This course introduces students to the academic study of religion. Various theories and methodologies are studied to understand the role of religion in society. This class focuses on theology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberationist theory, feminist/womanist theological ethics, and queer theory as a way to study religion critically. Satisfies SEEDS Analyzing Cultures and Societies student learning outcome in alignment with Diversity and Intercultural Competency value.
REL 208 RELIGION IN AMERICA, The history of religion in the United States, from the colonial period to the present day., Topics will include: the religious situation in, Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries;, immigration patterns of the colonists; frontier, expansion and the industrial revolution; the, growth of denominationalism; religion and, science; liberal and conservative ends; civil, religion; "cults'' and other contemporary, issues. 1 c.u., , Prerequisite: WRT 107/108/109 with a final grade, of C- or better.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 107 with a final grade of C- or better. Selected poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction that explore such topics as faith, the nature and presence of God, death and immortality, spirituality, sin, and salvation. The course invites students to examine and reflect on the interrelationship of literary expression and a theological understanding of the world. Writing Intensive. Mutually Exclusive with ENG 227.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 108 or WRT 109 with a final grade of C- or better. This course will introduce the student to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam. It will also survey major historical, cultural, theological, and social developments. Special attention will be given to the Arabian origins of Islam and to its subsequent growth into a dynamic global tradition. The role of Islam in the modern world and its impact on American society will also be considered. Mutually Exclusive with AFS 232.
This course explores various religious traditions and contemporary issues beyond standard curricula. It includes Western and non-Western religions, new religious movements, and examines religion's impact on literature, art, politics, and society. Students will analyze how religion shapes ethical frameworks and discuss topics such as social justice, global ethics, race, culture, gender, and sexuality. The course incorporates perspectives from theology, philosophy, social ethics, feminist/womanist and queer theories, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. It is repeatable for up to 12 credits. Satisfies SEEDS Analyzing Cultures and Societies student learning outcome in alignment with Diversity and Intercultural Competency value.
This course examines various expressions and forms of African spirituality, ethic, and culture. It challenges the long-standing myth that African religions are based on a monolithic cultural system. Religious traditions from West and Central Africa are central to the objectives of this course. Equivalent course REL/AFS 360 effective through Summer 2026. Mutually Exclusive with AFS 260.
Prerequisite(s): WRT 108 or WRT 109 with a minimum grade of C- or higher. This course investigates the intersections of religion, gender, and sexuality. It looks into the role that societal norms and cultural values play in how social and religious institutions view sex, sexuality, and gender in relation to religious convictions and practices. It emphasizes that both religion and sexuality are shaped by social privileges, historical particularities, and experiences. Mutually Exclusive with WMS 280.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. This course provides students with the opportunity to work on a project that shows not only their talents but also what they have learned about religion and society during their tenure at Bloomfield College. Students may decide to write a major research paper or create an artistic project.