An examination of the ways various religious ideologies, institutions, and affiliated actors converge with socio-ecological relations, with particular attention to theories and questions of (in)justice. A globally-derived set of case studies will examine moments of conflict and convergence between diverse religious geographies and sacral imaginaries. Provides grounding for students within the growing field of religion, nature, and culture studies (aka religion and ecology), and through those conversations the broader practices of the environmental humanities.

This course introduces students to the formation and varying historic trajectories of African American religious traditions in the U.S., with some brief engagement with African-derived religions in the Caribbean. Although some studies of African American religion begin with the period of slavery and the Christianization of diasporic Africans, this course locates the origin of Black religion on the continent of Africa. From this starting point, this course will examine West African religions, religions of the enslaved, the formation of Black Christian denominations, and the origin of Black Pentecostalism. Students will also be exposed to often overlooked historical periods and religious expressions including the arrival of Black religio-racial movements during the Harlem Renaissance, and the African-derived religions of Haitian Vodou and U.S. Voodoo.

Encounter the history of Christian martyrdom and sainthood in Rome, Italy. Examines the beginnings of martyrdom in the early church, particularly in the context of the Roman Empire, and the legacies of the apostles Peter and Paul as well as the emergence of later saints, especially in the Catholic tradition. Historical study is attentive to ways in which Christian communities construct and memorialize—through literature, art, and space—martyrs and saints.

Explores Buddhist approaches to topics such as: the nature of 'self'; relationships between mind and body; theories of karma; why reality is described as 'empty'; why ethical conduct is important; mechanics and goals of different meditation practices; and, why both critical inquiry and love are essential for a good life. Can be taken in addition to RE 170 Buddhism.

Highlights the indispensable role that imagination holds for human societies in general and religions in particular. Our investigation of both religious and secular narratives from multiple traditions will reveal the power of creative imagination present in all aspects of culture that envision human flourishing.

An examination of the ways various religious ideologies, institutions, and affiliated actors converge with socio-ecological relations, with particular attention to theories and questions of (in)justice. A globally-derived set of case studies will examine moments of conflict and convergence between diverse religious geographies and sacral imaginaries. Provides grounding for students within the growing field of religion, nature, and culture studies (aka religion and ecology), and through those conversations the broader practices of the environmental humanities.

What does it mean to be “religious” in the ancient Mediterranean? How do myth and ritual operate in this context? How did Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians understand and express their relationship with the divine realm? To address these questions and others, this course explores various aspects of religious life in the ancient world through study and exploration of sites in Greece, including relevant relevant literary and material evidence. As we examine diverse beliefs and practices, we will attend to how religion intersected with political, social, and economic facets of ancient life.

How do people use sound and music to access alternate states of consciousness and otherworldly realms? This course explores the connection between music, sacred soundscapes, and spiritual perception across a range of musical practices and belief systems. Through different case studies from around the world, we will investigate the essential role of sound and melody in conjuring mystical and extrasensory states of being across social and regional contexts. Our study will include environmental-based sound explorations, where we explore techniques involving deep listening and sound painting. We will contextualize sacred and spiritual soundscapes within religious and cultural frameworks: exploring trance, possession, and intoxication from a musical perspective. Various sensorial exercises will heighten our awareness of sound and space – including breath, silence, and movement. By illuminating how sound moves within and across human bodies, we will explore how music enables transcendent experiences of ecstatic and otherworldly realms.