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 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.