classical Chinese for Religious Texts II

Continuation of Religious Studies 320.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 320.
Also known as: (formerly Religious Studies 221)

Religious Studies 323

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana developments in India, China, Tibet or Japan.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 324

Zen Buddhism

An exploration of the thought and practice of Chan (Chinese) and Zen (Japanese) Buddhism, including twentieth-century developments in the west.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 327

Tibetan Religious Traditions

The religious developments in Tibet, with emphasis on religious history, literature and philosophy and their contemporary implications.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 329

Buddhism in East Asia

The history, doctrines, literature and leading figures of Buddhism in China and Japan.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 331

Religious Perspectives on Suffering

An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature and causes of human suffering.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 333

Religious Perspectives on Death and Afterlife

An examination of various religious perspectives on the nature of death and life after death.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 335

Ritual and Religion

A major form of religious expression is the various practices and rituals performed by individuals and the community. Various ritual theories and approaches will be examined along with different examples of religious ritual expressions.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 338

Atheism

A consideration of various historical and thematic critiques of religion, including the development of modern agnosticism, atheism and in recent times, the 鈥榥ew atheism鈥�.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 339

Transformations of Religion in Africa

Nature of religion through a study of religious transformations in Africa.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 340

Religion, Truth, Pluralism

Examinations of issues arising out of communication across boundaries of belief, practice, and value-systems. Topics may include theories of 鈥淭ruth鈥�, inter-religious dialogue, identity politics, intersectionality, and pluralism.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 341

New Religious Movements

An examination of the beliefs, practices and developments of new religious movements of both Eastern and Western origins (e.g. Krishna Consciousness, Transcendental Meditation, Unification Church, Children of God, etc.).
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 343

Religion and Social Morality

Critical examination of social theories of religion and religious perspectives on ethical issues of social, economic, and political consequence in contemporary cultures.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 344

The Bible as Literature

An exploration of the various literary genres that make up the sixty-six books of the Bible, understood as a compilation of human literature reflecting millennia of communal struggle, vision, and engaged reception.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 348

Religion, Empire and Colonialism

An examination of the complex interplay of religious traditions and imperial projects, focusing on the development of religion in response to engagement with other cultures, religions and traditions brought on by colonialism, as well as the religious construction and categorization of these others through comparative, historical, literary and/or thematic lenses. Exploration of modern responses to colonialism as well as multiculturalism and immigration as they relate to religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 349

Religion and Politics

A study of the complex relationship between religion and politics, including nationalism and political religions. Topics may include the origin of apartheid in South Africa, Black Theology, the rise of the New Christian Right in America, Hindu and Islamic political movements, and various forms of Fascism including the Nazi movement.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 353

Islam in the Modern World

Reform, revivalist and sectarian movements and significant thinkers in Modern Islam.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 357

Islam

A survey of the basic religious ideas, texts, figures, and practices in Islam, including their historical development.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 359

East Asian Religious Traditions

The history, doctrines and literature of the major religious traditions of China, Korea and Japan.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 360

Buddhist Practice Traditions

An introduction to different kinds of meditation practices in Buddhist traditions, through their historical trajectories and their related devotional and ritual aspects. The material is organized according to principal contemporary areas (Vipassana, Chan/Zen/Son, Pure Land, Tibetan).
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 363

Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion

Comparative study of philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 367

Topics: Comparative Studies in Western Religions

A comparative and critical examination of a specific topic within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Possible topics include: Material Culture, Pilgrimage, and Scriptural Exegesis.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Notes: May be counted only twice towards the Major Field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 369

Introduction to Judaism

An introduction to the major practices, beliefs, institutions and religious literature of the Jewish religion, as developed from antiquity to modern times.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 370

Gods, Demons, and Monsters

A comparative and theoretical examination of the concepts/roles of god, divinities, monsters, demons and other supernatural objects of belief, devotion and fear.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 370 and either 345 or 346 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 373

Topics in Religious Studies

Topics may include an overview of a specific religious tradition, an examination of religious expressions in a particular context, a thematic study of a religion or religions, or a methodological approach to the study of religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 377

Research and Critical Inquiry in Religious Studies

Systematic instruction in research methods, academic writing, and the practice of critical analysis in the field of Religious Studies. Besides practical instruction, students will be introduced to a variety of methods and theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Religious Studies major or minor.

Religious Studies 381

Gender, Sex and Religion

An examination of the complex interrelationship between understandings and constructions of gender, sexuality and Religion as they arise in the context of several religious traditions.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Religious Studies 381 and 373.09 will not be allowed.

Religious Studies 383

From Jesus to Christ

The study of formative Christianity up to 200 CE in its political, social and religious contexts.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 385

Pagans and Christians

Examination of the evolution of ancient 鈥榩agan鈥� (Greek and Roman non-Christian) and early Christian religions from 200-800 CE, exploring their similarities, differences, and interactions, and situating them in their social, economic, cultural, and political context.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 387

Christian Monks, Mystics and Reformers

An overview of medieval Christian monasticism and mysticism, including female mystics such as Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich, as well as humanists such as Erasmus, and early modern Protestant and Catholic Reformers.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 389

Christian Responses to Modernity

Examines various Christian responses to modernity from 1600 CE, including German Pietism, English Puritanism, John Wesley and early Evangelicalism, Protestant Liberalism, Vatican II and modern Roman Catholicism, Liberation Theology, and inter-religious dialogue.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 397

Religion and Science

The relationship between religion and science with emphasis on contemporary discussions regarding the intersection of religious thought and theories in the natural sciences.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 398

Religion and the Environment

Consideration of issues of public environmental concern from the perspectives of religious studies and ethics. Possible topics include climate change, water depletion, environmental pollution, animal stresses, species/ecosystem decimation, and the climate refugee problem.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)

Religious Studies 399

Topics: Religion in Popular Culture

The intersection of religion with popular culture is explored through specific topics.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Notes: May be counted only once towards the major field requirements in Religious Studies.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 417

Topics: Recent Religious Thought

Detailed examination of a selected writer, topic, or intellectual current in recent religious thought.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units in Nature of Religion at the 300 level.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 437

Hermeneutics

Significance of the hermeneutical tradition for an understanding of religious issues and traditions with attention to the thought of Schleiermacher, Dilthey, Husserl, Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur among others.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 439

Advanced Topics in New Religious Movements

Detailed study of selected topics in New Religious Movements.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 341.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 440

Religion and Economic Systems

A consideration of the relationship between religious practices and systems of exchange, credit, and economic rationalization. Historical documents will be used to illustrate the complex nature of religion and economics.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 444

Existentialism

An examination of existentialist thinkers from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, contextualizing their work within both modernity and theist/atheist discourses.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 445

Advanced Studies in Asian Thought

A critical examination of Asian philosophical and religious thinkers.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Philosophy 335 or 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 447

Theories of Religion

A critical examination of various theories used in the academic study of religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Religious Studies major, Religious Studies 377 and 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 451

Advanced Topics in Hinduism

In-depth study of the historical developments of Hinduism (Vedic, Classical, Medieval, Modern) in a seminar or independent study format.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 303 or 307.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 453

Advanced Topics in Buddhism

A seminar course that focuses on selected traditions, or philosophical or historical themes, such as Madhyamaka, Yogacara, T'ien T'ai, Hua Yen, Zen, Pure Land, Nyingma, Kargyud, Abhidharma, Tathagatagarbha, and Dhyana.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units from Religious Studies 313, 319, 323, 327 or 329.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 461

Advanced Topics in East Asian Religions

A seminar course that focuses on selected topics related to the Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist, or Shinto traditions in China, Korea and Japan.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 359.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 463

Advanced Topics in Cross-Cultural Philosophy of Religion

Advanced comparative study of selected philosophical issues of religious interest arising from diverse cultures.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 469

Advanced Topics in Judaism

Selected topics in Jewish practices, institutions, beliefs and religious literature. Possible topics include: Jewish Movements of the Second Temple Era; Jewish Rituals and Observances; Midrash and Jewish Biblical Interpretation; Law and Religion in Judaism; Jewish Philosophy and Theology; Judaism in the Modern World; Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 369.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 473

Advanced Topics in Islam

Thematic considerations of topics, such as Islamic philosophy, mysticism, theology, or contemporary trends, based on primary sources. Although no knowledge of Arabic is required, students with backgrounds in Arabic will have the option of working with texts in their original languages.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 353 or 357.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 474

Advanced Topics in Religious Studies

Religious Studies 479

Contemporary Issues in Women and Religion

A topical examination of developments in current research in such areas as: gender theory, post-colonialism, philosophy and religion, feminist theology, feminist evaluation of traditional religious structures, or interdisciplinary work in the reconstruction of women's religiosity.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 484

Advanced Topics in Christianity

A seminar course examining topics, personalities and movements in Christianity from its origins to its modern and contemporary developments.

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units from Religious Studies 383, 385, 387 or 389.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 491

Topics: Reading Religious Texts in Primary Languages

Study of religious texts in original languages such as Hebrew,聽Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese or Japanese.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units from Religious Studies 302, 312, 316 or 322.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 494

Secularism and Religious Diversity

Examinations of current theories, issues and discourses of religious pluralism, multiculturalism, and secularism, including the role of religion in the public square, identity and intersectionality, and diversity issues in contemporary social life.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 3 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 300 level.

Religious Studies 525

Buddhism and Psychology

Buddhist contemplative techniques examined in therapeutic contexts, including mindfulness, applied phenomenology, spiritual practice, and cognitive science. May include topical issues such as gender and identity formation, therapeutic psychedelics, and artificial intelligence.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): 60 units.

Religious Studies 577

Religion Lab

Experience-based learning project, under the guidance of a faculty supervisor and graduate student mentors, in partnership with community partners, focusing on complex social and other problems.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 and 6 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 400 or 500 level and admission to the Religious Studies major or minor.

Religious Studies 590

Honours Thesis

Students compose a major research paper under the close supervision of a member of the Department and defend the thesis before an examining committee.
Course Hours: 6 units; (0-3T)
Prerequisite(s): Religious Studies 377 and 6 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the 400 or 500 level and admission to the Honours program in Religious Studies or Ancient and Medieval History.

Religious Studies 595

Directed Independent Study

Advanced study of a particular topic under the direction of a faculty member. Qualified students will be supervised through a session of independent study.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3T-0)
Prerequisite(s): 9 units of courses labelled Religious Studies at the senior level with at least 3 units at the 400 level or above and consent of the Department.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Graduate Courses

Religious Studies 601

Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 603

Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 605

Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 607

Supervised Master's Thesis Inquiry

Course Hours: 3 units; (0-3T)

Religious Studies 609

Selected Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion

Selected topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 681

Specialized Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 683

Specialized Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 685

Specialized Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 701

Studies in Western Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 703

Studies in Eastern Religions

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 705

Studies in the Nature of Religion

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Religious Studies 707

PhD Departmental Colloquium

Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT NOT INCLUDED IN GPA

Religious Studies 709

Advanced Topics on Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion

Advanced topics on critical discourses in the study of religion.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

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