RELI 350 - Comparative Studies in Religion

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

In this course we examine closely religious rituals and how they are used to understand or approach the divine. We focus in particular on ritual prayer, meditation, spirit possession and other practices of listening or speaking to God(s). The course examines these practices across a number of cultures and religious traditions.

Topic for 2015/16b: Material Culture of the Crusades. This course explores the role of material culture in the study of religion generally, and the status of portable objects during the age of crusade. Each week revolves around a specific object as a case-study, supported through the reading of primary texts in translation, secondary scholarship and depictions of the crusades in film, as well as museum gallery and exhibition designs for the display of these materials. Objects from both the Christian and Muslim communities are examined, as well as items which seem to defy easy identification with either religious tradition. This upper-level seminar is designed for students who have taken at least one course in Christianity, Islam, or Medieval Art. Ms. Muravchick.

Prerequisites: one Religion course in Christianity or Islam, or one Art History course.

Topic for 2015/16b: Ritual, Religion, and the Supernatural. In this course we examine closely religious rituals and how they are used to understand or approach the divine. We focus in particular on ritual prayer, meditation, spirit possession and other practices of listening or speaking to God(s). The course will examine these practices across a number of cultures and religious traditions. Mr. White.

Prerequisite: must be junior or senior or permission of the instructor.

One 2-hour period.