Undergraduate Course Descriptions

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION

UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

0803 (GenEd 1013). Sacred Space (3 s. h.).

Where do people go to communicate with the divine? Explore with us where and how people of the many different cultures of the Greco-Roman world communicated with their gods. Why are graves and groves considered sacred space? When is a painting or sculpture considered sacred? Whom do the gods allow to enter a sacred building? Can a song be a prayer or a curse? How can dance sway the gods? Why do gods love processions and the smell of burning animals? The journey through sacred space in Greco-Roman antiquity will engage your senses and your intellect, and will reveal a mindset both ancient and new.

0811 (GenEd 1027). Asian Behavior & Thought (3 s. h.).

We incessantly engage ourselves in doing things. We are beings-at-doing. We define ourselves by the kind of actions we perform. How we act or conduct ourselves is shaped by the kind of self we construct for ourselves. And that self is shaped by the society into which we happen to be born. Self-identity, which is socially and culturally constructed by our experiences and interactions with others, carries a personal as well as an interpersonal meaning. Learn the four Asian paradigmatic cases of self-identity and examine your self in light of them.

0833 (GenEd 1065). Race & Poverty in the Americas (3 s. h.).

The transatlantic slave trade was one of the most brutal and momentous experiences in human history. Attitudes toward Latino, Caribbean, African, and Asian immigrants in the United States today can only be fully understood in the contexts of slavery and the "structural racism," "symbolic violence" (not to mention outright physical violence), and social inequalities that slavery has spawned throughout the region. Although focusing primarily on the United States, we will also study the present entanglements of poverty and race in Brazil, Haiti, and other selected nations of "The New World," placing the U.S. (and Philadelphia in particular) experience in this historical context.

0863 (GenEd 1174). Religion in the World (3 s. h.).

Learn about the major religious traditions found worldwide today: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and several indigenous traditions. Examine the beliefs, practices, and values of these groups in order to understand the world views and ways of life of the people who practice them. Our interdisciplinary analysis and interpretation of specific examples of religious experience will help shed light on the overall meaning of religion and human existence. We will carefully consider examples while also focusing on particular thematic issues, like cosmology and ritual. Develop appreciation for the religious vibrancy and diversity that exist in human cultures while you actively engage in the learning process through class presentation, class participation, and paper-writing.

0933 (GenEd 1965). Honors Race & Poverty in the Americas (3 s. h.).

0976. Honors Religion in Philadelphia (3 s. h.)

The argument is sometimes made that religion in dense urban spaces is characteristically very different from religion as it appears elsewhere. A study of religion in Philadelphia provides numerous ways to explore that idea, especially since the city encompasses a variety of ethnic and immigrant groups, encouraging the generation of new and hybrid forms of religious life that are less possible in smaller populations. Learn how ideas of toleration and freedom, the urban environment, and immigration helped to define the role of religion in the life of this city. Study various religious traditions as they are manifested in the greater Philadelphia area and look at the influences religion has had on the fabric of Philadelphia's history and cultural life including politics, art, education, journalism and popular culture. You will be visit and write about various religious sites and institutions.

1001 (C054). Religion and Society (3 s.h.)

This course deals with such issues as: What is the nature of religion? What impact does it have on personal identity, social life, and political structures? What ethical issues arise out of the tensions between religion and society? Emphasis on contemporary Western society and forms of religion. Some historical background provided.

1002 (R055). Racial Justice: A Religious Mandate for Obedience and Revolt (3 s.h.)

This introductory course on race and religion examines the emergence and development of religious faith and social protest thought, in order to propose critical options that foster emancipatory practices in the contemporary struggle for racial justice.

1003 (C052). Religion in America (3 s.h.)

A historical and sociological study of pracitices and beliefs of various religious groups that have shaped American culture, with special attention to ethnic and racial minorities, and to women, as well as to traditional main-line groups and newer movements.

1004. (C081). Religion and the Arts (3 s.h.)

Focuses on the artistic expression of theological themes in a given religious tradition. Students explore the varieties of art in that tradition, learning to recognize the plastic (architecture, sculpture, metal), visual (painting, glass, fabric), and musical art forms. Analyzing how these forms function in prayer, liturgy, and theology is of primary importance. In addition, the fundamental questions of how the religion deals with the tension between iconic/aniconic, eternal/finite, and divine/human are covered. Course also deals with what religious art “means” in a secular context.

1005. Introduction to Asian Religions (1 s.h.).

1101 (C053). Introduction to World Religions (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 1101.

Introduction to the major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam) as a way of coming to know and appreciate the world-views of other cultures. Attention to beliefs, values, and practices of these religions as ways of dealing with the issues basic to human life.

1102 (C050). Introduction to Asian Religions (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 1102.

Introduction to the major Asian religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto) with emphasis on the cultural roots of each religious tradition, the analysis of its principal teachings and practices, and the major cultural expressions in religious art, ritual, poetry, music, and scriptures.

1401 (C051). Introduction to Western Religions (3 s.h.)

This course will study the major Western religious beliefs, values, and practices from their origins in Africa, Europe, and the Near East through the rise and development of the culturally- and religiously-related traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention will also be given to the influence of Western religious ideas and institutions upon issues and movements in the contemporary world scene.

1902 (H090). Honors Introduction to Asian Religions (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 1902.

1903 (H092). Religion in America (3 s.h.).

2000 (0100). Topics in Religious Studies I (3 s.h.).

2001 (0301). Women in Religion and Society (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Women’s Studies.

A study of both the roles and understanding of women in major premodern and modern religious traditions, particularly of the West, including an investigation of the authoritative writings and practices of the various traditions.

2002 (0350). Religion and Human Sexuality East and West (3 s. h.)

2006 (0343). Death and Dying (3 s. h.)

Non-writing version of Rel. 2096.

2096 (W343). Death and Dying (3 s.h.)

Concepts, attitudes, and practices associated with death and dying in the major religious traditions and in literature, philosophy, and psychology. Contemporary implications for related fields such as medicine, psychiatry, social work, and education.

2101 (0106). Religions of India (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 2101 (0162).

An introduction to the foundations, the nature, and the principles of classical Hinduism. An introduction to the fundamentals of Buddhism and Jainism.

2102 (0122). Introduction to Buddhism (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies.

Introduction to the historical development of Buddhism in relation to other East Asian religions. Topics include the Four Noble Truths of basic Buddhism and the Hinayana-Mahayana controversy over the Buddhist Dharma and practice, as well as the development of Buddhist thought throughout Asia.

2201 (0116). Chinese Religions—Confucius to Mao (3 s.h.)

Critical study of the development of Chinese religions from the time of Confucius to Mao, including the problem of ideological continuity in contemporary China (Maoist Marxism versus Confucianism).

2301 (0115). Introduction to Zen Buddhism (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 0168.

This course surveys the historical development of Zen Buddhism as it unfolds in India, China, and Japan, and focuses on the examination of the nature of satori experience. It analyzes its existential meaning from perspectives of therapy, Zen practice, and philosophy.

2401 (0202). Religion in the Ancient Near East (3 s.h.)

Explores the religions of ancient Egypt and Iraq, with only brief attention to other areas of the Anceint Near East. The purpose of this focus is to examine how the religions of the earliest documented civilizations stood as systems in their own right, considering their value and historical importance in their own time, without subordinating them to or viewing them as precursors of later developments. Course work will include a consideration of ancient Egyptian and Iraqi religious art and literature in translation.

2402 (0221). Foundations of Judaism (3 s.h.).

In this course students will explore Judaism from a variety of perspectives: historical, religious, literary, artistic, and cultural. What constitutes “Judaism” in its variety of contemporary expressions will be an organizing question for the class.

2403 (0224). What Is Judaism? (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0110.

Introduction to the variety of rituals, customs, and practices of the Jewish people in a historical context. Compares and contrasts liberal and traditional Jewish religion with Zionism. Contemporary Jewish novels, poetry, and drama.

2406 (0240) Introduction to the Bible (3 s. h.)

Non-writing version of Rel. 2496.

2496 (W240). Introduction to the Bible (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 2496 (W221).

Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). What is the Bible? Where did it come from? How can there be so many different interpretations of the Bible? An examination of the historical and religious background of the Old Testament and the various kinds of literature in the Bible.

2501 (0241). Introduction to the New Testament (3 s.h.)

An introduction to the New Testament including such issues as: how these books came to be called “the New Testament;” the various literary types of “gospel,” “epistle,” theological tract (e.g. Hebrews), visionary writing (Revelation or Apocalypse); and the outlooks of the various evangelists and Paul.

2502 (0256). Jesus in the Gospels (3 s.h.)

An examination of the various interpretations of Jesus and his work in the four gospels and in some non-Biblical works, both ancient and modern. The cultural and historical background of Jesus and the authors of these works are also investigated.

2596 (W253). What Is Christianity? (3 s.h.) Core WI.

The development of the Christian religion from the Bible to today. What are the principal beliefs of Christianity? How did they come to be so? What have been the major criticisms of Christianity? How can we understand the variety of Christian churches as they face the modern world?

2602 (0208). Islam in America (3 s. h.)

2606 (0200). Introduction to Islam (3 s.h.) Sp. Core W200: WI.

A general survey of the religion of Islam, including history, beliefs, sacred texts (Qur’ân and Hadîth) and their interpretation, religious law, Sûfism, philosophy, art, and science. Particular attention also is given to actual Muslim practice and to Islam as a way of life.

2696 (W200). Introduction to Islam (3 s.h.) Sp. Core W200:

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 2696 (W260).

2701 (0151). Introduction to African-American Religion (3 s.h.)

Examines African-American religion in the context of four periods of African-American history: the exercise of slave religious leadership in the “invisible church;” during the post-Emancipation period (1863-1900), the development of institutionalized black religion, that is, the black church; in the period of northern immigration (1916-1945), the evolution of many aspects of black liturgy—especially black gospel music; and the civil rights struggle of the 1960s and 70s.

2702 Religion in Contemporary Africa (3 s. h.)

2801 (0182). Secular Jewish Civilization I. (3 s. h.)

Crosslisted with Jewish Studies 2501 (0180).

Judaism is most often studied as a religious entity, despite the fact that much of Jewish experience does not fit into the rubric and discourse of religion. This course will consider the history of the concept "secularism" and its development in modernity, and will then consider what secularism has meant for Jews in particular. This is the first course of a two-semester sequence. It treats the emergence of Judaism and Jewishness in the modern world, up to the 20th century. Students will be introduced to recent critical work on the construction of "Religion" in the Enlightenment and with it, the "secular/religious" binary. The course will historicize and contextualize the ways that despite Jewish adherence to the notion of Judaism as a religion in the West in the modern period, Jewishness has always exceeded the bounds of this definition. Building on recent work by Baird, Pellegrini and Jakobsen as they rethink "secularism" for the 21st century, students will be asked to rethink Jewish history in other than religious terms. This new conceptual material will provide the framework for reading the classic texts of modern Jewish thought produced up to the end of the 19th century.

2802 (0183). Secular Jewish Civilization II. (3 s. h.)

Crosslisted with Jewish Studies 2502 (0181).

Judaism is most often studied as a religious entity, despite the fact that much of Jewish experience does not fit into the rubric and discourse of religion. This course will consider the history of the concept "secularism" and its development in modernity, and will then consider what secularism has meant for Jews in particular. This is the second course of a two-semester sequence. It covers the development of Jewish thought and community life of the 20th century, starting with the massive wave of Eastern European Jewish immigration that has defined contemporary Judaism in America. We will discuss issues such as: the presumption of religious pluralism in America to the exclusion of other forms of cultural and social identification; and the roots of Yiddish Jewish Secularism in Eastern Europe and how this secular form of modern Jewish identification was unable to adapt itself to American cultural expectations about Jewishness as a religion. Through a careful reading of this particular secular Jewish movement and its demise in America, students will be asked to reconsider how contemporary notions of Jewishness as an ethnicity, a culture, a politics and a way of life continue to challenge dominant U.S. cultural definitions of Judaism as a religion, definitions that rely on Protestantism as the true model of "religion." Students will be asked to reconsider how assimilation was played out in the West, in the U.S. as well as Western Europe in terms of religious toleration and the implications of this failed assimilation for contemporary Jewish practices of identification.

2900. Topics in Religious Studies I – Honors (3 s. h.)

2996 (H393). Honors Death and Dying (3 s.h.)

3001 (0304). Earth Ethics (3 s.h.)

This course examines the relationship of human and environmental science to ethical principles. By analyzing case studies that deal with resource sustainability, environmental protection, divergent views of technology and respect for all forms of life, students will assess individual lifestyles and alternative visions of the good life on planet earth.

3002 (0326). Philosophy of Religion (3 s.h.)

Crosslisted with Asian Studies 0327.

Issues in philosophy of religion, including the nature of religion, the relation between reason and faith, concepts of God and proofs of the existence of God, religious and mystical experience, the nature of religious language, the problem of evil, the relation of religion to morality, concepts of death and immortality, conflicting truth-claims of different religions, and interreligious dialogue.

3003 (0341). Religion and Psychology (3 s.h.)

Course examines major psychological thinkers’ views on religion’s origins, functions, and meanings. What personality factors create and sustain religiousness? Some attention to the formation of new religious groups as well as individual spiritual life.

3004 (0359). Religion and Science (3 s.h.) .

This course offers a historical examination of the relationship of the relationship of religion and science, leading up to current debates. A variety of views are considered, ranging from those who have viewed the relationship in terms of conflict, to those who see the two as operating in separate spheres, to those who believe that each influences the other in important and often beneficial ways.

3082. Independent Study (3 s. h.)

3101 (0110). Yoga and Tantric Mysticism (3 s.h.)

3201 (0117). I-Ching, Tao, and Ch’an/Zen (3 s.h.)

Crosslisted with Asian Studies 3201 (0164).

This course covers selected topics in the history of Taoist ideas and religious practice, which have broadly influenced China for two and a half millenia. Discussion topics include: symbols and divination; the philosophy of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu; the interaction between Taoism and Ch’an/Zen Buddhism; the Taoist/Ch’an influence on the Chinese literary tradition and ideals of beauty; the Taoist view on ch’i energy, meditation, sexuality, and the good life; and Taoism/Zen in America today.

3301 (0119). Japanese Religions (3 s.h.).

Cross-listed with Asian studies 0161.

An introduction to Japanese religions, their origins and development in the social, cultural, and intellectual history of Japan. Religions covered are: Shinto, Japanese Buddhism, folk religions, Japanese Confucianism, and the “New Religions.” Some attention to the expression of Japanese spirituality in the fine arts, martial arts, festivals, and rituals.

3302 (0120). Japanese Buddhism (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Asian Studies 0167.

This course is an introduction to Japanese Buddhism, covering some of the major Buddhist figures including Kukai, Dogen, Shinran, Hakuin, Takuan, and Myoe. In order to understand how Japanese Buddhism accepted Indian and Chinese Mahayana Buddhism, the course traces some of the prominent conceptual frameworks of Mahayana Buddhism which were developed in India and China. The methodological orientation of the course is philosophical or intellectual.

3401 (0223). Modern Trends in Judaism (3 s.h.).

3403 (0226). Ancient Israel―History, Literature, Religion (3 s.h.)

An introduction to the history, theory, and methods of Near Eastern Archaeology and its relation to Biblical Studies. Tracing the history of Biblical Archaeology from its roots in the treasure hunters of the eighteenth century down to the present, we will examine the changing philosophy of archaeology, and the evolving techniques of excavation, by studying several sites and archaeologists.

3404 (0227). The Dead Sea Scrolls (3 s.h.)

This class will introduce students to the texts found in Qumran and their implications for the fields of Biblical studies and New Testament studies. In addition to reading the texts, the students will be introduced to archeology and the technological innovations that science has brought to bear in the reconstruction of the texts and in their publication.

3405 (0234). Judaism and Literature (3 s.h.)

Cross-listed with Jewish Studies 0223.

Readings of various Jewish literatures focusing on America and issues of immigration and cultural assimilation.

3411 (0225). Philosophies of Judaism (3 s.h.)

Close study of works by one or more Jewish and political philosophers, stressing their relevance to an understanding of contemporary politics and issues of Jewish identity, culture, and religion.

3501 (0245). History of Christianity I (3 s.h.)

This semester-long course will cover the beginnings of Christianity from its Jewish roots in the first century and finish in the 12th century. We will take geographical, theological, cultural, and institutional approaches to the study of the history of Christianity. The course will explore the issues of the formation of the New Testament, heresies and doctrines, asceticism and monasticism, and the differences political power had on various Christian groups.

3502. Global Pentacostalism (3 s. h.)

3503 (0238). Jews, America and Sports (3 s. h.).

3601 (0203). The Islamic State (3 s.h.)

This course examines both the classical theory and modern theory and practice of self-described Islamic states in the modern world. Main focus is on the Middle Eastern area.

3602 (0205). Women in Islam (3 s.h.)

This course will explore the status, place, and role of women in Islam in a historical perspective from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present. Topics of cultural and religious pluralism, feminism, imperialism, colonialism, and westernization will be addressed. Texts studied will include selections from the Qur’an, the classical Muslim tradition, and modern Muslim writers on the subject both female and male.

3603 (0207). Islamic Mysticism (3 s.h.)

Introduction to the doctrines, practices, and history of Sufism. Analysis of the nature of mystical experience and Sufi principles. The course also includes a survey of Sufi literature and will discuss the brotherhoods, their relationship with orthodoxy, and al-Ghazali’s synthesis.

3701 (0157). Traditional Religions of Africa (3 s.h.)

This course is an interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of selected readings on African religions that have not only survived but migrated across several continents, attracting a growing following in the contemporary societies of North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

3702 (0158). African Religions and New World Culture (3 s.h.)

African religion and culture continues to exist in the religious and cultural life of African-Americans. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we will examine African-American religion, folklore, literature, music, and communication in order to assess the continuation and transformation of African culture in the world-view of African-Americans.

3882. Independent Study (2 s. h.)

3900 (H192). Topics in Religious Studies – Honors (3 s.h.)

3901 (H329). Contemporary Religious Thinkers (3 s.h.)

4000 (0102). Topics in Religious Studies (2 s. h.).

4001 (0330). Existentialism, Secular and Religious (3 s.h.)

4002 (0346). Religion and the Arts (3 s.h.).

Religion and the Arts is an intensive, creative study of how a specific religion or religious tradition finds expression in architecture, music, sculpture, painting, mosaics, and other venues. Depending on the choice of the instructor, it could be Medieval Judaism, Ancient Christianity, Persian Islam, Chinese Buddhism, to name a few. The class will explore the tradition's philosophy/theology of aesthetics, its views on material expressions of the Divine, mysticism through artistic expression, opposition to the arts, among others.

4003 (0368) Comparative Mysticism East and West (3 s.h.)

“Mysticism” refers to the contemplative pracitices of religious traditions, the transformative experiences that accompany these practices, and the theoretical systems developed to support them. This course is to familiarize students with some major mystical writers and traditions, possibly including both Western and Asian ones, and also with the philosophical issues current in the scholarship on mysticism. Topics and questions will include: Does language inform experience, or does experience inform language? How do practice and theory relate? What are the roles of community in mystical practices? How does “mysticism” appear in non-traditional contexts?

4096 (W370) Capstone Seminar in Religion (3 s. h.)

Deals with a topic of general interest in Religion.

4406 (0362). Between Torah and Talmud: Secular Approaches to Ancient Jewish History (3 s.h.)

The course looks at the development of a rabbinic sense of Judaism, and for evidence of the continuation of non-rabbinic Jewish traditions, especially in terms of the development of the synagogue, which was non-rabbinic in its origin. Students will also read some religious texts from adjacent religious traditions so that they see the developing rabbinic tradition as part of a broader world of religious experimentation and change. This class focuses on the historical development of the rabbis, and on at least three thematic renderings of that history. This course asks students to (1) learn the historical narrative of Judaism and Jewish life during the period 70-650 CE/AD, and (2) understand both the history of the Rabbis, as well as the challenges we have in sorting through the ancient evidence that undergirds these histories, and in making thematic and analytic claims about the development of Judaism in this period. Upon completing this course, students should (1) know the history of ancient Jews and Judaism, from 70 to 650 CE/AD, and (2) understand how scholars have worked with historical evidence, and how they have thematized, analyzed, and narrated this period.

4901. Comparative Philosophy of Religion (3 s.h.)

An introduction to comparative philosophy of religion, Asian and Western. After asking what is meant by ‘comparative philosophy of religion,’ we will focus on comparative philosophical study of basic concepts and issues in Western and Asian religious traditions. For example: concepts of divine or ultimate reality; arguments for the existence of an ultimate reality; the relation of faith and reason; critiques of religion; the problem of evil; concepts of personal destiny and immortality; the relation of religion to morality; religious and mystical experience; the nature of religious language; the problem of conflicting truth-claims and religious pluralism..

0391-0392. Independent Study (2 s.h. each) Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

Individual research project with a specific faculty member.

0393-0394. Independent Study (3 s.h. each) Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

Individual research project with a specific faculty member.

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