Religious Diversity in America

Of all the regions in America, Southern California features the most diversity in its religious composition. The course will examine the variances within established religious traditions, discerning, for instance, the diversity of denominations in Christianity and the variety of traditions in Buddhism. In addition to the analysis of these immigrant traditions, the course will consider how a distinct religion developed in America: the Mormons. Throughout the course—whether surveying imported traditions or examining home-grown varieties of faith—the focus will be on the interplay between two questions: What does it mean to be religious, and how is that religious identity distinctly “American”?

Comparative Religious Ethics RS 190

This course is described in the course catalog

Monotheisms: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Course Description: This course does not provide a survey of the various religions in the West. Instead the course examines several issues in religious studies looking at the way these issues take shape in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions. The course will examine similarities and differences between the three religions as well as investigating some of the important differences within each tradition. Specific readings, examination times, and grading system may change in the course of the semester. Changes will be announced during class and students are responsible for obtaining information so announced.

REL 333 Hindu Religion and Culture F 2008

This course examines Hindu religion and culture viewed especially but not exclusively in terms of its multiple expressions in India. The course is divided into three parts. Part One addresses major themes in Hinduism by exploring such topics as myth and narrative, social order, yoga (bodily discipline), bhakti (devotion), and the gods (e.g. Vishnu, Siva) and goddesses (e.g. Devi, Kali). Drawing on Part One, Part Two focuses on a recent and controversial study of sainthood and sexuality in modern Hinduism. Part Two will include intensive group work and discussion. In Part Three, students will present internet-based research projects that engage a theme in Hinduism that resonates with their own particular disciplinary interests. Some students may find a research project on Hindu art compelling, others a project on gender roles, etc. Students will be required to consult with the professor about the direction of their projects by the middle of the semester.

Fall 2007

Looking for Islam: Religion, Culture and Representation in Morocco

For details on this course, go to INTD 390

Sound and the Religious Experience

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