Filters Course Instructor - Any -Andrew ChignellElaine H. PagelsEric S. GregoryHossein ModarressiJenny Wiley LegathJonathan C. GoldMichael A. FlowerMuhammad Q. ZamanNicole M. TurnerSadaf JafferSeth A. PerryStaffStephen F. TeiserTehseen Thaver Jewish Art and Visual Culture in Late Antiquity Subject associations JDS 515 / REL 514 Jews have often been thought of as a 'nation without art' who disparaged the visual and discouraged artistic creation. But the reality is very different: Judaism has a rich tradition of artistic production as well as a long history of reflection on the role of images in religious life. This course explores the nature and function of visual expression in ancient Judaism, with a particular focus on Jewish art from Late Antiquity. In addition to considering these materials in their own immediate contexts, we also use them to assess how Jews viewed and engaged with the wider visual culture of the ancient Mediterranean world. Instructors Ra'anan S. Boustan Fall 2023 Muslim South Asia Subject associations NES 507 / REL 585 This graduate course seeks to provide the participants with a broad introduction to major intellectual trends in the history of Islam in South Asia from the early nineteenth century to the present. We focus on the work of select individuals and discuss their writings in the context of their intellectual, social, cultural, and political milieu. Translations and exegeses of the Qur'an, Islamic law, politics, and social thought are among the themes on which we focus. Instructors Muhammad Q. Zaman Fall 2023 Religion and the Tradition of Social Theory Subject associations REL 501 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. Instructors Stephen F. Teiser Fall 2023 Studies in Greco-Roman Religions: How Christianity Began: Group Formation, Ritual, and Politics Subject associations REL 504 / HLS 504 / CLA 519 This seminar offers comprehensive survey of primary sources essential for research, general exams, future teaching. Some topics: strategies of group formation; how various Jewish and "pagan" critics characterize and interact with Jesus' followers; exploring NT sources and "secret gospels" to clarify issues that ignite creation of "orthodoxy"/"heresy"; controversies on authority/social/sexual practices; the politics of persecution; how Christians defied Roman authority in trial/martyr accounts. Finally, how did this unlikely movement morph into "the catholic church" in the 4th century, legitimized and transformed by Roman imperial authority? Instructors Elaine H. Pagels Fall 2023 Studies in Religion in America: Religion in America to 1865 Subject associations REL 505 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. Instructors Seth A. Perry Fall 2023 Studies in Religion and Philosophy: Augustine and Augustinianisms Subject associations REL 507 Few thinkers have influenced Western thought and culture as much as Augustine. This interdisciplinary seminar examines this influence through close reading of primary texts, including Confessions and City of God, but also some very revealing sermons and letters. Attention is also given to a variety of interpreters and critics who wrestle with Augustine's legacy for their constructive purposes. Topics include the self, virtue, politics, violence, wealth, sexuality, secularity, eschatology, empire, and the nature of tradition. Instructors Eric S. Gregory Fall 2023 Culture, Society and Religion Workshop Subject associations REL 517 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. Instructors Jonathan C. Gold Jenny Wiley Legath Suzanne C. van Geuns Fall 2023 Religion and Critical Thought Workshop Subject associations REL 518 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. Instructors Andrew Chignell Fall 2023 Religion in America Workshop Subject associations REL 523 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. Instructors Nicole M. Turner Fall 2023 Religions of Late Antiquity Workshop Subject associations REL 525 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. Instructors Yedidah Koren Fall 2023 Workshop in Islamic Studies Subject associations REL 529 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. Instructors Tehseen Thaver Fall 2023 Readings in Chinese Religions: Chinese Buddhist Texts on Cosmology Subject associations REL 531 Introduction to basic Buddhist cosmology through close reading of early foundational texts in Chinese. Focus on genre, style, grammar, and vocabulary. Research tools, methods, secondary sources also introduced. Goals of the course are to expand knowledge of Buddhist cosmology, to develop the ability to read early Chinese Buddhist translations, and to increase command of reference tools. Reading knowledge of classical Chinese and at least one language of secondary scholarship (Japanese, Chinese, French) required. Students from all departments welcome. Instructors Stephen F. Teiser Fall 2023 Graduate Fall 2023 Spring 2023 Undergraduate Fall 2023 Spring 2023 Archive View Previous Courses Email this page Print this page