'Investigates the development of Western philosophy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries through the writings of Descartes, Locke, Leibniz, Hume, and Kant. Focus on the apparent conflict between modern natural science and traditional religion as sources of knowledge and belief. Topics include the nature and extent of human knowledge, the nature of the mind, the existence of God, and the possibility of human freedom.'

'This course will explore topics that philosophers have grappled with for thousands of years, and that still undergird (or sometimes threaten to undermine) our understanding of the world, our knowledge, ourselves, and each other. In historical and modern texts of the Western intellectual tradition, we will discuss questions such as: What exists? What knowledge can we claim? What are people like? What is, or should be, our role in the world? In considering these answers, we will learn to do philosophy ourselves, developing our own careful reflections on these issues.'

'This course examines the various ways first- through fifth-century Christians addressed questions regarding human sexuality. We will concentrate on the rise of sexual asceticism and pay particular attention to the relationship between sexuality and issues of gender, culture, power, and resistance. Primary readings will include letters, narrative accounts of female and male ascetics, monastic rules, and 'heretical' scriptures. These will be supplemented by modern scholarship in early Christian studies and the history of sexuality.'

'This course explores the role of food and eating in Jewish religious culture, but will also include a significant comparative religious dimension. Topics will include the ritual, religious, and social significance of the dietary laws in Judaism, the symbolic foods of Passover and other festivals, fasting and ascetic attitudes toward food, as well as food culture as a marker of Jewish identity.'

'In this thematic and historical introduction to the major religious tradition of India, Hinduism is explored in its various expressions, including texts (Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita), myths and gods (Krishna, the Great Goddess), philosophy, rites, art, worship, and popular practice. The roles of key religious figures (Shankara, Mirabai), movements (Bhakti), techniques (yoga), institutions (guru, caste, women's rites), and concepts (karma, dharma) are studied in their cultural contexts, and with reference to issues of gender, class, and agency.

'Mysticism refers to a type of religious life in which individuals seek intimate and personal, direct and intense experience of the Divine. There exists a rich and fascinating Jewish mystical tradition with hundreds of books of diverse kinds.

'This course provides a critical introduction to the writings contained in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament). It investigates the social and historical context of the ancient Israelites, examines a range of ancient Near Eastern literature, and introduces the principal methods of biblical studies. Participants will read much of the Hebrew Bible as well as select non-Israelite sources.

'An exploration of musical theatre from both a production and performance standpoint. Classes will focus on acting the song, character development for the musical style, physicalization, the world of the musical, and a historical overview of American Musical Theatre. Four to five musicals will be used as source material.'

'This course is for actors, directors, dramaturges, choreographers, anthropologists, video and visual artists, and designers. This workshop will develop performance pieces collaboratively. Students will work in teams that explore and investigate a chosen theme, a piece of text, or a type of behavior. Student will present weekly projects over the course of the semester. Use of edited sound, images, and video.'

'This course offers practice in the fundamentals of dramatic structure and technique. Weekly reading assignments will examine the unique nature of writing for the theatre, nuts and bolts of format, tools of the craft, and the playwright's process from formulating a dramatic idea to rewriting. Weekly writing assignments will include scenework, adaptation, and journaling. The course will culminate in the writing of a one-act play. Each class meeting will incorporate reading student work aloud with feedback from the instructor and the class.