Master's Level Religious Studies Courses
(in development)
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 301- METHODOLOGIES IN WORLD RELIGIONS.
An intensive study of the methods and techniques employed in different religions for the realization of spiritual objectives; rationalistic method leading to theology; intuitive and emotional methods leading to mysticism and spiritual awareness; actionable methods leading to human service, rituals, and organizational work.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 305 - JUDAISM AND THE KABBALAH.
The concepts and institutions of classical or "normative" Judaism, in the setting of the Hellenistic-Roman world. A conceptual approach to law, ethics, philosophy and culture of post-Biblical Judaism. Consideration will be given to the mystical aspect of the Kabbalah and its relationship to the major Jewish "Schools" and to the early Christian Church.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 306 - ISLAM, SUFISM AND THE KORAN.
A study of the rise and development of Islamic religion and culture, the Sufi and Bahai, and the main teachings and moral standards found in the koran, with special attention to mysticism and modernism.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 307 - THE BHAGAVAD GITA AND HINDUISM.
An intensive examination and interpretation both of the Gita as a whole and of certain of its parts-e.g. the seven major Yoga systems presented therein; and a consideration of the relation of these areas to various aspects of the Hindu system of religious thought.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 308 - THE UPANISHADS AND THE VEDAS.
An in-depth study of the literature of the Upanishads in order to identify selected issues of spiritual development and the tracing of different non-dualistic responses to these issues as considered in the major Vedas (Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Summa Veda, Yajur Veda).
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 309 - MAHAYANA AND HINAYANA BUDDHISM.
An advanced study of the basic principles of the Buddhist perspectives as presented by the Hinayana-Mahayana school of thinkers. Particular attention will be given to this school's thoughts concerning the Buddhist theories of man, perfection, Nirvana and the practices of spiritual Death/Birth and Liberation.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 310 - LAO TZU AND TAO-TE-CHING.
A historical and conceptual understanding of the man Lao Tzu and his literary masterpiece the Tao-te-Ching with comparisons to yoga philosophy of China, India and Tibet.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 314 - ECUMENISM AND RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY.
A study of the essential unity in all religions based on the natural original awareness of the numinous, or the Divine Presence; the evolution or development of this original awareness is traced from the most simple hylozoism or animism to the highest spiritual awareness. An examination of the basis for ecumenism in certain essential and universal human values.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 325 - RELIGION AND SOCIOLOGY.
This course will identify and analyze ethical issues arising from social groups today. In discussing the issues, account will be taken of the bearing of religious institutions and traditions upon social attitudes and problems. Topics will vary from year to year, but examples of problem areas that have evoked ethical and religious debate are: economic and social inequality, race relations, violence and war, hunger and poverty, population growth.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 328 - ZOROASTRIANISM.
An in-depth study of the life and teachings of Zoroaster.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 334 - CHRISTIAN ESCHATOLOGY AND THE NEXT WORLD.
The study of Christian last day prophecies, including Matthew 24 and the book of Revelation.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 335 - RELIGION AND MYSTICISM.
A philosophical, psychological, and social study of the relations between religion and mystical consciousness including biographical references to Indian, Chinese, Buddhist, Christian and Islamic mystics.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 340 - LIVES, WORKS, AND TEACHINGS OF THE GREAT RELIGIOUS TEACHERS.
An intensive study of the life and teachings of the great religious thinkers of humanity. (This course may also be divided into sub-courses valued at 3 units each.).
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 342 - SOURCES OF FEMINIST SPIRITUALITY.
An intensive analytical and interpretative study of written essays, poems and reference texts which define varying major perspectives relating to 'feminist spirituality' from its inception up to the present time.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 344 - ISLAMIC MYSTICS.
A study of Islamic mystical movements and their founders, including Sufi, Sikh and Bahai.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 347 - MEDITATION TECHNIQUES.
A study of ancient and modern types of meditation techniques, their purpose and their goal in India and in the United States.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 350 - MYTH, RITUAL, AND THE MIRACULOUS OF RELIGION.
A historical study of the origins and development of esoteric beliefs and practices involving claims to paranormal spiritual and psychic powers or faculties of human beings. The course will survey the history of the so-called "magical" or "miraculous" elements in human religious experience from primitive to modern settings, through Egypt, India, Mesopotamia, Ancient Israel, Greece, and Rome, Early and Medieval Christianity to the cults, sects, secret societies and quasi-religious movements of the modern period.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 355 - RELIGION AND PSYCHICAL RESEARCH.
A survey of recent scientific studies of paranormal phenomena occurring in dreams, visions, trance-states, hypnosis, and various ecstatic mystical experiences, the results of thanatological studies, the quest for post-mortem survival evidence, and general research parapsychology and paraphysics. The course will relate this body of research to the various root typologies of classical human religious experience found in primitive, ancient-sacral, and classical religious traditions of East and West.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 396 - SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINAR.
Special topic seminars cover material not found elsewhere in the curriculum.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 397 - INDEPENDENT STUDY/RESEARCH.
An individualized course for students who would like to engage in indepth study or research on a particular topic of their choosing.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 398 - THESIS WRITING.
A guided study in the proper writing of a Master's Thesis.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES 399 - Thesis Writing.
Thesis preparation, submission and defense ( 6 units).
|
:: Home :: Catalog :: Assignments :: Registration :: Contact ::