RELI 090 A-Z - (HP) Special Topics in Religion

Semester Hours: 1-3

Studies in such special topics as the psychology of religion; religion in America; new religious movements; religion, media and American culture; and religion and the liberal arts. For additional information on these courses, visit the Department of Religion website.

Current Special Topics

RELI 090F - Religion and Film

What does the sensory, embodied experience of watching films have to do with notions of the sacred and the transcendent? Can films reveal truths even as they trade in fiction? This seminar-based course will trace the permeation of religious themes, both explicit and implicit, in international cinema across different genres. As a class we will meet only once a week so that we may watch films in their entirety and without interruption.

RELI 090G - Witchcraft and the Occult

Course explores the cultural role of witchcraft, paying attention to its paradoxical role as, on one hand, a dangerous accusation in some cultures and historical periods; and on the other hand, as a form of self-identification as in contemporary Wicca. We will also explore the history of the occult in the West as a key site for experiments with gender and sexual nonconformity, before focusing in more depth on contemporary manifestations of witchcraft in America.

Same as WST 151S , LGBT 181E

RELI 090K - Religion and Emotions

Focuses on historical changes and variations in emotions such as anger, fear, friendship, grief, envy, and/or love, and their relationship to individual, cultural, religious, or national identity. How do attitudes, expressions, and displays of these emotions develop over time? What are the roles of nature and culture in the formation of these emotions?

Same as HIST 158

RELI 090T - (CC, HP) MARTIAL ARTS

This course will study the conjunction of religion and martial arts across a variety of styles and traditions. We begin with a general and varied introduction to the humanities and social sciences to prepare the ground for how to approach religion and the martial arts. Then we will read some of the classic texts (Art of War, Book of Five Rings, Hagukare’s secret wisdom of the Samurai, Bushido, Ueshiba’s Art of Peace) and in the last section critically reflect on their transition to modern contexts.

Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) which is affixed to the course number. May be repeated three times for a maximum of 9 semester hours when topics vary.

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Fall 2026

January 2027

Spring 2027