Courses with * fulfill
General
Education requirements
(A-AP) = Arts - Applied
(A-TH) = Arts -
Theoretical/Historical
(A-AR) = Analytical -
Abstract
Reasoning
(A-QR) = Analytical -
Quantitative
Reasoning
(CP) = Comparative Practices
(D-D) = Diversity - Domestic
(D-I) = Diversity - International
(D-L) = Diversity - Language
(ES) = Earlham Seminar
(IP) = Interpretive Practices
(SI) = Scientific Inquiry
(W) = Wellness
(AY) = Offered in Alternative Year
*REL 150 EARLHAM SEMINAR
(4 credits)
Offered for first-year students. Topics vary. (ES)
*REL 155 HEBREW SCRIPTURES
(4 credits)
An examination of the religion of Israel expressed in selected
portions of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) in light of the results of
modern critical study and within the context of ancient Near Eastern culture
and history. Prerequisite: An Interpretive Practices course or consent of the
instructor. Also listed as JWST 155. (CP, D-I)
REL 160 FRIENDS COLLOQUIUM
(1 credit)
Once a week hour-long discussion of a Quaker text, past or present.
*REL 165 NEW TESTAMENT
(4 credits)
A close reading of the entire New Testament,
with the goal of understanding its messages in historical context. Attention
given to various theories of interpretation, the theological and ethical import
of scripture, other influential and suppressed early Christian writings, the
role of women in the Jesus Movement, and cultivation of one's own informed
perspective. (D-I)
*REL 171 HINDU TRADITIONS OF INDIA (4 credits)
An encounter with the poets,
pilgrims, gurus, gods, goddesses and ordinary devotees of "Hinduism." Explores
the sacred texts of the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita; the epic
Ramayana; everyday worship practices at home, the temple and on the road; contemporary
sages; and Hindu nationalism. Attention to the emergence of Buddhism. Includes
viewing several films, including Gandhi and episodes of Peter Brook's
Mahabharata. (D-I) (AY)
*REL 172 BUDDHIST TRADITIONS OF THE WORLD (4 credits)
An introduction through
texts and videos to the history, scriptures and practices of the three Buddhist "turnings
of the wheel": Theravadan Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast
Asia; Tantric Buddhism in India and Tibet; and the Mahayana, through Zen in
Japan. Examines the Buddha's earliest teachings in the Pali Canon; the
Jataka Tales of the Buddha's life; key Tibetan texts like The Life of
Milarepa and The Words of My Perfect Teacher; the Zen memoir From Novice to
Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity; and writings of
young Buddhists. Possible films include: Kundun and Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter,
Spring. Also listed as JPNS 172. (D-I) (AY)
*REL 180 ISLAM (4 credits)
Topics include the early community and the life
of Muhammad, portions of the Qur'an, the historical development of Islamic
civilization, Sufism and issues in the contemporary Islamic world (such as
the role of women, the nature of jihad and Islam's relationship to other
religions). (D-I) (AY)
*REL 210 QUAKERISM (3 or 4 credits)
An introduction to the Quaker movement
and its key figures and historical turning points. Focuses on the distinctive
aspects of Quaker theology, including the range of views and the current areas
of debate. Students become familiar with aspects of worship, business procedures
and the testimonies as they are currently being practiced by Quakers "in
the neighborhood" and
around the world. (CP when taken for 4 credits.)
*REL 230 HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE (4 credits)
An introductory
survey of the central historical events, people and faith perspectives that
have shaped African American (or Black) religious experience in the United
States. Includes the Middle Passage and "New World" Slavery, The
Great Awakening and later Revival(s), Reconstruction, Jim/Jane Crow, Civil
Rights, Black Power and Black Humanism. Also listed as AAAS 230. (D-D) (AY)
*REL 285 JUDAISM (4 credits)
An introduction to the evolution of Jewish values from the destruction of the
Second Temple in 70 CE until the present. In addition to offering a historical
overview of Jewish thought and practice, particular attention to Jewish responses
to modernity and to challenge and change in contemporary Judaism. Also listed
as JWST 285. (CP, D-I) (AY)
REL 305 SEMINAR (4 credits)
Sophomore and junior level. Topics determined
by the instructor. Recent topics have included: Ethics of Jesus; Quakers and
the Mystical Traditions; Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik
El Shabazz); Black and Womanist Theology; Topics in Islam; Religions of the
African Diaspora.
*REL 310 IS RELIGION "T(t)RUE"? (4 credits)
A critical survey
of influential modern proposals concerning the nature, function and value of
religion in human life. Engages students in close primary and secondary readings
and analysis of (representative) major figures and themes in the global study
of religion, both academically and confessionally. Incorporates resources from
philosophy, theology, the social sciences and cultural studies. Prerequisite:
An Earlham Seminar, an Interpretive Practices course and consent of the instructor
for non-Religion and Philosophy majors and minors. (D-I)
REL 315 BIBLICAL SEMINAR (4 credits)
An advanced textual study and exegesis
in one or more biblical books, or study in biblical theology. Biblical courses
at Earlham School of Religion may be credited under this listing.
REL 320 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION (4 credits)
A philosophical investigation into
the phenomenon of religion, including an examination of the problems of meaning
and truth in religious language and praxis. Also listed as PHIL 320.
REL 325 RELIGION AND PSYCHOLOGY (4 credits)
An exploration of intersections
between religion and psychology with attention to the nature of self and wholeness
in multiple traditions, "West" and "East." Topics may
include Freudian, Jungian, Gestalt and Self Psychology in dialogue with the
Hindu understanding of Soul and Buddhist theories of consciousness, and the
role of dreams in the spiritual life. Prerequisite: An Interpretive Practices
course, one Religion course or consent of the instructor. (AY)
*REL 330 CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND MORAL VISION (4 credits)
A critical examination
of the social functions and theories of contemporary criminal justice in the
United States. Special attention to the collateral social consequences of the "prison
industrial complex," paramilitary policing and the death penalty. Fosters
moral interpretations that contribute to popular movements for positive change.
Prerequisites: An Earlham Seminar and an Interpretive Practices course. Also
listed as AAAS 330 and LGST 330. (D-D) (AY)
*REL 342 HISTORICAL CHRISTIANITY (4 credits)
Examines the Christian tradition
from the Jesus Movement to the 21st century, taking account of global trajectories
but focusing on the Mediterranean and Europe. Topics include origins of the
faith; the formation and practices of the first Christian communities; martyrs,
monks, mystics, scholars and pilgrims; historical and theological developments
in the Western and Eastern Orthodox churches; Christian engagement with Judaism
and Islam; reforms of the 16th century, and modern challenges. Prerequisite:
An Interpretive Practices course and at least one course in Religion or consent
of the instructor. (CP) (AY)
*REL 350 U.S.A. CHURCH HISTORY (4 credits)
Considers the history of the religious
life of people in the U.S.A. from before it was a nation to the present. Traces
the transplantation and growth of Protestant denominations, with some attention
to Catholicism and Judaism. Also investigates "home-grown" religious
sects and reform and liberation movements with religious roots. Prerequisite:
Two 100- or 200-level courses, or consent of the instructor. (D-D)
REL 360 CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS (4 credits)
Considers the religious
aspects of crucial current events, explores emerging religious movements, analyzes
ongoing developments within religious groups world-wide, and tries to make
(some) sense of it all. Topics typically include: cyber-ethics, fundamentalism,
religious pluralism, liberation theologies, post-modern critiques of religion
and New Religious Movements. Required of Religion majors. Prerequisite: Two
Religion courses.
*REL 380 RELIGIONS OF EAST ASIA (4 credits)
An exploration of the religious
and philosophical thought and practice of East Asia, including Popular, Shinto,
Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist traditions as manifested in the classical periods
of cultural development as well as contemporary society. Prerequisite: One
course in Religion (preferably in World Religions), one course in Japanese
Studies or consent of the instructor. Also listed as JPNS 380. (D-I)
*REL 425 RELIGIOUS RESPONSES TO WAR AND VIOLENCE (4 credits)
Considers the
impact of Asian religions and Jewish and Christian teachings on social conflict,
and the history of teachings on war, social violence and nonviolent resistance,
with case histories from the Quakers, Gandhi and other figures. Prerequisites:
One course in both Religion and History, Sociology/Anthropology or Psychology.
(D-I) (AY)
REL 440 FEMINIST / WOMANIST THEOLOGY (4 credits)
Traces the histories of women
in the church and explores the emergence of feminist/womanist theology in the
20th century. Focuses on current feminist/womanist thought and action today's
societies. Also listed as AAAS 440. (AY)
REL 480 TEXT SEMINAR (4 credits)
Enhances skills in the close comparative
reading of representative texts in the study of religion. Students required
to critically reflect, both orally and in writing, on the points of view in
the assigned texts. Prerequisite: An Earlham Seminar, an Interpretive Practices
course and permission of the instructor for non-majors.
REL 481 INTERNSHIPS, FIELD STUDIES AND OTHER FIELD EXPERIENCES
(1-3 credits)
REL 482 SPECIAL TOPICS (4 credits)
Selected topics determined by the instructor
for upper-level study.
REL 483 TEACHING ASSISTANTS (1-3 credits)
REL 484 FORD/KNIGHT RESEARCH PROJECT (1-4 credits)
Collaborative research
with faculty funded by the Ford/Knight Program.
REL 485 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
Investigation of a specific topic
conceived and planned by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor.
Culminates in a comprehensive report prepared in the style of a thesis or research
paper.
REL 488 SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE: RESEARCH SEMINAR (4 credits)
A two-semester research seminar designed to provide an informative, structured
and supportive group environment for the preparation and oral defense of a
major research project in the study of religion. Class time devoted to identifying,
developing and accomplishing this project in conversation with one another
and faculty. The paper and oral interview fulfill the Senior Capstone. Prerequisite:
Senior standing or consent of the instructor.
Earlham College · 801 National Road West · Richmond, Indiana · 47374-4095
Send corrections or comments to Web Editor
Copyright information