Introduction to the literature, art, architecture, philosophy and history of the ancient and medieval West, with emphasis on classical Greece and Rome and the European Middle Ages.

Introduction to the literature, art, architecture, music, philosophy, and history of the West from the Renaissance to the present.

Introduction to the cultural history of late medieval and modern Asia incorporating examples of art, literature, philosophy, and religion, providing a survey of China, India, and several other distinct cultures of the areas surrounding them--especially Japan.

Exploration of the history and methodology of Religious Studies, including the analysis of several significant theories of the origin and function of religion. Methods and theories drawn from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, history, anthropology, philosophy and feminist studies.

Study of Roman culture and its influence. Emphasis on art, architecture, literature, history, philosophy and religion of Rome from the early Republic to the end of the Western Empire.

Study of Greek and Roman myths and hero tales and their place in the arts and literature of Western civilization. Also provides an introduction to the general nature and function of myth.

Study of the New Testament literature in its historical and cultural setting. Topics covered include the literary relationships of the four Gospels, the historical Jesus, the evolution of early Christianity, and the diverse theologies represented in the letters of Paul and other canonical and non-canonical writings.

European Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Emphasis on the evolution of Christian thought, the co-existence of the Catholic and Protestant traditions and the relationship of religious and secular values in European society.

Cross Listed: HIST 127; only one may be counted for credit.

Comparative inquiry into the nature of global religions. Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam will be studied. Material and social aspects of these religions will be considered along with primary beliefs and practices. The common yearning to experience the divine and the numinous will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Examines in cultural and historical perspective, drawing on both ancient and contemporary sources, the key practices and ideas of Buddhist traditions in India, China, Southeast Asia, Tibet, Japan, and other surrounding regions; as well as the more recent spread of these practices and ideas to Europe, North America, and Australia.

Cross listed: HIST 147

Introduction to the nature and function of myth. The specific literature studied will be exclusive of classical mythology and because of the breadth of subject matter will vary in content. The mythology of at least four cultures will be covered each term.

Comparative inquiry into the critical connection between religion and nature. Traditional views of selfhood, the sacred, morality and specific ecological issues, such as energy consumption will be examined through representative sources in world religions.

Topically structured, interdisciplinary introduction to the cultural experiences of historically under-represented groups. Historical and contemporary events, as well as values and beliefs in American culture, are examined through various artistic expressions, such as music, painting and literature.

Examination of the ways in which physical spaces within America contribute to the formation of American identities and vice versa. Interdisciplinary and topically organized, analyzes both exterior and interior spaces: city, suburb, regions, body, mind, and the borderlands, to name a few. Also studies the interaction of race, class, gender, and sexuality with space and identity.

Interdisciplinary survey of major events, trends and figures in American history viewed through the lenses of American literature, visual arts, music and architecture. The arts in America are studied in relation to major ideas, significant personalities and important historical events from the period of the early republic to the present.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

Cross Listed: HIST 168; only one may be counted for credit.

Chronological survey of American films and their cultural significance from the 1890s to the present. Focus on films produced in Hollywood, the contexts in which they were created and the impact of Hollywood as a geographical and mythical place in the development of American culture.

Cross Listed: HIST 169; only one may be counted for credit.

Comparative study of the cultural heritages of China and Japan through literature, art, religion, philosophy and history. East Asian modes of thinking and humanistic expressions will be identified and contrasted with those of the West.

A Survey of Hindu religious teachings, stories, and history, as expressed through the holy days and festivals celebrated each spring and summer by Hindus throughout India and abroad, during which ideas, stories, and values are transmitted from one generation to the next. Examines the little understood and rarely discussed historical development behind each celebration, based on both ancient and contemporary sources, thereby revealing why Hindu ideas and history have remained compelling to Hindus for thousands of years.

Introduction to the aesthetics of cinema with special attention to the evolution of critical theories of cinema within the framework of twentieth century arts and ideas.

Examination of the religious and spiritual dimensions of selected films from around the world. The cinematic arts are examined in relationship to religious and spiritual concerns, concepts, and values.

Seminar for Humanities and Religious Studies majors. Examines philosophies and theories of perception as applied to cultures, religious traditions, nature, film and literature. Investigates consciousness through examination of the subjectivity of human perception.

Prerequisite: Completion of 9 units of lower division core courses and eligibility for WI classes based on WPJ placement score or passage of the appropriate prerequisite; HRS major or minors only

Cross listed: HRS 290C

Senior seminar for Humanities and Religious Studies majors with Humanities Concentration; focuses on the perspectives and methods of the academic study of the humanities. Topics chosen by the instructor.

Note: May be repeated once for credit.

Prerequisite: Completion of 12 units of HRS lower division core courses, HRS 105, senior status; or instructor permission.

Tutorial-reading course involving independent research. Topic and research method to be decided upon jointly by student and instructor.

Note: May be repeated for credit.

Introduction to critical methodologies in the Humanities and to techniques of formal analysis as applied to specific eras and artworks in Western cultural history.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Survey of the major religious beliefs and practices in the Greco-Roman world from 100B.C.E. -- 400C.E. Topics include traditional Greek and Roman religions, healing cults, philosophical religion and Gnosticism.

Seminar for graduate students studying in the Department of Humanities and Religious Studies. Examines philosophies and theories of perception as applied to cultures, religious traditions, nature, film and literature. Investigates consciousness through examination of the subjectivity of human perception.

Prerequisite: Must be an HRS major or minor; Completion of 9 units of HRS lower division core courses and eligibility for WI classes based on WPJ placement score or passage of the appropriate prerequisite

Cross listed: HRS 190C

Graduate level tutorial-reading course involving independent research. Topic and research method to be decided upon jointly by student and instructor.

Prerequisite: Approval of the faculty member under whom the work is to be conducted and of the department's Graduate Advisor.

Completion of a thesis or comprehensive examination.

Prerequisite: Advanced to candidacy and permission of the Graduate Coordinator.