Spring 2025 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 106 Religion and Medicine
Jessica Starling TTH 9:40AM - 11:10AM
Critical examination of the relationship between religion and medicine, drawing on scholarship from religious studies, anthropology, sociology, and history. Examples from ancient Greece, China, and indigenous traditions. Particular attention to the secularization of Western biomedicine and the contemporary popularity of alternatives. Critical examination of the terms “religious,” “spiritual,” “secular,” “natural,” and “holistic.”

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 254 Religion in Modern America, 1865 to Present
Susanna Morrill MWF 11:30AM - 12:30PM
Impact of religion in modern America from the end of the Civil War to the present day, emphasizing the interaction between America’s many religions and emerging American modernity. The fate of “traditional” religion in modern America; “alternate” American religious traditions; urbanization, industrialism, and religion; science, technology, and secularism; evangelicalism, modernism, and fundamentalism; religious bigotry; pluralism; new religions and neofundamentalism.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 255 American Religious Themes/TV
Susanna Morrill TTH 9:40AM - 11:10AM
Exploration of key themes in American religious history as these are revealed in contemporary American television shows. These themes will include millennialism, exceptionalism, revivalism, restorationism, apocalypticism, freedom of religion, religious pluralism, fascination with the exotic “East,” and exploration of paranormal topics.

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 276 Islamic Movements
Paul Powers TTH 1:50PM - 03:20PM

Beliefs, practices, and history of Muslim societies from their origins in seventh-century Arabia to their complex current expressions throughout the world. The Qur’an; the Prophet Muhammad; ritual practice; law; politics; gender roles/relations. The many debates and voices of dissent that have helped define the varieties of Islamic culture. Focus on the Middle East/North Africa will be supplemented by attention to other contexts, including America.

Prerequisites: None.

RELS 376 Religious Fundamentalism
Paul Powers TTH 1:50PM - 3:20PM

The perceptions and realities of religious resurgence in a supposedly secularizing world. Focus on the historical, theological, social, and political aspects of Christian and Islamic fundamentalism. Themes include secularization theories and their critics; changing understandings of religion and modernity; connections among religion, politics, violence, sexuality/gender, and identity.

Prerequisites: None.

Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

RELS 490 Senior Thesis
Susanna Morrill TTH 11:30AM - 1:00PM

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.

Prerequisites: None.

Restrictions: Senior standing required.