Additional information on some courses i. Please contact the Undergraduate Administrator, Amy Huynh at religion. Ronald Charles. Description: An introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of the major religions of the world, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taosim. This course examines recent examples of new religious movements that might be thought of as "conspiritualities", that is, conspiracies with strong cult and religious overtones.
Kevin O'Neill Happiness course couldn't be timelier in today's unsettled world Article. Today happiness is a metric by which a growing number of people asess the quality of their lives, with a range of experts offering innumerable life hacks and opportunities to optimize life.
But what does it mean to be happy? And how have people tried to achieve this ever-elusive state? Situated squarely within the study of religion, this course considers how different traditions from around the world and for thousands of years have raised similar questions about happiness - not simply for the sake of reflection but also to do something about it. Readings will include selections from social theory and religious texts as well as a few authors who seem to be against all odds kind of happy.
David Perley. This course will explore the ways in which different religious movements have prepared for and expected an end time, from fears, symbols, and rituals to failed prophecies and social violence. Sarah Gallant. Description: What differentiates a hero from a villain? How are ethical issues addressed in the stories of such characters? Are Batman and Spiderman understood as role models? This course analyzes exemplary narratives from Pop Culture.
We will consider examples from the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as other forms of popular media. Students will compare these popular narratives with those produced by religious communities.
