Spring 2026 Courses

RELS 104 Religion and Violence
Paul Powers MWF 11:30AM-12:30PM 
Investigation of the oft-made claim that “religion causes much of the world’s violence,” exploring the best arguments for and against this proposition framed by maximalist claims that religion is inherently prone to inspiring violence, and minimalist claims that religion is either peaceful or subordinated to other (e.g., economic or political) concerns. Consideration of various definitions of “religion” to see how it might motivate a range of behaviors both peaceful and violent. Attention given to pervasive religious phenomena (such as sacrifice, conversion, holy/just war, and apocalypticism) that might inspire violence, as well as theological and ethical frameworks that may counteract violence. In a multi-stage, guided research project, students will pursue case studies of specific instances of violence apparently related to religion, thereby testing and employing the analytical lenses developed in the course.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 107 Religion In TV
Susanna Morrill MWF 9:10AM-10:10AM
Exploration of key themes in American religious history as revealed in American television shows. Millennialism, exceptionalism, revivalism, restorationism, apocalypticism, freedom of religion, religious pluralism, fascination with Asian religions, exploration of paranormal topics.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 202 Sacred Space
Jessica Starling M 3:00PM- 4:30PM
Exploration of various theories of space and the sacred from disciplines such as religious studies, geography, sociology, and phenomenology. Application of these theories to case studies from a variety of religious and secular traditions, encountered through a combination of primary texts, documentary films, and site visits to sacred spaces in the Portland area.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 225 Christian Origins
Daniel Kimmel MWF 9:10AM-10:10AM
Exploration of early Christianity, from the turn of the eras to 400 C.E. Focus on the development of the religion in the multicultural, pluralistic context of the Greco-Roman world. Study of the archaeological and written evidence for Christian origins (i.e., the archaeology of Jerusalem, the Galilee, and the Dead Sea Scrolls community; the New Testament, the writings of “orthodox” and “heretical” early Christian thinkers, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other relevant Judean texts). Analysis of key themes in early Christian studies (i.e., gender, orthodoxy and heterodoxy, early Christianity’s relationship to early Judaism, Christianity and empire).

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 253 Prophets, Seekers, & Heretics
Susanna Morrill MWF 11:30AM - 12:30PM

Introduction to major themes and movements in American religious history from colonial origins to the Civil War. Consideration of Native American religious traditions, colonial settlement, slavery and slave religion, revivalism, religion and the revolution, growth of Christian denominationalism, origins of Mormonism, using a comparative approach in the effort to understand diverse movements. Central themes: revival and religious renewal, appropriation of Old Testament language by various groups (Puritans, African Americans, Mormons), democratization of religion.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 276 Islamic Movements
Paul Powers MWF 1:50PM-2:50PM

How diverse Muslim religious beliefs and practices, institutions, values, and cultural patterns have influenced movements for political and social change in modern(-izing) contexts. Survey of premodern precursors of modern activism (e.g., Kharijites, early Shi’a, Wahhabism); 19th-century European colonial incursions that sparked resistance movements and efforts to reformulate Muslim civilization in response; 20th-century contestation over how to shape emergent postcolonial Muslim societies. Focus on MENA region with attention to non-Muslim-majority societies, including America.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 358/458 Mysticism
Paul Powers TTH 1:50PM - 3:20PM

A comparative and theoretical exploration of the various manifestations of mysticism and religious experience in different contexts and traditions. Includes classical and current theories of the nature of mysticism and its relation to asceticism and other aspects of religious belief and practice, drawing on sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, and cognitive science. Interrogation of the nature and epistemological status of experience. Numerous case studies, including sustained attention to Sufism, the Islamic mystical tradition. This course is cross-listed with RELS 458. Students taking the 300-level version of this course will complete a guided research project, identifying and mastering the range of scholarly positions on a theme, critical issue, or essential primary text, and will produce a technically sound research paper. Students taking the 400-level version of this course will complete a more comprehensive research paper, defending an original thesis and offering critical judgments of relevant arguments and evidence. The course can only be taken once and cannot be repeated at the 300/400 level. Sophomore standing required.

Prerequisites: One course in religious studies, classics, or history.

Requisite: Sophomore standing required.

RELS 359 Ascetism
Jessica Starling MWF 10:20AM-11:20AM

Critical, comparative approach to asceticism, employing the tools and insights from religious studies and cultural anthropology to analyze diverse examples of disciplined self-denial from the ancient to the modern world. Exploration of a range of cultural contexts, including Eastern (Jain, Hindu, Buddhist), Western (ancient Greek, medieval Christian), and modern secular (political activism, fasting diets, and work). Students will conduct research on a case study in asceticism, culminating in a final paper and presentation. Sophomore standing required.

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing required. 

RELS 490 Senior Thesis
Susanna Morrill TTH 9:40AM-11:10AM

Advanced readings and major works in religion. In consultation with faculty, selection of a thesis topic and further reading in the discipline and research in the topic area. Substantial written document demonstrating mastery of theory and methodology in the study of religion and the ability to integrate these into the thesis topic. Senior standing required.

Prerequisites: Senior standing required.