Isenberg, S.R., Chair; Creel, A.B. (Emeritus); Hackett, D.G.; Hiers, R.H.; Hill, S.S. (Emeritus);; Mueller, J.; Nanji, A., Narayanan, V.; Owen, D.E.; Peskowitz, M.B.; Peterson, A.L.; Stahmer, H.M. (Emeritus); Storch, T.; Thursby, G.R.; Vasquez, M.

Undergraduate Coordinator: D.E. Owen

Graduate Coordinator: D.E. Owen

Office: Dauer 125 (392-1625)

web.religion.ufl.edu

A study of the religious dimensions of human culture, focusing on Asia (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto). (H, I)

An historical inquiry into the ideological origins and social context of American religious life. (H)

A look at the major groupings of religion in the United States, how they differ, what they have in common, the various dimensions of each in their interaction, and their roles in the society of the American people. (H, I)

This course will guide the students to reflect on how ethical decisions are made, drawing on resources from Antiquity, the Bible, and texts and thinkers from several traditions across time and space. GR-E†(H)

The history, literature and beliefs of the Israelites from the Biblical text, in the light of modern scholarship. (H) GR-E†

An introduction to the various literary, social and religious contexts of the books of the New Testament. (H)

An historical introduction to Islamic tradition. The course will explore foundational elements of the tradition, based on the life of Prophet Muhammad and the text of the Qur’an, and on an examination of subsequent Islamic expressions. (H, I)

A multidisciplinary approach to the Jewish experience from its Biblical origins to modern times. (H, I)

An investigation of religious ideas and practices and their meaning for the individual. (H)

A survey of church-state relations in the United States from colonial times to the present, with close attention paid to church-state theory, crucial court decisions, controversies, and unresolved contemporary issues. (S) GR-E†

An investigation of significant new religious movements such as the People’s Temple and the Branch Davidians. The course seeks to uncover the origins, internal structure, popularity and functioning of these movements while attending to claims of manipulation and discrimination. (S)

The interaction of religion and social institutions, concerning the ways religious groups influence and are influenced by the socio-cultural environment. (S) GR-E†

An exploration of ethical concepts in Western religions, and of religious dimensions of current moral issues. (H, S)

A redaction-critical study of selected portions of the canonical gospels with particular attention to the development of traditions about Jesus in the earliest church. (H) GR-E†

An examination of the narrative of the beginning of Christianity according to the Book of Acts, especially as it describes the career of Paul. The second half of the course focuses on the letters of Paul as an alternative source for understanding the earliest forms of Christianity. (H)

An examination of the Jewish-Christian encounter. The historical interaction between Judaism and Christianity including how each group symbolized the other, and the practical implications of the representations. (H, I) GR-E†

An historical look at the major religious traditions of the Indian sub-continent. (H, I) GR-E†

A study of the religious traditions of India and their interpretation in relation to conditions of the modern world. (H, I) GR-E†

The history of Muslims from the eighteenth century to the present with particular attention to certain critical issues and interpretations in relation to conditions of the modern world. (H, I)

The course will focus on religion and culture in Africa, the encounter of Islam and Christianity with indigenous religions, and diasporan reformulations. (H, I) GR-E†

An attempt to discover what contemporary thinkers are saying about religion and the problems of modern life. (H)

An examination of the modern outlook, focusing upon conceptual commitments associated with present cultural styles, with attention to certain critical issues for religion. (H) GR-E†

An historical approach to those traditions, personalities, issues, and events that have shaped the growth of Christianity in the Western world. (H, I) GR-E†

The history of Christianity from the Enlightenment to the present and its role in first and third world cultures. GR-E†(H, I)

Mysticism as a type of religious thought and practice in Christian tradition. (H) GR-E†

An investigation of selected figures and themes in the Jewish philosophical tradition both classical and modern. Various approaches both mystical and rational will be considered. Also offered in the philosophy curriculum. (H, I) GR-E†

Mysticism in Judaism in Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern periods. (H, I) GR-E†

A study of religious action and performance: liturgy, festival, pilgrimage, healing, marriage, death and others. The course seeks to uncover how such rites look and how they affect, complement or undercut belief systems. (H)

Development of religious life in the South through its history, with particular reference to its interaction with regional culture. (H) GR-E†

An investigation of the diverse relations between religion and processes of social change. The course uses both theoretical and ethnographic case studies to explore issues raised by religion’s social role in the U.S., Britain, Asia, Latin America and Africa. (S)

Credits: 3; May be repeated with change of content up to a maximum of 9 credits. GR-E†

Advanced study of special topics for students with previous courses in biblical studies.

This seminar focuses on the relationship between religion and politics in Latin America, from a variety of perspectives and approaches. It addresses millenarian movements, gender, ethnicity, and class, as well as church-state dynamics. (S, I)

A study of the major intellectual movements in American religious thought and their social consequences. (H) GR-E†

An historical and textual examination of selected classical and modern issues and themes in Christianity.

A critical and historicized introduction to the Rabbinic texts of Mishnah, Midrash and Talmud. Emphasis is placed on the growth and development of the Rabbinic movement, and upon reading practices.
(H, I)

An examination of the notions of male and female in Jewish religion, how they have been formed, and how they are changing.

Majors or other advanced undergraduates who wish to supplement regular course work by individual studies under guidance may apply to a member of the faculty for individual work.

Honors level students’ option for thesis preparation.

A study of the history and major methods that have contributed to the modern study of religion. (H) GR-E†

Advanced study for students with proper preparation of selected topics involving one or more religious traditions. GR-E†