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.
Habits of Inquiry and Reflection (pdf)
Read this documentDepartment of Religious Studies
Visit UsTopics 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.