Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses

Department of Religious Studies Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses RELS 1200-UOL: World Religions Important Dates January 9th - 1st day of classes Jan...
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Department of Religious Studies

Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses RELS 1200-UOL: World Religions Important Dates January 9th - 1st day of classes January 16th - No classes/university closed

Online/Ashley Bryan A study of the historical origins, central teachings, and devotional practices of the major religious traditions alongside those of smaller and newer religious movements. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 2000-001: The “Lost Scriptures” of Early Christianity MW 11:00-12:15/David Clausen Burned! Buried! Banished! That’s what happened to many early Christian gospels, acts, letters, and apocalypses that did not meet the theological requirements of the orthodox Church when the 27 books of the New Testament were selected. Why were these other books condemned? Did they reflect alternate forms of Christianity that the orthodox fathers rejected as heretical? In many cases, yes. This course explores many of those documents, a number of them until recently lost, and the “Christianities” that they reflect. - Historical or Textual Analysis

January 16th - Last day to register, add, drop with no grade February 6th- Deadline to apply for May 2017 graduation March 6th - Fall 2017 schedule available March 6th - March 11th No Classes

RELS 2000-002: Shinto TR 2:00-3:15/Janna Shedd

March 6th - Student registration appointment times available

The Japanese religion of the kami. This course is a historical and cultural exploration of Japanese religious ideas and practices in the Shinto tradition. A particular focus of the course will be on the relationships of Shinto -related mythology, religious practices, interactions with the natural environment, and Japanese politics and history. We will also consider the influence and interactions between Shinto and other major cultural influences such as Buddhism, Daoism, and popular culture. - Cultural or Textual Analysis

March 20th - Last day to withdraw from course

RELS 2000-003: Past Online/Julie Hawks

March 27th - Registration for Summer & Fall 2017 begins April 14th - April 17th Spring weekend/no classes May 2nd - Last day of classes May 3rd - Reading day May 4th - 11th Final examinations May 12th & 13th Commencement

Objects, Present Identities

History is innately tied to the way a community understands itself. Individuals and communities define themselves through objects that they interact with on a daily basis. Students in this course will explore ways in which social groups (religions and nations) commemorate the past in order to shape collective memory and identity. Topics may include memorials, monuments, landscapes, temples and shrines, food, currencies, stamps, reenactments, and pilgrimages. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 2000-004: Life in the Middle MW 9:30-10:45/Hugh Goforth (Cross-Listed with HIST 2001)

Ages

What was life like in the Middle Ages? This course will consider major social and cultural themes of Europe from late Antiquity through the Middle Ages to try to understand what life was like in Medieval Europe for the noble and not so noble. Starting with the history of its leaders, this course will use the scholarship of everyday life to deduce the experience of ordinary men, women, and children. Some of the major themes we will explore are: mythologies and religious practices; warfare; knighthood, chivalry, and courtly love; Feudalism and Manorialism; and life in the medieval city. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 2000-005: Magic in Medieval Europe Friday 9:30-12:15/Hugh Goforth (Cross-Listed with HIST 2001)

This course traces the changing attitudes in Medieval European societies toward practices and beliefs that post-Enlightenment thought might consider magic. From late antiquity to the Late Middle Ages, ambivalence in regard to practices, e.g. the use of spells, charms, amulets, talismans, and various forms of divination developed into widespread panic over imagined conspiratorial demonic attacks, witch trials and witch hunts in the Early Modern Era. The so-called learned magical arts e.g. necromancy and alchemy) also receive careful consideration, with an eye toward tracing the development of the modern notions of magic, religion and science. - Historical Analysis

RELS 2104-UOL: Hebrew Scripture/Old Testament Online/Barbara Thiede

RELS 2000-006: Horror and the Holy: Film, Religion, and Fear Tuesday 6:30-9:15/Eric Hoenes

1 credit hour - Designated Meeting Dates

Designated Meeting days will be: January 31, February 14, February 28, March 14, March 28, and April 11. Hor r or films ar e effective because they raise questions about the nature of good and evil, the fate of human consciousness after death, and what it means to transgress the moral order of a community. These are also questions that preoccupy the world's religions. In this course students will engage with popular films as a way of critically examining how horror shapes people’s ethical and religious imaginaries. Students will watch six films and submit short assignments for credit.

There is no such thing as "The Bible." But there is a fascinating story behind the creation of biblical literature. In this class, you will learn why you are visiting a library (rather than reading a book). We will look at the linguistic, historical, and archeological evidence that helps scholars understand who wrote biblical literature and why. We will learn about the Ancient Israelites to help us understand the texts they produced. This course will not be a survey of the Hebrew Bible, but it will teach students how to approach, analyze, and understand its texts in academic terms. – Historical or Textual Analysis

RELS 2105-001: New Testament and Christian Origins MW 9:30-10:45/David Clausen

Why are the first three gospels so similar, even to the point of sometimes using the exact same wording? Why do the four gospels differ regarding certain details such as whether Jesus baptized, what he said at the Last Supper, or on what day RELS 2000-UOL: Dead Sea Scrolls and Early he was crucified? Christianity What is the mysterious Online/Franklin Trammell Q gospel? What hapAn introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light they shed on the pened to the followers Jewish context out of which early Christianity emerges. We will read major texts from the Scrolls along with selected early Christian writings, of Jesus after his crucifixion? We’ll explore these and many other questions regarding the origins of one of the world’s great religions. look at messianic expectation in light of the Scrolls, and compare the self-understanding, eschatology, pneumatology, and soteriology of the - Historical or Textual Analysis Dead Sea sect with that of the early Christians. The major focus will be on what we can know about the nature of early Christianity and its first century Jewish setting since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. RELS 2108-001: Religion in American Culture - Historical or Textual Analysis

TR 12:30-1:45/Sean McCloud (Cross-Listed with AMST 2050)

RELS 2102-001: Introduction to Asian Religions TR 11:00-12:15/Janna Shedd

An introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Emphasis on the myths, stories, symbols, rituals, ideas, and ethical practices of these religions in their classical formulations and in their contemporary practices. - Cultural or Textual Analysis

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In this class we engage in discussions, lectures, and readings to examine selected topics in religion and American culture, with a focus on how current subjects relate to the past. Our semester’s topics include definitions of religion, religious movements and their development in the U.S., conversion, supernaturalism, and religion and law. The goal of this class is more than broadening your knowledge about the subjects we cover; it is also about developing your critical thinking, speaking, reading, and writing skills. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses

RELS 2120-001: Christianity

RELS 3000-002: Love and Sex in Indian Traditions

MW 12:30-1:45/Eric Hoenes

Hybrid - Tuesday 11:00-12:15/Marcy Goldstein

This course surveys the global development of the Christian tradition from antiquity to the present in order to appreciate the myriad ways that Christian communities have configured their religious practices and beliefs. By critically examining the intersection of religion, culture, and society we will ask, "What is Christianity?" How has the idea of being Christian changed over time and across cultures? What, if anything, unites the 2.4 billion people who self-identify as Christians? And, finally, what does the future hold for the world's largest religion? - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 2131-001: Introduction to Islam and the History of Muslim Societies TR 9:30-10:45/Kathryn Johnson (Cross-Listed with HIST 2215) An introduction to the practices and doctrines shared by the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims and the history of Muslim societies. Subjects explored include the development of the Sunni and Shi’i traditions, modern Islamist reform movements, and Islam in the United States. - Historical or Textual Analysis

RELS 2216-001: The Modern Middle East TR 12:30-1:45/Kathryn Johnson We’ll begin our study of the history of the modern Middle East in the WWI period and conclude with an examination of current issues confronting the region. Topics covered include the history of the Arab/Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the long term impact of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). - Cultural or Historical Analysis

This course will focus on various expressions of love and sex in Indian traditions— awakening one’s own heart-mind, desiring another person, transcending desire, and longing for the divine. We will explore Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh experiences both in India and globally from 1500 B.C.E. to the 21st c. C.E. Specific topics include marriage, celibacy, courtesans, yoga, sexual misconduct, and more, with information drawn from a variety of ancient and modern texts and poetry, temple architecture, artwork, films, and music. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 3000-003: Between Iraq, Iran, and a Hard Place TR 3:30-4:45/Kathryn Johnson (Cross-Listed with HIST 3000) America’s role in the Middle East has never been more complicated. This course will explore the ongoing involvement in Iraq, a changing relationship with Iran, and the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Are there opportunities for the United States to play a positive role? Or, is the U.S. caught between Iraq, Iran, and hard, violent future in the region? - Cultural Analysis

RELS 3000-004: Introduction to Jewish Religious Literature WF 11:00-12:15/John Reeves

This course provides a guided tour of the different genres and collections of literature associated with the practice RELS 2600-001: Orientation to the Study of and study of Judaism. What is Torah? Religion Is it the same as Bible or Tanakh? Wednesday 3:30-6:15/Eric Hoenes Why are there two of them? What is Required for Majors the Mishnah? Tosefta? Midrash? Examines basic concepts, theories, and approaches that are involved in What is the Talmud, and why are there the critical, academic study of religion. Attention given to basic research two of them? What is the Siddur? materials and to standard writing practices in the discipline. What is the Zohar? What is a ‘legal code’? What are halakhah and (h) aggadah? Peshat and derash? Who RELS 3000-001: The Bible and Homosexuality was Rashi, and what was bothering MW 2:00-3:15/Kent Brintnall him? Sometimes comparisons might (Cross-Listed with WGST 3050) be made with analogous concepts or This course will consider a wide range of biblical texts that are invoked writings found within Christianity and/ in political, cultural and theological arguments regarding homosexuali- or Islam. No prior knowledge of any of these materials is required, and ty, lesbian and gay civil rights, and same-sex marriage. We will be inall readings and assignments will be in English. terested in how both pro-gay and anti-gay interpreters negotiate biblical texts and invoke biblical authority, rather than determining which views - Historical or Textual Analysis are "right" or "wrong." - Cultural or Textual Analysis Page 3

Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses

RELS 3000-005: India, Bollywood, and Religion

RELS 3090-001: Elementary Biblical Hebrew II

MW 12:30-1:45/Ashley Bryan

WF 12:30-1:45/John Reeves

(Cross-Listed with FILM 3051)

This continuation course is the second half of an introduction to biblical Hebrew encompassing two semesters of study. Although we will continue to study grammar and build vocabulary, we will concentrate this spring on the reading and translation of some simple narrative and verse selections drawn from the Bible. - Textual Analysis

This course will examine how “Bollywood” – the world’s largest cinema industry – portrays and reveals key aspects of religious traditions found on the Indian subcontinent. Religious experiences and perspectives with regards to communalism, caste politics, gender constructs, and family structures are just some of the topics that will be analyzed. Knowledge of any South Asian language is not required as all films will have English subtitles. - Cultural or Historical Analysis

RELS 3163-001: Religious Art & Architecture of India MW 9:30-10:45/Dan White

RELS 3000-006: Islam: History, Tradition and Politics Hybrid - Monday 12:30-1:45/Hadia Mubarak (Cross-Listed with HIST 3002) This course will provide an overview of the origins of Islam, its scholarly disciplines, and development over the course of the last fifteen centuries. The course will cover the textual, historical and normative sources of Islam, paying much attention to the diversity of thought and practice that has characterized the Islamic tradition. As Islam is a religion of over 1.8 billion followers over the world, this course will provide an overview of “lived” Islam, the normative practices that have taken shape in different Muslim societies from the medieval period up till the present. We will also examine “special topics,” including women in Islam, jihād, violence, democracy, political Islam, religious pluralism, and the tensions between secularism and traditionalism in contemporary Islamic societies. The course is oriented to both those who have little or no prior knowledge of Islam and those who already have a prior background in Islam. - Historical Analysis

RELS 3000-007: Ancient Christianity MW 12:30-1:45/Robert McEachnie (Cross-Listed with HIST 3001) The formation of the Christian religion up to the year 600 was a messy process which sometimes veered towards violence. Numerous different Christian groups sought to claim divine inspiration for their own particular beliefs and practices and condemn their opponents whom they labeled heretics. The exploration of this period and the divergent groups reveals numerous paths not taken in the history of the religion. Students will read about and discuss various Christian sects which appeared and how these groups related the dominant culture of the period with an eye to explaining how particular groups became dominant. - Historical Analysis

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The visual art of Hindus, Buddhists, Jainas, and Muslims in the architecture, paintings, and sculptures of India. - Cultural or Textual Analysis

RELS 3215-001: Religion and Sexuality MW 11:00-12:15/Kent Brintnall (Cross-Listed with WGST 3215) This course explores a representative sample of major religious traditions to explore different frames for thinking religiously about sexuality. It also considers some theoretical tools for thinking about sexuality and its complexities. Finally, it examines a range of case studies and texts that help tease out the relationship between religion and sexuality. – Cultural Analysis

RELS 3230-001: Race, Religion and Murder WF 11:00-12:15/Julia Robinson (Cross-Listed with AFRS 3050 & HIST 3003)

An introduction to the intersection of race, religion, and violence in America’s racial landscape. Addresses the historical legacies of racial violence and Christianity in American race relations. Students will be introduced how Judeo-Christian traditions have been used to justify and even condone acts of violence against women, children, and people of color. - Historical or Cultural Analysis Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses

RELS 3242-001: Philosophy of Religion

RELS 4000-003: Near Eastern Civilizations

TR 11:00-12:15/Tina Talsma

TR 2:00-3:15/Steve Falconer

(Cross-Listed with PHIL 3530) Philosophical implications of religious experience, including the definitions, development, and diverse forms of the problems of belief and reason in modern thought. - Textual Analysis

(Cross-Listed with ANTH 4090) This course synthesizes the archaeology of Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Levant (i.e., Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon). We will discuss evidence that illustrates the rise and collapse of early Near Eastern civilizations between the appearance of the world's first cities and the beginning of the Roman Empire (ca. 4000 BC-AD 100). We will consider why civilizations rise and collapse, and the implications of Near Eastern archaeology for understanding the modern Middle East. - Historical or Textual Analysis

RELS 4000-001: Death and Afterlife TR 11:00-12:15/James Tabor Death and Afterlife. From Plato to modern Film: Where and how and when did we develop our views of death and afterlife in the West? The course will focus on the major ideas related to the general theme—concepts like reincarnation, the transmigration of the soul and its immortality, resurrection of the death, the nature of the afterlife, and multi- or dual universes. We will draw from texts, religious traditions, art, archaeology, philosophy, and modern film, to get at the complex mix of ideas and concepts that have shaped our modern perceptions—or even our skepticism and atheistic perceptions. - Historical Analysis

RELS 4600-001: Senior Seminar Wednesday 3:30-6:15/Sean McCloud Required of majors in final year of studies. Senior Seminar is the capstone course for religious studies majors. As students (and teachers) of religion, we are often asked a series of familiar and frustrating questions: What is it that you do in religious studies? What is “religion” and how does one identify a “religious” object, event, or practice? What is the difference between the training one receives in religious studies and the training offered in seminaries or divinity schools? Do you need to be religious or non-religious in order to study religion? As upper-level students in the department of religious studies taking this capstone course, you may find that the answers to these questions are not always obvious. In fact, you still may be unclear about the specific aims and content(s) of religious studies or what actually distinguishes religious studies—an intensely multidisciplinary field—from other disciplines.

RELS 4000-002: From Catastrophe to Cash: The Marketing of the Holocaust TR 2:00-3:15/Barbara Thiede

Tourists sign up for tours to concentration camps and mass gravesites. Filmmaker and moviegoers now choose from a variety of Holocaustthemed films or memes. Children’s literature on the Holocaust has emerged as a field in its own right, supporting the curricula planned, presented, discussed and published. Memorial sites include the requisite museum shops on the property once marked by barracks and gas chambers. This course will explore the marketing of the Holocaust in modern culture. From archetypical scenes of dead and skeletal bodies to fictional revenge narratives: In what ways has modern western capitalist culture permitted, supported, and encouraged profit-making , merchandizing, and marketing of mass murder? - Cultural Analysis

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Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses

Liberal Studies Courses Religious Studies faculty teach the following courses for the General Education Program: LBST 2101-335: Western History & Culture TR 8:00-9:15/James Tabor

LBST 2102-335: Global Connections LBST 2102-340: Global Connections - Indigenous Lifeways - Globalizing Asian Religions MW 11:00-12:15/Tina Katsanos Online/Janna Shedd

LBST 2101-336: Western History & Culture TR 11:00-12:15/Barbara Thiede

LBST 2102-336: Global Connections LBST 2102-341: Global Connections - Indigenous Lifeways - Religious and Cultural Expressions in Asian Cinema MW 12:30-1:45/Tina Katsanos MW 2:00-3:15/Ashley Bryan LBST 2101-337: Western History LBST 2102-337: Global Connections & Culture - Indigenous Lifeways LBST 2102-342: Global Connections - Religious and Cultural Expression Tuesday 12:30-3:15/Celia Sinclair TR 11:00-12:15/Tina Katsanos in Asian Cinema MW 3:30-4:45/Ashley Bryan LBST 2101-338: Western History LBST 2102-338: Global Connections & Culture - The Middle East in the 21st Century LBST 2102-343: Global Connections Tuesday 3:30-6:15/Celia Sinclair MW 12:30-1:45/Kathryn Johnson Hybrid-Tuesday 8:00-9:15/Marcy LBST 2101-339: Western History & Goldstein Culture - Racist Religions: Racism LBST 2102-339: Global Connections and Religion in America - Globalizing Asian Religions LBST 2215-336: Citizenship - The Ecological Citizen WF 12:30-1:45/Julia Robinson Online/Janna Shedd TR 12:30-1:45/Tina Katsanos

Department Chair Joanne Robinson [email protected]

Director of Undergraduate Studies Dan White [email protected]

Director of Graduate Studies Sean McCloud [email protected]

For more information visit www.religiousstudies.uncc.edu

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Spring 2017 Undergraduate Courses