A critical introduction to developments in social theory that have influenced the academic study of religion, including the classic contributions of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber as well as more recent debates in anthropology and cultural theory. Required of, and designed for, first- and second-year graduate students in religion; others must receive the instructor's permission to enroll.

In this course we engage questions of approach, method, periodization, and scope in the study of religion in America through the Civil War. Texts consist of secondary literature with both classic and contemporary importance to the field, along with brief primary sources selected and presented by students.

How has movement shaped the formation and development of religions in the Americas from the 17th century to the present? What role do institutions play in fostering movement through missionaries, organizations, and networks of support? How has movement shaped the expansion and expression of religious culture and ideas? What technological forces and shifts have transformed religious practice and community making in the Americas? This course explores these themes through reading of primary and secondary sources and guest participation.

This course examines literary sources and archaeological evidence from the 9th - 1st centuries BCE related to issues of ritual, cult, temple, priests, and sacrifice. We consider each text as a literary work in its own right, and discuss the relevant archaeological and comparative ancient Near Eastern sources. This approach points to diverse and divergent cultic ideologies across Judea and the Diaspora. Some of the texts we may study are: the pentateuchal priestly source, Ezekiel, Kings, Chronicles, Elephantine papyri, the Temple Scroll, the Letter of Aristeas, the Aramaic Levi Document, and the Qumran New Jerusalem text.

Presentation and critical discussion of research in progress by participants, dealing with the study of religion in any field within the humanities and social sciences. Note: REL 517 (fall) and REL 517 (spring) constitute this year-long workshop. In order to receive credit, students must take the course both semesters.

A weekly, year-long workshop focused on current student and faculty research in religion and critical thought, designed primarily for graduate students working on dissertations and general examination essays on the philosophy of religion, religious ethics, and the role of religion in politics. Note: REL 518 (fall) and REL 519 (spring) constitute this year-long workshop. In order to receive credit and/or a grade, students must take the course both semesters.

A weekly, year-long workshop focused on the current research of visiting presenters, current students, and faculty in American religious history. The workshop is designed primarily for Ph.D. students in the field, but is open as well to undergraduate concentrators with a strong background in the study of American religion and culture. Note: REL 523 (fall) and REL 524 (spring) constitute this year-long workshop. In order to receive credit and/or a grade, students must take the course both semesters.

A weekly, year-long workshop providing students in the Religions of Late Antiquity with the opportunity to present their current research for discussion. Note: REL 525 (fall) and REL 526 (spring) constitute this year-long workshop. In order to receive credit and/or a grade, students must take the course both semesters.

A weekly year-long Religion workshop focusing on the research and writing of graduate students, faculty, and visitors in Islamic Studies. This workshop provides a forum for presentation of works in progress: drafts of dissertation chapters, dissertation proposals, seminar papers, conference papers, articles and book chapters. All Islamic Studies graduate students are encouraged to participate as presenters and as commentators. The workshop fosters collegiality and professional development. Note: REL 529 (fall) and REL 530 (spring) constitute this year-long workshop.

Critical examination of enduring and recent scholarship on popular religion, ethnography, modern (20th century) religion, and modernity in China. Designed for graduate students preparing for general examinations or research in Chinese religion.

In this course, students read pre-selected chapters from the Samadhirajasutra across the primary source languages of Sanskrit/Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit, Chinese, and Tibetan. The SRS is a Mahayana Buddhist text. The Mahayana (or "Great Vehicle") was a significant movement within Indian Buddhism that began in approximately the first century BCE, persisted throughout Buddhism's demise in India in approximately the twelfth century CE, and exerted an enormous influence upon the further development of Buddhism as it spread throughout East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam) and Tibet and the Himalayan region.

This seminar has two concerns. First, we examine facets of Islamic thought on matters relating to conceptualizations of history, religion, law, mysticism, politics, authority, and power between the fourteenth and the eighteenth centuries. Second, we pay close attention throughout to questions of approach and method as they relate to these topics.

An introduction to medieval Near Eastern legal cultures that focuses on the intertwined development of Jewish and Islamic law from late antiquity until the twelfth century. We consider both legal writings such as codes and responsa and evidence for practices in state and communal courts. Geared both to students interested in legal history and to students interested in using legal texts and documents for general historical research.