Religious Studies

This course covers the first half of Islamic history from 600 to 1300 C.E. At the beginning of this period, Arab Muslims established a new religion and a new empire. These developments took place at the intersections of religions (Jewish, Christian, and Zoroastrian faiths) and at the crossroads of empires (Roman and Sasanian states) in the Middle East. Within this context, we will study the construction of Muslim empires and the dynamics of life in Islamic societies during the classical and medieval periods. The course concludes in the 1300s, a pivotal moment when Islamic societies had to respond to invasions by Turks, Crusaders, and Mongols that contributed to the fragmentation of Islamic civilization. By studying the early years of Islamic history, we can witness the construction of a major civilization from its very beginnings.

This course explores some of the major themes in the history of nonwestern Christianity by giving special emphasis on the role played by nonwestern missionaries, indigenous Christian leaders, and European missionaries. It focuses on the history of Christianity in the nonwestern world by exploring Christianity that evolved from the first century in Jerusalem and how it has developed and functions in the contemporary world. The course also examines Christianity that has its roots in western Christianity and looks at how it has translated itself into nonwestern world by exploring how the transition has taken place, informed by specific local contexts, cultures and specific experiences of people.

This course examines the influence of colonizer religions on countries in Africa and how these religions are used in political relationships between African countries, specifically Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. It primarily focuses on Islam and Christianity but also includes indigenous religions found in various regions. Topics include missions and colonization, African Pentecostalism, political Islam and radical movements, and Islamo-Christian relations.

The course addresses the conflicts between religion and state from a number of different perspectives. Historical and philosophical perspectives of the relations between the two will be presented. The particulars of the situation in Israel will be presented in light of Israeli history and in comparison to other states' arrangements. The course aims to give students a view of the variety of relations that have existed and do exist between religious bodies and states and to present the Israeli situation in these perspectives.