Course Offerings
Spring 2027
RLGN 1100 - Religions of the World
Multiple Sections (Online available)
Introduction to the world's major spiritual traditions from ancient times to the present. Topics include but are not limited to Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Native American religious traditions and African religious traditions.
RLGN 3100 - Perspectives
CRN 20261
Online/Asynchronous
Course Description
Religion is a complicated term for a complicated phenomenon. Scholars agree that it
overlaps with
most other aspects of the human world (such as economics, politics, sociology, psychology,
and
science). However, they cannot agree how to define and understand it, or even if 鈥渞eligion鈥�
exists at
all. This course considers key theories and theorists that have shaped the field of
Religious Studies鈥�
the academic study of religion鈥攚ith a view toward better understanding this thing
called religion, and
in the process ourselves and our world.
RLGN 3102 - ST: World Mythologies
CRN
MW
12:40 - 2:05 pm
Course Description
Every culture has its myths, and every myth tells us a lot about the people who promote it鈥攈ow they understand the world and their place in it; what they fear and hope for. In this course, we turn our gaze to some of the world鈥檚 most significant myths, examining them in their cultural and religious contexts. By reading them, we begin to better understand humans and the diverse ways we process our world.
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RLGN 3805 - Race and Religion in the US
CRN
TR
1:00 - 2:25 pm
Course Description
In this course, we examine the complex intersection of race and religion in the United States historically and in the present day. This is an interdisciplinary class, drawing from religious studies, anthropology, and history, but rooted in sociology. We critically examine the concepts of race and religion, unpacking their social construction, their intersection, and their role in the social world.
What is Mindfulness? (coming soon)
CRN
Online/Asynchronous
Course Description
The concept of mindfulness has undergone a revolution in recent years and entered the cultural mainstream. Endorsements to Psychologists tell us to slow down while celebrities caution us to pay attention. Fitness trainers ask us to focus on our breathing and Monks urge us to meditate. Magazines are dedicated to Mindfulness and apps promise to unclutter our minds in just ten minutes a day.
The mindfulness movement has seen its fair share of good and bad; its ubiquity has earned it the label 鈥楳cMindfulness鈥�. This course will examine the history and philosophical developments of mindfulness in Buddhism and Western philosophy as well as current developments of mindfulness in mental health, smartphone apps, and eco-mindfulness.
This course will explore the Buddhist origins of Mindfulness, the development of Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and critics of the mindfulness movement. Students are encouraged to decide for themselves what mindfulness means to them and if it may offer positive benefits to their personal well-being.
PHIL 3723-M50 - Confucianism
CRN 31522
Online/Asynchronous
Course Description
This course will provide an overview of the history of Chinese philosophy with an emphasis on Confucianism. We will focus primarily on the 鈥渃lassical period鈥� of Chinese philosophy which developed during the seminal Warring States Period in Chinese history. This period begins with Confucius and culminates with Han Feizi at the end of the Warring States Period and the beginning of the Qin Dynasty.
Every week we will explore a specific topic related to Confucianism whether that be methodology and historical context or individual figures such as Kongzi (Confucius), Mengzi (Mencius), or Xunzi (Hsun Tzu), or even figures opposed to Confucian thought such as Laozi (Lao Tzu), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), or Han Feizi (Han Fei Tzu). By the end of the semester, you will be expected to identify the basic traits of Confucian thought, recognize the distinctive traits of competing schools of thought from within the Warring States Period, and understand the relevance of Chinese thought today.