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Graduate Course Descriptions

• REL 5000 - Historical Studies in Religion
• REL 5100 - Morphological and Phenomenological Studies in Religion
• REL 5110 - Women in Religion
• REL 5200 - Methodological Studies in Religion
• REL 5300 - Constructive Studies in Religion
• REL 5980 - Readings in Religion
• REL 6000 - Classics I
• REL 6100 - Theory and Method I
• REL 6150 - Survey of Religions of the World
• REL 6200 - Advanced Seminar in Comparative Religion
• REL 7000 - Master's Thesis
• REL 7100 - Independent Research
• REL 7120 - Professional Field Experience

REL 5000 - Historical Studies in Religion - 2-4hrs.
The topic to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. The content of the course will vary from semester to semester. Students may repeat the course for credit as long as the subject matter is different.

REL 5100 - Morphological and Phenomenological Studies in Religion - 2-4hrs.
Topic announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit as long as the subject matter is different.

REL 5110 - Women in Religion - 3hrs.
Drawing together materials from many religious traditions, this course explores religion's effect on women and women's effect on religion. It attends especially to women's roles in traditions studied-both roles allotted to women and roles women shape for themselves. It also traces repeating patterns in women's religious experience and evaluates common explanations for such patterns. Prerequisites: Junior or senior level and two courses (6 hours) in either Religion or Women's Studies.

REL 5200 - Methodological Studies in Religion - 2-4hrs.
The topic to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. The content of the course will vary from semester to semester. Students may repeat the course for credit as long as the subject matter is different.

REL 5300 - Constructive Studies in Religion - 2-4hrs.
Topic announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for credit as long as the subject matter is different.

REL 5980 - Readings in Religion - Variable Credit
Research on a selected period or topic under supervision of a member of the Comparative Religion faculty. Approval of the instructor involved and the Chairperson of the Department must be secured in advance of registration.

REL 6000 - Classics I - 3hrs.
A systematic study of the most important scholarly works in Comparative Religion. Special attention will be paid to the historical context in which these classics were produced, their role in intellectual history, and their contributions to the humanities and the social sciences.

REL 6100- Theory and Method I - 3hrs.
An examination of the major theoretical options for understanding and explaining religion in comparative perspective and the major methods employed by theoreticians in their development of such theoretical options. Particular attention will be paid to intellectualist, symbolist, structuralist, ideological, emotivist and cognitive method and theory.

REL 6150 - Survey of Religions of the World - 3hrs.
A survey of ten major religious traditions; each tradition will be studied through its historical development, its unified system (symbols, beliefs and rituals), and dynamics (actual practices such as annual celebrations, rites of passage). While learning the content of individual traditions and exploring the comparative questions between/among traditions, students will focus on the issues of teaching about religion generally and the problematics of presenting individual traditions. This course will balance content of religious traditions and pedagogical techniques as a way of preparing students to teach basic courses in religion.

REL 6200 - Advanced Seminar in Comparative Religion - 3 hrs.
Advanced study in a major problem area of comparative research in the religions of humankind. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

REL 7000 - Master's Thesis - 6hrs.

REL 7100 - Independent Research - 2-6hrs.
Designed for highly qualified advanced graduate students, or small groups, who wish to pursue individual studies or projects under the direction of a member of the Graduate Faculty. An application form, signed by the student's graduate advisor, the faculty supervisor, and the Department Chairperson, must be submitted to Registration at the time of enrollment. Credit/No Credit only.

REL 7120 - Professional Field Experience - 2-12hrs.
Designed for superior graduate students who wish to pursue internships off campus (e.g, field study research). An application form, signed by the student's graduate advisor, the faculty supervisor, and the Department Chairperson, must be submitted to Registration at the time of enrollment. Credit/No Credit only.