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CS92PROD
Introduction to the Study of Religion
RELI 151
Fall 2018
Section: 01  

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the academic study of religion. What is this thing called religion and how do you approach it from an academic perspective? This class is not a survey of global religious diversity, but a survey of how to study religion. We will use a series of empirical case studies, such as the Jonestown mass suicide, Jerry Falwell's tele-evangelism, Buryat-Mongolian shamans, eco-spirituality and religious freedom court cases to explore theoretical issues in the study of religion. Among other topics, we will examine: the construction of religion as a conceptual category, anthropological approaches to religious difference, theories of religious experience, the interpretation of religious texts, and the place of religion in politics, society, and culture. Together, these discussions will offer a set of descriptive, analytical, and explanatory tools for understanding the role of religion in the contemporary world.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS RELI
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS)
Past Enrollment Probability: 75% - 89%

Last Updated on MAR-29-2024
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