Religion, Study of


Courses Office: Literature Building, third floor, room 3323 (858) 534-8849 Email: religion@ucsd.edu Program Web site: http://religion.ucsd.edu/ Program Director, Arthur J. Droge Faculty Nancy Caciola, Assistant Professor, History Suzanne Cahill, Associate Adjunct Professor, History Alain J.-J. Cohen, Professor, Literature Richard S. Cohen, Assistant Professor Literature Stephen Cox, Professor, Literature Arthur J. Droge, Professor, Literature Page A. duBois, Professor, Literature David Noel Freedman, Professor, History Richard E. Friedman, Professor, Literature David Goodblatt, Professor, History Ramon Gutierrez, Professor, Ethnic Studies Alan Houston, Associate Professor, Political Science Fanny Q. Howe, Professor, Literature David K. Jordan, Professor, Anthropology Benetta W. Jules-Rosette, Professor, Sociology Hasan Kayali, Associate Professor, History Sanford A. Lakoff, Professor Emeritus, Political Science Edward N. Lee, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy Richard P. Madsen, Professor, Sociology John A. Marino, Associate Professor, History Timothy McDaniel, Professor, Sociology Michael E. Meeker, Professor, Anthropology Alden A. Mosshammer, Professor, History Sheldon A. Nodelman, Professor, Visual Arts Steven M. Parish, Associate Professor, Anthropology William H. Propp, Professor, History Fred V. Randel, Associate Professor, Literature Edward Reynolds, Professor, History Joel Robbins, Assistant Professor, Anthropology Gershon Shafir, Professor, Sociology Gary Shiffman, Assistant Professor, Political Science Melford E. Spiro, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology Tracy B. Strong, Professor, Political Science Christena Turner, Associate Professor, Sociology Donald F. Tuzin, Professor, Anthropology				Religion, Study of Program Description The program engages in the academic study of religious phenomena; and it studies literature, history, and society in relation to religion. Faculty and students associated with the program give primacy to humanistic and social scientific methods of study that have become established in the academic community during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The location of the program in the Arts and Humanities Division and its use of courses from a variety of departments and divisions imply that neither the study of religion nor its data are the privileged possession of a single discipline. The hallmark of the program is its interdisciplinary and interdepartmental structure. At UCSD, faculty from the departments of Anthropology, History, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Visual Arts provide students with the opportunity to examine religious artifacts, texts, institutions, and communities within a particular cultural and historical context and in the context of comparable manifestations within the general history of religions. A concentration in the Study of Religion aims at fostering a student's understanding of religion as one of the primary expressions of the human condition and as an historically powerful force in the shaping of human cultures. It also seeks to develop a student's appreciation of the difficulties and possibilities inherent in undertaking a critical, disciplined study of religion. The goal is not to fashion "experts" in religion, but rather to use the study of religion in order to develop critical thinking and a more adequate understanding of history and society. Since the program endorses an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to the study of religion, lower-division preparation should be wide and varied. Lower-division courses in which religion figures prominently (e.g., Introduction to Religion, The Making of the Modern World, or the Revelle College Humanities Program), as well as courses which focus on textual and contextual analysis and employ the analytical tools and conceptual categories of the human sciences, would all be useful in preparing the student for a major in the Study of Religion. The program strongly encourages foreign language study. The ability to read the languages of original sources and of modern scholarship is highly recommended, especially for students planning to attend graduate school in religion. Major The major in the Study of Religion consists of twelve upper-division courses, which should include the following: two required courses in the Study of Religion (RELI 110A or 110B; RELI 112 or 113), ten courses from the approved course list to be selected in consultation with the program director. Double Major Students may choose to pursue the Study of Religion as their second major. In such cases it may be possible for up to two courses to overlap with the other major. Students are encouraged to consult the program coordinator for further information. Honors in the Study of Religion The program for the Study of Religion offers an Honors Program for students who demonstrate excellence in the major. Eligibility for the Honors Program requires: completion of RELI 110A or 110B at least junior standing 3.5 GPA in the major and a 3.3 overall GPA eight units of RELI 196H research paper and presentation Students interested in the Honors Program should consult with the program coordinator for a detailed list of requirements and an application. Participation in the Honors Program is contingent upon the prior approval of the Honors Thesis research topic by the director. This approval must take place before the first day of the quarter that the student plans to enroll in RELI 196H. Minor The minor in the Study of Religion consists of seven courses, of which five must be upper-division. These seven courses must include two required courses in the Study of Religion as delineated under the major. Student Advising All students are assigned a faculty adviser and are encouraged to meet with their adviser at least once a quarter to develop their course of study. Additional advising information may be obtained from the program coordinator, Literature Building, third floor, room 3323. Study Abroad Students are encouraged to investigate the University of California Education Abroad Program (EAP) and other options for foreign study through the Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). By petition, credits earned through EAP/OAP can fulfill major and minor requirements. More information about studying abroad can be obtained in the Education Abroad section of the catalog. Career Opportunities and Preparation for Graduate Study A major in the Study of Religion is designed to develop fundamental skills in critical thinking, comparative analysis, research, and written expression. As such, the B.A. degree is appropriate for careers in education, government, business, and non-profit agencies, it is also an excellent preparation for graduate study in a variety of fields and disciplines. Students interested in earning a California teaching credential from UCSD should contact the Teacher Education Program for further information. Students are encouraged to consult the program director for further information about career opportunities and graduate study. Courses RELI 1. Introduction to Religion (4) An introduction to key topics in the study of religion through a comparative reading of religious texts and/or artifacts. The intent is to develop basic strategies of interpretation for undertaking a critical, disciplined study of religion. RELI 110A. The Modern Study of Religion: Religion in Modernity (4) This class examines the history of the term "religion," focusing upon the development of religion's contemporary significance within the Reformation and Enlightenment, and questioning what it means to be "modern." Topics change yearly. Special attention to contemporary culture and politics. RELI 110B. The Modern Study of Religion: Social and Cultural Theories of Religion (4) An introduction to basic srategies of interpretation in the study of religion, including issues of category formation, theory, and method. Special attention paid to prominent voices of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including Marx, Freud, Durkheim, Eliade, etc. RELI 112. Texts and Contexts: The Holy Book in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (4) An introduction to the scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with the aim of providing a comparative perspective on the "bibles" of Western civilization. RELI 113. Texts and Contexts: Textual Communities in South Asia (4) This class considers important texts belonging to one or more of the following South Asian Traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, or Sikhism. It introduces students to the ways in which religious identities are formed and contested within a pluralistic society. RELI 196H. Honors Thesis Research (4) Honors thesis research for students accepted into the Honors Program. Research is conducted under the supervision of a program faculty member. RELI 199. Independent Study for Undergraduates Conduct independent advanced reading or research in religion under the supervision of a faculty member who is affiliated with the Program for the Study of Religion. (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisites: upper-division standing, consent of instructor, and permission of the program director. Approved Elective Courses The following lower- and upper-division courses are offered on a regular basis, although not every course is available every year. Please contact the program coordinator for approved courses in any given quarter. Students may petition other courses, including independent study and Education Abroad Program courses when appropriate. Lower-Division ANLD 1. Introduction to Culture HUM 1. The Foundations of Western Civilization: Israel and Greece HUM 2. Rome, Christianity, and the Middle Ages MMW 2. The Great Classical Traditions MMW 3. The Medieval Heritage PHIL 14. Introduction to Philosophy: Metaphysics PHIL 31. History of Philosophy: Ancient Philosophy RELI 1. Introduction to Religion SOC 1A, B. The Study of Society Upper-Division Methodological ANGN 113. Theories of Modern Subjectivity ANGN 120. Anthropology of Religion ANGN 147. Ritual and Symbolism ANGN 167. Rituals and Celebrations SOCA 100. Classical Sociological Theory SOCC 156. Sociology of Religion General Comparative ANGN 104. Anthropology of Fantasy ANGN 135. Bodies and Boundaries: Symbols in Ritual and Everyday Life HISC 162. History of Science and Religion LTWL 100. Mythology LTWL 133. Religion, Inside Out and Upside Down VIS 126F. Western and Non-Western Rituals and Ceremonies Religion in Historical Context ANRG 108. Hinduism ANRG 150. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Israel ANRG 173. Chinese Popular Religion HIEA 168. Topics in Classical and Medieval Chinese History HIEU 105. The Early Christian Church HIEU 113. Rule, Conflict, and Dissent in the Middle Ages HIEU 161. Topics in Roman History: Christianity in the Roman Empire HINE 100. The Ancient Near East and Israel HINE 102. The Jews in Their Homeland in Antiquity HINE 103. The Jewish Diaspora in Antiquity HINE 104. The Bible and the Near East: The Primary History HINE 105. The Bible and the Near East: The Prophets HINE 106. The Bible and the Near East: The Writings HINE 108. The Middle East Before Islam HINE 114. The History of the Islamic Middle East HIRE 115. Women in Chinese Religions HITO 104. Jews and Judaism in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds HITO 105. Jews and Judaism in the Modern World JUDA 110. Introduction to Judiac Studies LTWL 131A. The New Testament LTWL 131B. Paul and the Invention of Christianity LTWL 131C. Reinventing Jesus LTWL 131D. The Fourth Gospel LTWL 131E. The History of Heresy LTWL 131F. Christianity and the Roman Empire LTWL 131G. Against the Christians Religion and Society ANRG 170. Traditional Chinese Society HIEA 120. Classical Chinese Philosophy and Culture HIEU 110. The Rise of Europe HIEU 111. Europe in the Middle Ages HIEU 125. Reformation Europe HIEU 163. Topics in Medieval History: Saints in Social Context HINE 118. The Middle East in the Twentieth Century HINE 166. Nationalism in the Middle East LTWL 136. Goddesses and Women in India POLI 110A. Citizens and Saints: Political Thought from Plato to Augustine POLI 110B. Sovereign Subjects in the Modern State: Machiavelli to Rousseau POLI 110C. Revolution and Reaction: Political Thought from Kant to Nietzsche SOCB 160. Sociology of Culture SOCB 162R. Religion and Popular Culture in East Asia SOCC 157. Religion in Contemporary Society SOCD 158J. Religion and Ethics in China and Japan SOCD 188A. Community and Social Change in Africa SOCD 188B. Chinese Society Religion and Literature LTEN 106. Chaucer's Contemporaries LTEN 118. Milton LTEN 147. Metamorphoses of the Symbol: Mountains From Moses to Muir LTEN 149. Themes: New Testament and English and American Literature LTEU 100. Classical Tradition: Myths of Ancient Greeks and Romans LTEU 105. Medieval Studies: Dante LTNE 100. The Bible and Western Literature LTNE 101. The Bible: The Narrative Books LTNE 102. The Bible: The Prophetic Books LTNE 103. The Bible: The Poetic Books LTNE 150. Arabic Literature in Translation LTWL 101. What Socrates Knew LTWL 135. The Buddhist Imaginary LTWL 145. South Asian Religious Literatures: Selected Topics Religion and Philosophy PHIL 104. The Rationalists PHIL 130. Metaphysics PHIL 185. Philosophy of Religion Religion and the Arts THHS 103. Ancient Greek Drama in Modern Version VIS 120A. Greek Art VIS 120B. Roman Art VIS 120C. Late Antique Art VIS 121B. Castles, Cathedrals, and Cities VIS 121D. The Illuminated Manuscript in the Middle Ages VIS 122AN. Renaissance Art VIS 122E. The City in Italy VIS 123AN. Between Spirit and Flesh: Northern Art of the Early Renaissance VIS 124BN. Art and the Enlightenment VIS 126BN. The Art and Civilization of the Ancient Maya







Copyright 2001, The Regents of the University of California. Last modified July 13, 2001. Reflects information in the printed 2001-2002 General Catalog. Contact individual departments for the very latest information.