Lewis & Clark Moodle

Introduction to Buddhist thought and practice. Indian origins, contemporary Theravada Buddhism, emergence of the Mahayana, Buddhism and society in Tibet, Zen and Pure Land traditions of East Asia, and the Western reception of Buddhism. Problems in the study of Buddhism.

Impact of religion in modern America from the end
of the Civil War to the present day, emphasizing
the interaction between America's many religions
and emerging American modernity. The fate of
"traditional" religion in modern America;
"alternate" American religious traditions;
urbanization, industrialism, and religion;
science, technology, and secularism;
evangelicalism, modernism, and fundamentalism;
religious bigotry; pluralism; new religions and
neofundamentalism.

Gender as a component in religious experiences in, America from the colonial era to the present. The, relationship between gender and religious beliefs, and practices. Religion as a means of oppression, and liberation of women and men. Interactions, between laywomen and male clergy. The intersection, of religion, wellness, the body, and sports., Diverse movements and cultures including colonial, society, African American culture, immigrant, communities, and radical religious groups.

This course explores the variety of religious practices and traditions that flourished in the richly pluralistic context of the Roman Mediterranean, from roughly the first through the fifth centuries of the Common Era—the period in which early Judaism and Christianity emerged on the scene. We will consider a range of religious expressions, including myths and stories, philosophy, ritual practice, archaeology and art, encountering a world that is truly different from our own and yet strangely familiar as well. The goal of the course is to learn to think critically about religion, religious pluralism, and the encounter between polytheistic and monotheistic traditions, while also developing skills in historical analysis, textual interpretation, and writing. In addition, this course counts toward History (HIST) and Bibliographic Research in Writing (BRW) requirements.