Religious Studies
Course Offerings - Fall 2006
RELI 1000-01
TR
1:20-2:35
and OnLine
RELI 2175-01
TR
1:20-2:35
RELI 2250-01
TR
9:35-10:50
RELI 2320-01
TR
11:00-12:15
And Online
RELI 3200-01
TR
1:20-2:35
RELI 4113-01
MW
11:00-12:15
RELI 4500-01
TR
9:35-10:50
RELI 4500-02
TR
1:20-2:35
RELI 4500-03
M
6:00-8:30
Introduction to Religion - C1/G1, CH/G
Life & Teaching of Jesus - C1
Wood
As the Christian Messiah, Jesus played an important role in western history. Nations and people took Jesus’ teachings and
applied them to their own situations. Go to the earliest evidence and investigate Jesus’ life and thoughts; study how he
expressed ideas; and how the earliest church recorded the stories.
American Religion 1 – CH
Newell
Traces the history of religion in America through the Civil War. We will pay particular attention to the intertwining of
religion and colonialism; the tension between emerging Protestant hegemony and religious pluralism; and the roles religion
has played in justifying oppression and pursuing liberty in American history.
History of Islam - CH/G
Ward
The Media gives the impression of Islam as a religion of "angry young men" who hate. Learn how Islam is a religion of love
of God and family, as well as respect for others. Learn how Islam has been practiced through time and what events shaped it.
Religion & American Culture - C1
Newell
Explore the role of religion in the history of American culture. Consider how developments in American religious history
reflect larger trends, and how those developments have helped shape American society and culture.
Medieval Religious Dissent - C1
Utterback
Religious dissent in the Middle Ages included what we would call heresy, but also encompasses such marginal groups as
Jews and witches. Examines development of orthodoxy and persecution of religious diversity between eleventh and 16th
centuries within the historical context of the times.
Topics: Ancient Judaism
Flesher
After the end of the Israelite monarchy, ancient Judaism took on many varieties. Scribes were interested in the truths of
wisdom, visionaries pursued apocalyptic prophecies, the Qumran sectarians lived in a desert monastery, and the rabbis tried
to reorganize society. This course will look at these groups and aim to understand how they shaped their world and the future
of Judaism.
Topics: Modern Mid-East
Ward
Surveys the Middle East from 1700 to the present. Emphasizes the demise of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of domination by
European colonial powers, transformations in political, social, religious and cultural life, the rise of nationalist movements,
the influence of oil, the growth of Islamist political groups and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Topics: The Early Church and Its Bible
Azar/Walker
This course will investigate the origins of the Christian Bible and its use among Christians through the first six centuries,
arguing three theses: 1) the church invented the Bible; 2) the Bible invented Christianity; and 3) inventions do not stand still.
LANG 1010-01 Intro to Hebrew
TR
2:45-4:30
Flesher
Religion is central in shaping culture. While cultural differences stem from religion, many similarities find their expression in
religion. Learn about several world religions and the way each understands the world and influences its adherents.
Ward
Hebrew is the language of the Bible and modern Israel; essential for learning about the modern Middle East and about the
Western religious tradition. Learn this fascinating and historic language.
Course Offerings - Summer 2006
RELI 2110-01
M-F, 6:00-8:00
5/15-6/11
RELI 2150-01
M-F, 1:20-3:40
6/12 – 7/9
RELI 4500-01
M-F, 1:20-3:40
6/12 – 7/9
RELI 4500-41
6/12-8/4
Old Testament Intro
Pettis
Introduces students to the books of the Old Testament and people whose way of life they describe. Pays particular attention to
religion of the Israelites, their history and culture. Focuses on different historical circumstances in which the books were
written.
New Testament
Azar
Introduces academic study of the New Testament. Focuses on questions of history, religious and cultural context, occasion
and purpose for writing the different books and theological development of early Christianity.
Topics: God/Death/Life
Bengson
What is the meaning of life? Does God exist? Is there an afterlife? Must there be a God or an afterlife in order for life to be
meaningful? What is the meaning of life from an atheistic perspective? As for death, is it something to be feared? Does it
rob life of meaning? Why is death so bad, anyway? These are the sorts of questions that will be asked and, with a bit of luck,
answered in this course.
Moses, Jesus, & Mohammad
Ward
As "founders" of the religious communities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, these remarkable leaders left a broad mark on
the history and philosophy of humankind. Examine each one's biography within historical context, in sacred literature and
"sacred histories," in scholarly debate and popular culture. Explore several perspectives to illuminate how the narratives about
each have shaped our world.
If you would like more information or want to pursue a Minor in Religious Studies,
contact the Religious Studies Advisor: Professor Paul Flesher, Hoyt Hall 309B, 766-2616.
Check out the Religious Studies homepage at: http://www.uwyo.edu/RelStds