Religion 200 - Colloquium: What is Religion?

Colq: What is Religion?

Fall
2023
01
4.00
David Howlett

TU TH 9:25 AM - 10:40 AM

Smith College
REL-200-01-202401
Seelye 308
dhowlett@smith.edu
What is religion really? Is it an explanation of the world, a vehicle for reaching divinity, or a system for social connection? Is it a by-product of human evolution, a reflection of economic practices, or a category created by colonialism? Is it somehow all of the above? And how does “religion” and its intersections with race, class, gender, and politics inform our place in the world? We explore these questions by reading classic and contemporary scholars, drawing from disciplines such as anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, American studies, and gender studies, and investigating what religion means and does for Smith students. Enrollment limited to 18.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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