Fall 2010 Course Booklet DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION
FALL 2010 COURSES REL 1 Introduction to Religion David O Leary 11 T 6:30-9:00 PM REL 21 Introduction to Hebrew Bible Peggy Hutaff F+ TR 12:00-1:15 PM REL 35 Introduction to Christianity Michael Milway H+ TR 1:30-2:45 PM REL 41 Contemporary Religion in America Elizabeth Lemons F+ TR 12:00-1:15 PM REL 45 Introduction to Buddhism Joseph Walser 10 M 6:30-9:00 PM REL 48 Introduction to Islam TBA I+ MW 3:00-4:15 PM REL 99 Theory & Method in the Study of Religion Elizabeth Lemons D+ TR 10:30-11:45 AM REL 111 Catholic Moral & Social Teaching David O Leary E+ MW 10:30-11:45 AM REL 141 Indian Philosophies Joseph Walser 1T 9:00-11:30 AM REL 199 Senior Honors Thesis Courses Co-Listed with Religion REL 4 Art, Ritual, & Culture Hoffman, C-LST FAH 1 REL 5 Introduction to the Arts of Asia Kaminishi, C-LST FAH 5 REL 15 Japanese Architecture Kaminishi, C-LST FAH REL 23 Early Islamic Art Hoffman, C-LST FAH REL 25 Medieval Architecture Overby, C-LST FAH REL 68 Martin Luther: The Man & His Era Brown, C-LST GER 68 & HIST 116 REL 73 Aspects of the Sephardic Tradition Ascher, C-LST 73 REL 115 Japanese Architecture Kaminishi, C-LST FAH REL 122 Iconoclasm & Iconophobia: The Threat of the Image REL 125 Medieval Architecture Overby, C-LST FAH REL 134 Myth, Ritual & Symbol Stanton, C-LST ANTH 132 REL 143 Sociology of Religion Aymer, C-LST SOC REL 157 Theories of Spiritual Development Scarlett, C-LST CD 157
Religion Faculty Kevin Dunn, Department Chair Secondary Appointment Department of English kevin.dunn@tufts.edu English Bible Heather Curtis Assistant Professor Eaton Hall, Room 316A heather.curtis@tufts.edu Christianity, religion in America Kenneth Garden Assistant Professor Eaton Hall, Room 313 ken.garden@tufts.edu Islam, Islamic Revival, Sufism Peggy Hutaff Senior Lecturer Eaton Hall, Room 311 peggy.hutaff@tufts.edu Bible and Feminist theologies Elizabeth Lemons Senior Lecturer Eaton Hall, Room 311 elizabeth.lemons@tufts.edu Religion and culture, philosophy and religion Reverend David O Leary Senior Lecturer, Chaplaincy Goddard Chapel david.oleary@tufts.edu Catholicism, medical ethics, world religions Joseph Walser Associate Professor Eaton Hall, Room 314 joseph.walser@tufts.edu Asian religions
The Religion Major Ten courses distributed as follows: Foundation Requirement After taking two courses in the department, students must take REL 99 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion. Diversity Requirement (four courses) Students should have exposure to at least four different religions traditions through classes in which four different traditions are taught, or through four courses, each focused on a different religious tradition, or through some combination thereof. Depth Requirement (three courses) Students must choose a religious tradition, the traditions of a geographical region, or a religious textual tradition and take at least three classes in that specialty. One of the three courses must be in the doctrinal (theological and philosophical) aspects of religion and two must be 100-level courses. Two Additional Courses The two courses can be listed or cross-listed within the department. The Religion Minor Five courses distributed as follows: Foundation Requirement After taking two courses in the department, students must take REL 99 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion. Diversity Requirement (three courses) Students should have exposure to at least three different religions traditions through classes in which three different traditions are taught, or through four courses, each focused on a different religious tradition, or through some combination thereof. Upper-division Requirement One other course at the 100-level that does not count for any of the above requirements.
Course Descriptions REL 1 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION David O Leary 11 T 6:30-9:00 PM An introduction to the field of religion to give students an understanding of the basic elements of the subject: the major characteristics, the form and expressions, and the contributions of man s personal and social orientation. Also, brief overviews of five of the worlds spiritual/faith traditions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. RELIGION 21 INTRODUCTION TO THE HEBREW BIBLE Peggy Hutaff F+ TR 12:00-1:15 PM We will study the Hebrew Bible to become familiar with the works of its individual authors, and to gain an understanding of the historical circumstances in which they wrote, as well as to survey the historical development of ancient Israel s religious beliefs and institutions. Topics will include the life of Moses, the production of Israel s codes of law, the construction of theological language and imagery, the rise of the monarchy and the temple, accounts of creation, psalms and wisdom literature, and the lives and legacies of the Israelite prophets.
REL 35 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY Michael Milway H+ TR 1:30-2:45 PM This course surveys the development of Christianity from the first century to the present. We will study the key figures, events and issues that helped shape the Christian tradition in a variety of cultural, social and historical contexts. In addition to exploring the major ideas, institutions and practices associated with Christianity, we will pay close attention to the diverse forms and expressions that Christian faith and life have taken in different time periods and among a range of communities. Cross-Listed with HIST 52 REL 41 CONTEMPORARY RELIGION IN AMERICA Elizabeth Lemons F+ TR 12:00-1:15 PM This course surveys the major teachings and practices of contemporary expressions of religion in United States to analyze interactions of religion and culture. Attention is given to Protestantism, Judaism, Catholicism, new religions, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American religions. We will focus on the diversity within and among these religious traditions by analyzing a variety of their manifestations. In particular, the course considers the ways in which different religious groups seek recognition and power. Even as we look at this diversity, we will assess if and how a majority religious consensus operates in the United States as well as if and how the experience of being American is unifying.
REL 45 INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM Joseph Walser 10 M 6:30-9:00 PM The history, doctrines, and practices of Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, China, Korea, and Japan. Philosophical theories of the Buddha, meditation, and nirvana. Aspects of Buddhist social and institutional history. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilization distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the East Asian Culture and Diasporas and South and Southeast Asian Culture culture options. REL 48 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM TBD I+ MW 3:00-4:15 PM This course will begin with an overview of Muslim scripture and sacred history as seen by both Sunni and Shiite. It will present Muslim ritual, the religious disciplines of law, theology, and mysticism, and also popular understandings and practices of Islam. The class will end with an exploration of various manifestations of Islam in the Modern World.
REL 99 THEORY AND METHOD IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION Elizabeth Lemons D+ TR 10:30-11:45 AM The seminar aims to enhance students capacity to analyze and discuss theoretical and methodological issues in the academic study of religion. We will explore selected important modern texts that raise enduring questions about such issues as the nature of religious phenomena, their purpose in societies, and their comparability across cultures. In addition, we will consider recent work by scholars of religion that critiques earlier perspectives and/or raises new issues. Discussion of three case studies will facilitate analysis of the benefits and liabilities of various methodological and theoretical perspectives. Through analysis of significant approaches and issues, students will develop an understanding of their own presuppositions and perspectives in relation to the field of religious studies. Prerequisites: two Religion courses, or permission of instructor. Required course for Religion majors and minors
REL 111 CATHOLIC MORAL & SOCIAL TEACHINGS David O Leary E+ MW 10:30-11:45 AM REL 0111-01 will look at Catholic Moral and Social Teachings from the official magisterium and the full spectrum of Catholic theologians. The history of Roman Catholic Moral Theology and the origins of Catholic Social, Sexual and Medical Ethics will be examined. The tensions between the official teachers in the church, the bishops, and the scholars/theologians will also be explored. REL 141 INDIAN PHILOSOPHIES Joseph Walser 1 T 9:00-11:30 AM Seminar on the doctrines and arguments of the major Indian schools of philosophy (Samkhya, Buddhist, Vedanta, Nyaya-Vaisesika, and Navya-Nyaya). How these schools attempt to ground their religious systems in logical argumentation about the human soul, God, and the path to nirvana. This course meets the Humanities and World Civilizations distribution requirements and can be counted ONLY as one or the other. It also meets the South and Southeast Asian Culture culture option. Prerequisites: one of the following - REL 43, 44, or 45; or PHIL 33; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as Philosophy 122
Tufts University Department of Religion 302 Eaton Hall Medford, MA 02155 617.627.6528 TEL. 617.627.6615 FAX http://ase.tufts.edu/religion/