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College of Arts and Sciences

Faith Traditions

The following courses address the theme of Faith Traditions, one of the seven institutional learning goals articulated in the Habits of Inquiry and Reflection (HIR). These courses are CAP-approved for the Faith Traditions and Advanced Religious Studies requirements. They are offered by the Department of Religious Studies.

Topics in Religious Studies, Summer 2023

Instructor: Adam Sheridan

This course will critically examine the intersection of religion and sports. It will address this intersection from a variety of faith traditions. It will place a particular emphasis on the role that faith traditions inform the practice of sport as well as contemporary concerns for justice and inclusion. A prerequisites is REL 103. This course satisfies the faith traditions and advanced religious studies CAP requirements.


Instructor: Nikki Tousley

Drawing on Jewish and Christian theological traditions, this course will explore practices of rest and worship as they inform reflections on care for creation and justice.


Instructor: Elizabeth Groppe

Explore faith traditions through the prism of reflection on our daily practices of eating, religious rituals related to food and agricultural practices and policies.


Topics in Religious Studies, Fall 2023

MWF, 9:05-9:55 a.m.

Instructor: John Morgan

This course is an introduction to the life and work of Thomas Aquinas. Rooted in his historical context, we examine the world into which he was born and how it helped form his theology.


TR, 8-9:15 a.m.

Instructor: Renita Green

This course will examine the theological components of protest (chants, memorials, resistance, etc.) experienced during the 2014 uprising in Ferguson, Mo., using The Lord’s Prayer as a framework for activism.


TR, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Instructor: Robert Pryor

What are the various types of Buddhism and how are they understood by those who follow them? This course is an exploration of the origin and development of Buddhist traditions in Asia, as seen in contemporary examples of how these philosophies are lived through custom, belief and practice today.


TR, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Instructor: Jusuf Salih

This is a historical and topical survey of the origins and development of Islam. Special attention will be given to the life and career of the Prophet Muhammad.


TR, 2-3:15 p.m.

Instructor: Gloria Dodd

This course explores Catholic prayers and devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and how
they express Catholic teachings about Mary. Prerequisites are REL 103, ASI 110 or equivalent.


TR, 3:35-4:50 p.m.

Instructor: Kathy Stout

This course will study a collection of Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings with special attention to the topics of peace, ecology, mindfulness, interbeing and interreligious dialogue.


TR, 5:05-6:20 p.m.

Instructor: Hara Jun

Exploration of women in the Hebrew Bible and the roles they play in the biblical text in order to understand the gender dynamic and culture of the ancient Near East. Comparison of the idea of womanhood in antiquity with modern times. 


CONTACT

College of Arts and Sciences

O'Reilly Hall
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0800
937-229-2611