Religion

Courses

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.