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2018-2019 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Course Numbering
The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:
The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.
The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:
- 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
- 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
- 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
- The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).
In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.
Abbreviation
In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:
W Writing Intensive
C Studies in Cultural Difference
R Religious Perspectives
Q Quantitative Reasoning
AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences
MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.
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Religious Studies |
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RELS 10000 - Religious Thought & Action Course Credit: 1
RELIGIOUS THOUGHT AND ACTION This course examines what constitutes religion in the United States, a question of significance since the Constitution theoretically protects the free exercise of religion. In order to investigate what qualifies as religion, the semester will begin with an introduction into how Islam, Judaism, and Native American traditions came to be understood as religions. The second half of the course will explore how religion is understood within American law and politics and will question if religious freedom exists in the United States. Annually. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 10101 - Religion in Human History Course Credit: 1
RELIGION IN HUMAN HISTORY An introduction to religion as a form of human behavior and to the study of religions, by means of studying current understandings of religion-related behaviors in human development, in human prehistories, and as identifiable cultural forms in emergent historical human cultures in the South Asian, East Asian, and Mediterranean worlds. NOTE: This course replaces RELS 11000: Comparative Religious Traditions: East & West. Students who have taken that course should not take this one. [R]
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RELS 11000 - Comp Religious Trad: East West West Course Credit: 1
COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS: EAST WEST An introduction to studying religion and religions in a modern global perspective, through comparative examination in historical context of selected examples of practice and belief, and the place of religious traditions in cultures, historically and in the modern world. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 11001 - Comp Religious Traditions: Near East Course Credit: 1
COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS: NEAR EAST An introduction to studying religion and religions through comparative and historical examination of selected traditions (such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Manicheism, and Bahaism) and their interactions in the broader cultures of the Near East. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 11002 - Comp. Religious Traditions: South Asia Course Credit: 1
(SAST)
COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS: SOUTH ASIA An introduction to studying religion and religions through comparative and historical examination of selected traditions (such as Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, Sikhism) and their interactions in the broader cultures of South Asia. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 12000 - Intro to Biblical Studies Course Credit: 1
(CLST, HIST, MENA)
INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL STUDIES Introduces the examination of basic issues of reading the Bible in an academic setting. Special attention will be given to the biblical texts as resources for understanding political, social, and religious discourses in the ancient world. The student will encounter introductions to historical, literary and feminist methodologies. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 12001 - Hebrew Bible Course Credit: 1
INTRO TO BIBLICAL STUDIES: HEBREW BIBLE Examines concepts and Institutions covenant, monotheism, law, land, exile,prophecy, priesthood, monarchy, sacred history central to life and world view of ancient Israel; addresses how the contemporary conflict politicizes the text. [AH]
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RELS 12002 - The New Testament Course Credit: 1
(CLST, MENA)
THE NEW TESTAMENT This is an introductory course to the history and literature of the New Testament. Our primary focus will be to read select texts of the New Testament, with an emphasis on their literary nature, their historical problems and sources, their theological visions, and their historical, geographic, social, religious, political, and cultural contexts in early Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds. One will have the opportunity to situate one’s questions about and approaches to these texts in light of the history of scholarly research and through critical reflection about the methods and goals of interpretation. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 12003 - The Hebrew Bible and History Course Credit: 1
(HIST, MENA)
The Hebrew Bible and History Introduction to the books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and how critical scholarship uses them as a source for the history of ancient Israel and its culture. Examines central Israelite social and religious institutions and concepts (covenant, monarchy, priesthood), with particular attention to the intersection between history and theology in Israelite thought. Addresses the polemical use of this text today in the US culture wars as well as in the Israel-Palestine conflict. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 13000 - American Religious Communities Course Credit: 1
AMERICAN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES An examination of the tension between religious power and religious pluralism using examples from major religious groups and issues throughout American history. Annually. Fall. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 21700 - African Religions Course Credit: 1
AFRICAN RELIGIONS This course explores African religious thought and practice. While the focus is on traditional African religions, it also investigates the impact of African thought and culture on Christianity and Islam on the African continent. The course includes the study of the role of religion in contemporary African culture and politics. Fall. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 21800 - Hinduism Course Credit: 1
(SAST)
HINDUISM Hindu concepts and practices as reflected in texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita and in religious practice in Indian cultures through the centuries, with attention to sects and modern reform movements. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 21900 - Ethics in a Social Perspective Course Credit: 1
ETHICS IN A SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE A comparison of the ethical insights of a variety of Eastern and Western religious traditions as they relate to current social problems, such as war and peace, social justice, death and dying, and bioethics. [C, R]
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RELS 22000 - Buddhism Course Credit: 1
(EAST, SAST)
BUDDHISM Buddhist concepts and practices, including karma, rebirth, and devotion, as found in religious writings and as practiced through history, across Asian cultures. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 22200 - Islam Course Credit: 1
(MENA, SAST, WGSS)
ISLAM The foundations of Islam as set forth in the Qur’an, the life of the prophet Mohammad, Muslim philosophers and mystics as reflected in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, with attention to central concepts of revelation, community, law, and worship. Annually. Fall. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 22500 - Life & Teachings of Jesus Course Credit: 1
(CLST, MENA)
THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS An examination of the views, problems, and hypotheses about the identities of Jesus in the first few centuries C.E. Historical issues and religious-cultural implications of the afterlife of Jesus will be investigated. Attention will be given to Gnostic and Rabbinic references to Jesus. The course encourages students to develop a critical awareness about the complexities involved when we talk about Jesus in today’s world. [AH, C, R, W]
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RELS 23000 - The Life & Thought of Mahatma Gandhi Course Credit: 1
(SAST)
THE LIFE AND THOUGHT OF MAHATMA GANDHI A study of the life and thought of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence as reflected in his ideas about religion, politics, economics, social work, etc., in comparison with such movements as Sarvodaya, Civil Rights, Liberation Theology, and the Women’s Movement. Also includes discussion of contemporary Gandhians and their application of Gandhian thought to their personal lives and social movements. Prerequisite(s): RELS-10000 or RELS-11000; or permission of instructor Fall. [C, R, W]
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RELS 23300 - Judaism Course Credit: 1
(MENA)
JUDAISM Presents the Jewish religious tradition and its historical evolution, its sacred texts, practices and beliefs, and modern movements within Judaism, with particular attention to central concepts of covenant, divine authority, and the interdependence of religion and people hood. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 23900 - Global Christianity Course Credit: 1
GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY This course examines the social, cultural, economic, legal, and religious dynamics of global Christianity in its emerging centers of Latin America, Asia, Africa as well as Europe. Readings for this course will focus on the study of global Christianities as a discipline and will explore the socio-religious power-dynamics of Christianity as both hegemonic and marginal traditions. Our study will focus on themes of mediation, culture and conversion, multiple modernities, neoliberalism, and post-secularism. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 24100 - New Religious Movements Course Credit: 1
NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS An examination of America’s marginal but influential religious movements such as . 19th Century groups like the include Mormons, Spiritualism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and 20th Century practices such as theand traditions include Hare Krishnas, the Unnification Church, New Age spiritualities, Scientology, Branch Davidians, and Wicca. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 24300 - Religious Autobiography & Biography Course Credit: 1
RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY This course studies the many religious purposes (e.g. the understanding of religious experience, formation of religious identity, presentation of a moral or religious ideal, social criticism) that religious autobiographies serve. Such writings also provide readers a window into individual religious lives, experiences, and cultures. Writings selected may include classic Western religious autobiographies such as Augustine’s Confessions as well as other writings, both historical and contemporary, from a variety of religious traditions. [AH, R]
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RELS 24700 - Native American Religions & Cultures Course Credit: 1
NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIONS AND CULTURES A study of tradition and change within the historical and modern religions of various regional Native American tribal groups, including Pan-Indian activism and revitalization. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 26100 - The Black Relgious Experience in America Course Credit: 1
(AFST)
BLACK RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA An interdisciplinary study of Black religious experience, institutions, leadership, thought, and social movements in American society, with emphasis on the work of King, Malcolm X, and the Womanist tradition. Spring. [C, R]
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RELS 26300 - Religion & Literature Course Credit: 1
RELIGION AND LITERATURE This course examines the ways in which modern and contemporary writers represent religious traditions and experiences, make use of religious narratives and themes and confront religious questions in their novels, short stories, and poetry. Spring. [AH, R, W]
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RELS 26400 - Religion and Film Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
RELIGION AND FILM This course examines the interactions of religions and religious life with the electronic media technologies of film and video. Through such a course, students can arrive at better understandings of the place of religions in contemporary cultures, the aesthetics of film and video, and the place of these media as communicators of cultural phenomena such as religion. Spring. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 26720 - Asian Religions in America Course Credit: 1
(CHIN, EAST)
ASIAN RELIGIONS IN AMERICA This course focuses on the histories & present circumstances of immigrant communities & traditions in America, from Asian cultures & religious traditions (e.g., immigrants from East Asian & South Asian cultures, & bringing religious cultures such as Buddhism & Hinduism to American culture). How have these persons & communities who have migrated to the USA (from the 19th to the 21st centuries) found & made homes in the American religious landscape? How have they adapted their religious identities & traditions as they have become part of American society? Fall. [R]
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RELS 26732 - Race, Gender, Class - Interpretation Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
RACE, GENDER, AND CLASS IN BIBLICAL This course examines a variety of contemporary approaches in biblical studies (e.g., liberationist, postcolonial, feminist, womanist), which emphasizes the social-cultural context of the interpreter as a normative principle in the work of interpretation. Race/ethnicity, gender & sexuality, and class will be figured as the primary categories of this interpretive move. Special attention will be given to the recent works from scholars of color-African American, Latino/a American, and Asian American-in North American context. [AH, C, R]
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RELS 26735 - The Bible & Contemporary Issues Course Credit: 1
RELS 26935. THE BIBLE & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES In this course students will critically examine 1) what the Bible says or does not say about a wide range of controversial issues and 2) some of the ways that biblical texts have been employed as an authoritative resource for discussing and regulating ethics and identity from antiquity to today. We will be especially interested in the ways the Bible is used in contemporary discussions of some contentious issues in North American context, the nature of such contemporary interpretations, and the degree to which a person can or should be held responsible for the implications or applications of such interpretations. [AH, R]
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RELS 26737 - East Asian Buddhism Course Credit: 1
(CHIN, EAST)
EAST ASIAN BUDDHISM This course studies the transmission to and transformation of Buddhism as it moved from its South Asian roots to East Asian cultures (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam), and became a vital part of those cultures. Varieties of Buddhist practice and thought across East Asian cultures will be studied, in historical and modern examples. [R]
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RELS 26738 - Hebrew Script.S in Judaism & Christianit Course Credit: 1
(CLST, MENA)
THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES IN JUDAISM AND Judaism and Christianity are two rival cultural systems that developed out of the complex world of first-century Judaism, in part by interpreting and reinterpreting a sacred text known to Jews as the Tanakh and to Christians as the Old Testament. This course examines how these two traditions diverged through the first three centuries of the Common Era by analyzing significant concepts and practices (such as messiah, atonement, and the Sabbath) that each tradition derived from the Hebrew Scriptures. Some familiarity with the biblical texts would be desirable but not required. [R]
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RELS 26740 - Buddhist Visual & Material Cultures Course Credit: 1
(CHIN, EAST, SAST)
BUDDHIST VISUAL & MATERIAL CULTURES A study of Buddhist histories and cultures through a study of Buddhist visual and material arts. The focus is on the images, objects and environments that Buddhists have made, the practices they have engaged in and the meanings they have made by creating and interacting with those images, objects, and environments. Although this course has no prerequisite, this is not an introductory course in Religious Studies. [R]
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RELS 26741 - Technologies of the Self Course Credit: 1
Technologies of the Self What is the self, and how does this change with historical and social context? Where does the body end? Can selves be shared? Are your clothes an extension of yourself, or your phone? How do we develop what the self is through everyday practice? [R]
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RELS 26742 - Buddhist Travelers Across Asia Course Credit: 1
(EAST, SAST)
Buddhist Travelers Across Asia This course examines the movements and developments of Buddhist practices and traditions, from first-hand accounts from the ancient world by travelers such as Xuanzang, Hyecho, Ennin and others, allowing them to teach us what diverse Buddhist worlds looked like more than a thousand years ago. We will also consider the relations of those ancient exemplars to some modern and contemporary Buddhist travelers and movements. REGISTRATION NOTE: This is not an introductory course. While there is no formal prerequisite, some previous course work in Religious Studies or course work that focuses on China, East Asia, or South Asia is expected. [R] [R]
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RELS 26911 - Religion and the Environment Course Credit: 1
(ENVS)
RELIGION AND THE ENVIRONMENT A study of the role of a variety of religious traditions in shaping worldviews, values and behavior related to human interaction with the natural world. The course will look at both the destructive effects religion has had and various religious initiatives that are currently working to generate ecologically sustainable patterns of human interaction with the natural world. At the core will also be the focus on traditional religious values which focus on justice and neighbor love. Embedded in these concepts are the notion that the affluent must live more simply so that others may have the resources necessary so that they might simply live. [R]
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RELS 26925 - Religious Visual & Material Culture Course Credit: 1
RELISIOUG VISUAL AND MATERIAL CULTURE A study religions in practice, by means of visual and material images, objects & environments, and their uses and meanings, both within religious contexts and as these items circulate across religious boundaries and into secular contexts. No prerequisite, but note: This is not an introductory RELS course. [R]
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RELS 26933 - Religion and Science Course Credit: 1
TOPICS IN THEORIES AND ISSUES IN THE STUDY OF RELIGION An examination of one major issue involving the interface of sociological, ethical, and theoretical factors, such as Religion, Violence and Peacemaking; Interfaith Dialogue; Religion and the Environment; and Third World Feminist Theology. Fall. [R]
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RELS 26935 - Just Work Course Credit: 1.25
JUST WORK An exploration of work with a focus on what makes work meaningful and what makes it dehumanizing. Also a discussion of how we assign values and monetary compensation to various forms of work. Why is it that some of the hardest and most dangerous work is not socially valued or well compensated. There is an experiential learning component as all students will work three to four hours a week in housekeeping, grounds or food service. Fall. [R]
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RELS 26937 - Religion, Race, Gender, Class in America Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
RELIGION, RACE, CLASS & GENDER IN AMERICA [R]
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RELS 26940 - Pop Culture in Medieval Islam Course Credit: 1
(MENA)
POP CULTURE IN MEDIEVAL ISLAM Partying, music, crime, graffiti, memory-enhancing drugs, clothing in the medieval Islamic world (8th-16th centuries). Introduction to a social history approach to medieval Islam, and a basis for keener interest in Islamic literature, philosophy, history, art, and law. This course is reading intensive and is not an introduction to Islam. [R]
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RELS 26941 - Religion and the Brain Course Credit: 1
RELIGION AND THE BRAIN This course engages the study of religions with neuroscience, exploring ways in which neuroscience contributes to the study of religions, and the ways in which religious studies can inform neuroscience-based understandings of religious phenomena. Prerequisite(s): NEUR-20000 [R]
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RELS 26942 - The Bible and Popular Culture Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
THE BIBLE AND POPULAR CULTURE This course places biblical texts into dialogue with various expressions of contemporary popular culture (film, television, art, music, advertising, and the media) in an effort to understand the complex relationship between the two. The course takes up this dialogue against the wider background of the study of religion and popular culture and by exploring the nature of self and transcendence, morality and the spiritual quest as those are construed and configured within popular culture. [R]
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RELS 39900 - Special Topics Course Credit: 1
Special Topics [AH, R]
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RELS 39901 - Islamic Origins:did Muhammad Exist? Course Credit: 1
Islamic Origins What does archeological evidence tell us about the beginnings of Islam? Is there any evidence for Muhammad as a historical personage? Did he have anything to do with the Qur’an? Was Islam a distinctive religion, a socio-political movement, a heretical branch of Judaism? This course is about a subfield in Islamic Studies that is highly politicized, prone to vicious infighting, and home to ultra-skeptical arguments that challenge the conventional history of the origins of Islam. It will demand that you be open to seriously considering extremely skeptical arguments, as well as examining how a single inscription on a coin or building can overturn an entire historical narrative. It is guaranteed to overturn everything you think you know or don’t know about Islam. Prerequisite(s): 1 course in RELS [AH, R]
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RELS 40000 - Tutorial Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 1
TUTORIAL Individual readings and reports may be required by the instructor. The course may be given an Area I or II designation with departmental approval. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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RELS 40100 - Junior Independent Study Course Credit: 1
JUNIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY A one-semester course that focuses upon the research skills, methodology, and theoretical framework necessary for Senior Independent Study. Combines tutorial-seminar format. Annually. Spring.
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RELS 41000 - Religious Studies Internship Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 1
Internship Students will be placed for one semester in an agency, organization, or other context where the academic study of religion can be joined with a practical experience in dealing with ethical and religious issues in American society. Three credits, with the possibility of a fourth. May be repeated.
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RELS 45100 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE The first semester of the Senior Independent Study project, in which each student engages in creative and independent research guided by a faculty mentor and which culminates in a thesis and an oral examination in the second semester. Prerequisite(s): RELS-40100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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RELS 45200 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER TWO The second semester of the Senior Independent Study project, which culminates in the thesis and an oral examination. Prerequisite(s): RELS-45100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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