REL 184 CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS

Christian Traditions asks students to consider the long history of Christianity and the many ways that people have thought about and practiced its diverse forms. Rather than treat Christianity as just one thing that is stable across all times and places, this course notes the many different ways that Christians have found it meaningful. What issues have different Christians found important? How have different Christians thought about divine revelation? How have different Christians thought about their roles in society? Students will engage materials ranging from St. Anthony’s ancient desert battles with the devil to Joseph Smith’s encounter with the Book of Mormon to present-day LGBTQA+ liberation theology.

Credits

4 sh

Offered

• Spring

Course Outcomes

1. Students will distinguish diverse practices within a particular religious worldview.
2. Students will recognize and analyze how religious traditions and/or identities emerge over time and within specific settings.
3. Students will recognize and explain the ways in which religious practices and traditions are embedded and function within, cultural, political and economic systems.
4. Students will apply disciplinary perspectives in analyzing texts, traditions, institutions, and practices.