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.

This course will explore religious attitudes towards nature and the environment. After an introductory section about the environmental movement and the contemporary environmental crisis, we will examine writings about nature by Native Americans, Christians, and Buddhists. We will consider, among other questions, how well the different religious attitudes towards nature help or hinder efforts to address environmental problems.

A religious, cultural, and political history of one of the Western world's most enduringly important cities.

This course will survey the development of Christian ideas and institutions from their beginning in the first century as a tiny movement on the fringes of Judaism, through the period of Christian empire, and ending with the apparent secularization of much of the west and the growth of Christianity in the 'Global South'. Each day we will discuss primary readings in their historical contexts. We will pay particular attention to the many different ways Christians have described the relation of church and state and of religion and science.

Some scholars have argued that there is no such thing as 'Buddhism' in the singular, but only 'Buddhisms' in the plural. This course introduces students to the historically and culturally diverse expressions of Buddhism. We will ask ourselves what Buddhism has meant to different people in different times and places, with particular attention to changing conceptions of belief and practice. Among the traditions we will study are Theravada, Zen, Pure Land, and Tantra.

This is an introduction to contemporary and classical Buddhist ethical ideals. Working with primary and secondary sources, we will ask the following questions: Is the universe moral? What are Buddhist ethical ideals and who embodies these? How do contemporary Buddhists interpret classical ethical ideals? What moral dilemmas do Buddhists face today? How do Buddhists grapple with moral ambiguity? We will consider the perspectives of Buddhists from different cultures including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and the United States.

Mary Daly, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, Phyllis Trible, and Judith Plaskow, among others, have argued that traditional Jewish and Christian theological systems have overlooked the needs, concerns, histories, and contributions of women. Their challenges range from the historical modification of a presumably unbiased religious system to the outright rejection of a so-called patriarchal establishment.

This course offers practice in writing various kinds of narrative. Assignments emphasize clarity, concision, and creativity. Exercises lead to longer work: sketches, or short stories. Students hone critical as well as writing skills. Student papers are duplicated and discussed in class, along with selected works by published authors.

If all is fair in love and war, are there rules for the game of power and seduction? As we move through the golden ages of absolute power in Spain, France, and Italy, will we witness a change for women? Students will explore such questions as they read plays by Tirso de Molina, Jos' Zorilla, Moli're, Beaumarchais, Goldoni; Mozart's opera Don Giovanni, and film versions of Dangerous Liaisons and Casanova's Memoirs.

This course will examine the work of contemporary American filmmaker Terrence Malick. While taking into account technical aspects (cinematography, music), ours will be a largely thematic discussion, looking at recurring themes such as good vs. evil, nature vs. culture and spirituality. Selected critical essays will deepen our conversation and reveal some of the myriad literary, philosophical and theological texts that serve as the conceptual underpinnings of Malick's films.