COURSES OFFERED
Within the field of Religious Studies there are many different religious traditions which students might choose to study. This often leads students to wonder how to choose from so many interesting alternatives. Are the worldviews, texts, practices, and institutions distinctly different or similar between religious traditions? Why study one religion rather than another? Which aspects of a religious tradition are most important to study? While one of the goals of the Religious Studies program is to help students answer these questions for themselves, the structure of the department's course offerings is to guide students towards developing a distinctive comparative, cross-cultural, historical and interdisciplinary approach to the subject.
The 100-level courses introduce students to some of the different religions of the world and to the academic study of religion. These introductory courses are especially popular for students who wish to satisfy the General Humanities requirement at the College of Charleston, although every course in the Religious Studies department satisfies this requirement. Many 200-level courses are historical surveys of particular religious traditions, or an introduction to the religions of a particular geographical region. At a more advanced level of study, the 300 and 400 level courses offer an opportunity to learn about religions and religious phenomena in a comparative and thematic fashion. Courses are organized around such topics as death and the afterlife, mysticism and religious experience, religion and violence,, religion and the environment, millenarian movements and apocalypticism, and gnosticism and esoteric spirituality. Faculty members have a strong interest in providing a multi-disciplinary approach to the academic study of religions, and students are encouraged to develop a broad interdisciplinary awareness of the methods used in the field.
For an up-to-date list and accurate description of the current and upcoming courses offered by the Religious Studies Department, see:
Fall 2009 COURSE SCHEDULE
Spring, Maymester & Summer 2010 Courses
Description of Religious Studies Courses (from the College of Charleston Undergraduate Catalogue):
RELS 101 Approaches to Religion (3)
This course will introduce religious studies through a particular theme, such as holy people, the body, or death and the afterlife. Both religious phenomena and theories of interpretation will be covered.
RELS 105 Introduction to World Religions (3)
An introductory survey of the major religions of mankind, beginning with a treatment of tribal religions and including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
RELS 115 Religion and Society (3)
A study of the social and political dimensions of religion, including the role of religion in the framework of culture and history.
RELS 201 The Hebrew Bible: History and Interpretation (3)
An introductory study of the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, which considers the development of biblical literature in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Topics covered may include the telling of creation, the roots of monotheism, the interpretation of misfortune, prophecy and prophets, kingship and exile, the formation of the Hebrew canon, and critical methods of scriptural study.
RELS 202 The New Testament: History and Interpretation (3)
An introductory study of the New Testament. Readings from primary and secondary sources will concern the historical, social, religious, and literary backgrounds of the gospels, letters, and the Apocalypse. Other topics covered may include the earliest Christian communities, the career of Paul, religious influences and the Greco-Roman world, women in the early churches, the formation of the Christian canon, and critical methods of scriptural study.
RELS 205 Sacred Texts of the East (3)
An introductory study of sacred texts in one or more Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Jainism, Shinto).
RELS 210 Theories in the Study of Religion (3)
As a theoretical introduction to the academic study of religion, this course surveys a number of important debates in the history of religious studies, such as the insider/outsider problem, definitions of religion, theories on the origins of religion, the comparison of religions, and religion's psychological, sociological, and political functions.
RELS 220 Comparative Religious Ethics (3)
An examination of the nature of ethical doctrines within different religions, including the manner in which a particular religious ethic is grounded in text, culture, and tradition.
RELS 225 The Jewish Tradition (3)
A multidisciplinary introduction to the history, beliefs, practices, and institutions of the Jewish tradition, from its biblical foundations to the modern state of Israel. (Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been received for JWST 200)
RELS 230 The Christian Tradition (3)
An examination of the Christian religious tradition from the perspective of history and practice. Attention will be given to the development of its religious ideas.
RELS 235 The Islamic Tradition (3)
An examination of Islamic beliefs and practices, covering Muhammad's life, Islamic social and religious institutions, and the Sunni, Shi'ite and Sufi traditions.
RELS 240 The Buddhist Tradition (3)
An examination of the early beliefs, practices, and doctrines of Buddhism, the formation of monastic communities, and the historical development of both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Exemplary texts from the Buddhist tradition, religious symbolism and art, soteriological theory and social context will also be discussed.
RELS 245 The Religions of India (3)
An examination of Hindu religious beliefs and practices in their Indian context, with emphasis on primary texts, doctrines, rituals, and the arts. Attention will be given to the change and development of Hindu religious ideas. The influences of Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism will also be explored.
RELS 248 Religious Traditions of China and Japan (3)
An examination of the religious traditions of China and Japan with special emphasis on the classical periods. Topics will include folk religion, ritual and festival, arts, and sacred architecture. The primary focus will be on Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Buddhism, Shinto, and Zen.
RELS 250 Religions in America (3)
A survey of various issues in American religion, covering such topics as the role of religion in the African-American experience, denominational religious histories, religion in American reform movements, and American theological traditions.
RELS 255 Philosophy of Religion (3)
An examination of issues such as the nature of religious experience, arguments for the existence of God, the conflict between reason and faith, immortality, the nature of miracles, and the problem of evil. (Note: This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been received for PHIL 255)
RELS 260 Native American Religions (3)
An introduction to the indigenous religions of the Americas, including such topics as cosmology, oral myth traditions, socio-religious organization, ceremonial cycles, worldview, and religious experience.
RELS 265 Women and Religion (3)
An examination of the images and roles of women within various religious traditions, along with a consideration of their impact on social attitudes and structures. The course will include such topics as the nature of the goddess, priestess, saint, witch, holy virgin, and martyr.
RELS 270 African-American Religions (3)
This course explores the diversity of African-American religions, from African roots to the Civil Rights movement, from Rastafari to Buddhism, from major Christian denominations to Voudou and Gullah folk magic. A key concern lies in the ways in which religious beliefs, practices, and institutions inform African-American life and culture.
RELS 275 Religious Tradition and Scientific Inquiry (3)
The course introduces the study of the interaction between science and religion. It will examine how religion influenced the development of modern science; how modern science then impacted religious belief and practice; and how diverse such mutual influences have been, especially with regard to ecology, evolution, physics, and psychology.
RELS 280 Religion and Film (3)
This course will examine the religious themes in a variety of films (to be screened in class). Films may be analyzed from a variety of narrative, symbolic, theological, or historical approaches. Students will become familiar with various approaches to religious studies, and with basic analysis of film vocabulary.
RELS 298 Special Topics in Religious Studies (3)
An examination of a special topic in religious studies. May be repeated for credit if the subject varies.
NOTE: Prerequisite for all 300-level courses: either three semester hours in religious studies or permission of the instructor
RELS 301 Mysticism and Religious Experience (3)
An examination of the breadth and variety of mystical and religious experiences, with special consideration given to their symbols, dynamics, and historical interpretation.
RELS 305 Topics in Indigenous Religions (3)
A comparative examination of topics and themes central to the study of indigenous religions. Topics may include the following: cosmology, shamanism, ritual, sacred art, oral traditions, myth, rites of passage, and social and religious organization. May be repeated for credit if the subject varies.
RELS 310 Sacred Texts (3)
A critical analysis of selected major texts from the world's religious traditions. May be repeated for credit if the texts vary.
RELS 315 New Religious Movements (3)
An interdisciplinary examination of the formation and development of New Religious Movements, using historical and contemporary case studies to test a variety of theoretical perspectives. Topics may be organized thematically and include popular perceptions of New Religions ("cults"), issues of political contestation, the role of the media, and the impact of globalization on these movements.
RELS 330 Western Esotericism (3)
This course will cover a range of topics in esoteric studies from classical Greco-Roman religions to contemporary Britain and America. Possible topics covered: Magic, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Alchemy, Kabbalah, Grail, Knightly Orders, Tarot, Rosicrucian and Masonic Groups, Theosophy, Secret Societies, Magical Orders, Occultism, and Eastern Religious influences.
RELS 340 Advanced Topics in Asian Religions (3)
Advanced study in the practices, beliefs, institutions, and symbolic representations of Asian religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism, or Confucianism. A number of thematic topics that arise in the study of a religion within specific Asian cultural contexts will be explored, using a variety of interdisciplinary methods. May be repeated for credit if the subject matter varies.
RELS 348 Asian Religions in America (3)
This course traces the history of various Asian religions (including one or more of Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Daoism, Islam, and Christianity), as they become part of the American religious landscape. Modes of transmission to be examined include immigration, mission work, literature, and mass media.
RELS 350 Phenomenology of Religion (3)
A critical exploration of themes in the phenomenology of religion. Topics will vary, and may include such themes as sacred time and space; magic and divination. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit if the subject matter varies.
RELS 360 Myth, Ritual, and Symbol (3)
This course examines the role of myth, ritual, and symbol in the religious traditions of the world.
RELS 375 Topics in the History of Religion (3)
A critical exploration of selected topics, figures, or issues in the history of religions. May be repeated for credit if the subject matter varies.
RELS 381 Religious Studies Internship (1-4)
An opportunity for advanced students to gain practical experience through supervised field placement in areas related to the comparative study of religions. Students will be expected to produce specific assignments that reflect agreed-upon learning goals under the direction of a department faculty member. (Prerequisites: RELS 101 or 105, RELS 210, and six (6) additional credits of RELS 200- or 300-level coursework. The student must be a junior or senior in good academic standing, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major and an overall GPA of 2.5, be a major or minor in Religious Studies, and have the permission of the instructor. Students must sign up for the internship through an approved process initiated the semester proceeding the actual internship).
RELS 399 Tutorial (3, repeatable up to 12)
Individual instruction given by a tutor in regularly scheduled meetings (usually once a week). The student must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and the supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registration for the course. (Prerequisites: Junior standing plus permission of the tutor and the department chair)
NOTE: Prerequisite for all 400-level courses: either nine semester hours in religious studies or permission of the instructor.
RELS 405 Advanced Studies in Religion (3)
An examination of a selected tradition, theme, or problem in the study of religion. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit if the subject matter varies.
RELS 450 Senior Seminar in Religious Studies (3)
An intensive examination of selected theoretical or methodological issues in religious studies. May be repeated for credit. (Prerequisites: RELS 210, junior or senior religious studies major with at least nine semester hours in religious studies, or permission of the instructor)
RELS 499 Bachelor's Essay (6)
A year-long research and writing project done during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. The student must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and the supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and be approved by the department prior to registration for the course. (Prerequisite: RELS 210, which cannot be taken concurrently with RELS 499)
