Courses and Descriptions

Check out our current course offerings under the About the Minor page.

ANTH 3160 - Chinese Society and Culture
This course provides a general introduction of the culture and social structure of China. Topics of discussions include the origin of the Chinese culture, family and social organization, religion, ideology, and tradition vs. modernization. Prerequisites: ANTH 1200 or department head approval.  
 
GEOG 3050 - Geography of Asia
Introduction to the physical and cultural geography of Asia. Prerequisites: Any 1000-level GEOG course or department head approval.   
 
PHIL 2120 - Introduction to Asian Philosophy
An introduction to some of the foundational texts and figures of Chinese, Indian, and Buddhist philosophical traditions from ancient times to the contemporary world. May be registered as REL 2120. No credit in both PHIL 2120 and REL 2120. 
 
PHIL 3430 - Philosophies of India 
A survey of the philosophical traditions of the Indian subcontinent focusing on classical traditions, especially orthodox Brahmanical (Hindu) schools such as Nyāya, Yoga, and Vedānta as well as heterodox schools such as Buddhism, Jainism, and materialism.  Some coverage of contemporary Indian thought such as Gandhi, Ambedkar, feminism, and postcolonial theory.  Topics may include the self, knowledge, skepticism, the nature of reality, ethics, rebirth, theism, atheism, happiness, and the meaning of life. May be registered as REL 3430. No credit in both PHIL 3430 and REL 3430.
 
REL 1050 - Introduction to Islam: History, Religion, Culture
An introduction to global Islamic traditions that focuses on key Muslim histories, the Qur’an, diverse religious practices, arts and architecture, and legal and theological traditions. Considers contemporary issues from a global perspective, including attitudes towards gender and sexuality, unity and diversity in the community, and the problem of Islamophobia.
 
REL 1070 - Buddhism: Teachings, Practices, and Socio-cultural History  
Introduction to the core beliefs, values, practices, and history of all three major Buddhist traditions: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The life of the Buddha, Buddhist suttas/sutras, fundamental concepts of karma & rebirth, the Four Noble Truths, nibbana/nirvana, emptiness, etc. Core practices of meditation, devotionalism, and chanting. The Buddhist monastery and temple. Traditions are covered within their respective cultures and geographical locations. Modern Buddhism and the transmission of Buddhism to the West.
 
REL 2110 - Religions of the East
An introduction to the major religious traditions of Asia, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. 
 
REL 3160 - The Qur’an
An introduction to the Qur'an, the primary scripture of the Islamic religious tradition. This course focuses on themes in the Qur’an and its history, the text’s style and poetics, practices of recitation, the Qur’an as a source of law and theology, and the relationship of the text to contemporary debates on politics, gender justice, and Muslim sexualities.
 
REL 3200 - Religions of India
Examination of the conceptual and historical development of religions on the Indian subcontinent. Attention will also be paid to the interaction among religions of India and their relationships to Indian culture. Alternate years. 
 
REL 3210 - Religions of China
Examination of the conceptual and historical development of religions in China. Attention will also be paid to the interaction among religions of China, the impact of Indian religions and culture on China, and the relationship of religion to Chinese culture. Alternate years.
 
REL 4160 / WGSS 4160 - Gender and Sexuality in Religion
How do ideas about gender and sexuality offer new ways to understand religion, society, and culture? In this course we explore the diversity of sexual difference in context of contemporary global religions, especially Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Course themes include: the tension between theory and practice, authority and gender, women’s lives, masculinities, gender fluidity, and the role of the nation in constructing gender and sexuality in religious communities. The course approach is interdisciplinary and includes readings from religious primary sources, history, anthropology, and literature. May be registered as WGSS 4160. Credit not allowed in both REL 4160 and WGSS 4160