UCOR Section Descriptions

Course Description

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the multi-faceted world of the Hebrew Bible. In addition to reading and analyzing significant portions of the biblical text, students will become aware of and engage with important issues in the study of the Bible: the application of various methodologies (historical-critical, literary, theological, and gender-sensitive lenses); the existence of various types of literature within the Bible (narrative, poetry, law); the role of the Hebrew Bible in interfaith dialogue; and the significance of the study of "Scripture".

Course Description

Exploration of key issues, as well as appropriate methods, in Christian-Buddhist interchange and reflection. This course will study Buddhist and Christian traditions in terms of their sacred texts, doctrines and beliefs, rituals, ethics, and spiritual practices. Students will be acquainted with the philosophical and theological approaches, as well as to the more socio-cultural approach in the field of religious studies. Special attention will be given to the historical encounter of Jesuit missionary works in Asia as case-study of Christian-Buddhist dialogue.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the Qur'an, considering the Qur'an as a basis for the theological and ethical teachings for Muslims, as well as a source of literary inspiration. We will study the Qur'an in terms of its main features and themes, covering classical interpretive traditions and contemporary academic approaches, as well as the relationship between the content of the Qur'an and many practical and existential elements of Muslim life.

Course Description

Students in this course will explore the way gender is constructed (and deconstructed) in the texts of Hebrew Bible. By analyzing large portions of the text, students will gain understanding of gender assumptions that still play a role in our lives today, as well as the profound distinctions between our contemporary society and the historical and social context of the Bible. In addition, students will gain language and skills for analyzing gender and identity in multiple contexts.

Course Description

Students in this course will explore the way gender is constructed (and deconstructed) in the texts of Hebrew Bible. By analyzing large portions of the text, students will gain understanding of gender assumptions that still play a role in our lives today, as well as the profound distinctions between our contemporary society and the historical and social context of the Bible. In addition, students will gain language and skills for analyzing gender and identity in multiple contexts.

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of world religions. Religious traditions studied include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition to engaging in an overview of these traditions, students will also learn about religious studies as a discipline, and about the methods involved in comparative religion. This will necessarily involve discussions of feminist and post-colonial critiques.

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of world religions. Religious traditions studied include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition to engaging in an overview of these traditions, students will also learn about religious studies as a discipline, and about the methods involved in comparative religion. This will necessarily involve discussions of feminist and post-colonial critiques.

Course Description

We will use a combination of historical, textual, legal, and anthropological approaches to analyze the complex interplay between Quranic exegesis, Islamic religious traditions, gender, sexuality and politics in the Muslim world. We will start with Quranic tenets and traditional precepts on gender and sexuality; we will continue with a study of how classical interpretations were altered by the encounter with the West; and we will conclude with different views and strategies adopted by Muslim women and gay, lesbian, and transgender Muslims around the world.

Course Description

This course introduces students to Islam as a historical religion and a lived tradition. Core readings include passages from the Muslim scripture, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, and the classics of Islamic law, theology, and mysticism. The course also introduces students to the key texts of modern Islamic studies, especially those that contextualize Islam in relation to other Near Eastern religious traditions. Class readings also address numerous aspects of contemporary Islam, from gender struggles to the American-Muslim experience.

Course Description

This course investigates the philosophical, social and psychological forces at work in the way humans create and deploy monsters to cope with the fear and uncertainty. Using philosophical and psychological resources, and drawing from stories, myths and media, this class seeks to understand and rethink the way strangers are turned to monsters.