REL 126

Religions of the West (3 CR)

Religions of the West is a detailed examination of the rich and diverse religious traditions that originated in the ancient Near East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), examples of indigenous traditions of Africa and North America, and examples of "alternative religions" of modern/contemporary Western culture. The student will explore the histories, cultural influences, beliefs and practices of these religions, stressing the characteristics that they share and those that differentiate them, both from one another and from the religious traditions of South and East Asian cultures. The primary texts, as well as the iconographic and artistic traditions of these religions, will be examined as appropriate. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.