Future Courses
RELG 301: Religion, Science, and Occultismy
Instructor: Dr. Cathy Gutierrez
MW 2:30-3:45 PM
Are there critical differences between scientific and religious ways of knowing, and are there ways in which humans have tried to bridge the gap between science and religion? This course will examine the philosophy of science as a means of understanding modern intentional revivals of ancient religious traditions, including modern witchcraft, fertility practices, various divination and fortune-telling techniques, the development of parapsychology and New Age religion.
RELG 236: Multicultural Religious America
Instructor: Dr. Cathy Gutierrez
MWF 1:30-2:20 PM
This course explores a diversity of new approaches to relition in pluralistic America, considering new historical understanding of Protestant, Catholic and Jewish traditions adn many non-mainstream religions. The study will include Native American religion, African American Christianity and Islam, Hispanic Catholicism, Asian American traditions, Mormonism and new religious movements. Pluralistic religious America will be examined in light of colonialism, post- colonial interpretations, cultural and regional diversity, gender issues, ethics and social issues.
RELG 177: Introduction to the Study of Religion
Instructor: Dr. Cathy Gutierrez
MWF 11:30-12:20 PM
An introduction to the borad field of religious studies from a variety of perspectives drawn from anthropology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, the fine arts, gender studies and history. The course will consider what the elements of religion are (myth, doctrine, ritual, ethics, world view, human community and destiny), how they are to be interpreted vis-a-vis modern academic perspectives on culture, and whether religion as a concept makes any sense in an age of scientific rationalism.
RELG 255: Islam
Instructor: Dr. John Goulde
MWF 10:30-11:20 PM
An introduction to the "world of Islam," beginning with an examination of its foundation in the 7th century and concluding with a consideration of issues pertaining to Islam in the modern world. The course will deal with such topics as: Muhammad; the Qur'an; Islamic "Traditions" (hadith) and the "Law" (shariah); the Caliphate; sectarian divisions, especially the Sunni-Shiite schism; Sufi mysticism; Muslim influences on medieval European societies; the Crusades; Islamic art and literature; and the modern resurgence of Islam.
RELG 221: Hindus, Jainas and Sikhs
Instructor: Dr. John Goulde
MWF 9:30-10:20 PM
A comprehensive survey of the major religious movements of India. This course will examine Indian notions of truth, ritual, family life, social organization, human destiny and salvation, literature and arts as they have developed within the Hindu, Jaina and Sikh communities. Students will also examine the role of these communities in the development of modern Indian nationalism and ethnicity.