RELI 250 - Across Religious Boundaries

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as ASIA 250) The study of a selected topic or theme in religious studies that cuts across the boundaries of particular religions, allowing opportunities for comparison as well as contrast of religious traditions, beliefs, values and practices. May be taken more than once for credit when the content changes.

Topic for 2013/14b: Zen and the West. This course focuses on the encounter between Buddhist ideas and postmodern paradigms in both Science and the Humanities. How do Buddhist theories of perception relate to current paradigms in Theoretical Physics and Cognitive Science? What light does the Buddhist encounter with the West shed upon issues of gender, equality, and social justice? How have Buddhist teachings related to the teachings of major Western religions?

Topic for 2013/14b: Myth and Ritual in Film. Through ten important films of the 20th century this course seeks to explore, cross-culturally, the theme of the heroic quest in its various forms (e.g., the Christian, Shinto, Taoist, psychological, Atheist or techno quest) as a vital element in mythology and religious ritual. This theme would encompass other concepts such as human’s confrontation with mortality, the idea of good vs. evil, and pilgrimage. The course would begin with an examination of selected theories of myth and ritual and their importance to the study of religion. Throughout the semester the class continues to examine and question film as a cultural object and a viable cross-cultural medium for the study of religion. Mr. Jarow. Ms. Leeming.

Prerequisite(s): 100-level course in Religion, or permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.