AUREL - Augustana Faculty - Religion

An introduction to the study of religion, focusing on major religions of the world. The course briefly examines the histories of these religions and various social and cultural phenomena associated with them, and also introduces students to the contemporary discipline of religious studies and the theories and methods associated with it.

Several contemporary feminist theological approaches will be used to analyze religious and devotional writings by women from various historical periods and areas of the English-speaking world. Texts in the areas of scripture, systematic theology, ethics, and feminist theory and spirituality will be analyzed to understand the importance of feminist theological practice in dialogue with the Judeo-Christian tradition and women's struggles for justice and well-being. Literary texts will include fiction, poetry, essays and personal narrative by authors such as Toni Morrison, Louise Erdrich, Alice Sebold, Emily Dickinson, Adrienne Rich, and Louise Glück. Prerequisites: 3 units in English at the 100-level. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUREL 202, 302.

Introduction to religious studies through an examination of contemporary theological interpretations of one central figure, Jesus of Nazareth.

An introduction to the literature of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), focusing on the history of its books, and on their contents and major themes. The course also introduces students to the issues of interpretation, examining how different religious communities and individuals read the texts, and surveying contemporary academic biblical studies.

Attempt to interpret selected prophets within their historical context. The course explores the relevance of the prophetic mode of analyzing contemporary society.

An introduction to the concept of religion, through studying and reflecting critically upon the work of prominent and influential thinkers from the fields of anthropology, psychology, sociology and contemporary religious studies. Coursework focuses upon the challenge of defining religion as a human phenomenon, and comparing and evaluating different approaches to understanding it as such.

Contemporary problems in religious ethics and their impact on individual and collective decision-making in the areas of personal and social issues.

This course surveys the varied approaches to healing and experiences of sickness in modern life. It does so by investigating health, healing, and religion philosophically (in the way we think about ourselves), culturally (in the way we live), and existentially (in the way we experience our lives). Much of our discussion focuses on medicine, identity, and ethics primarily because a central factor that orients discussions about each is suffering. How we relieve, come to terms with, and act out our suffering have become the predominant features of modern life in western culture. Specific themes covered are the interconnections among dependence, suffering and identity; and the significance of religion for therapy and palliative care.

Examination of the intersection between religion and development in India. Students research and present on a particular topic relevant to the intersection of religion and development, as well as participate in team building exercises. Issues such as health and safety, travel preparations, dealing with culture shock, and the regional geography of India will be covered. Prerequisite: One of AUREL 100, AUECO 101, consent of the Instructor. Notes: This is a prerequisite course for the India Tour (AUREL 266 or AUECO 254). Costs associated with the India Tour (3-weeks) and applicable tuition are the responsibility of the student. Enrolment is limited to 15 students. This course can only be taken by students who also register in AUREL 266 or AUECO 254. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUREL 260 or AUECO 252.

Critical investigation of the values and views of human nature implicit in the discourse of corporate globalization and of those within the alternative visions of Jesus and the Hebrew prophets.

Three-week study tour of India that focuses on a chosen region of India in order to examine the intersection between religious belief and practice and development challenges. Students will be exposed to various development projects as well as an array of religious sites. It is expected that students will gain an in depth understanding of India, its cultural and religious diversity, and the challenges it faces in the 21st century. Students will be exposed to both rural and urban life. Prerequisite: AUREL 260 or AUECO 252. Notes: Costs associated with this India Tour course and applicable tuition are the responsibility of the students. Enrolment is limited to 15 students. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUREL 266 and AUECO 254. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.

Exploration of several current issues of the intersection of religion and public life and of how various religious traditions engage them.

Exploration of several current issues of the intersection of religion and public life and of how various religious traditions engage them.

Major religious traditions originating in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This course covers selected topics in Religion. Topics may vary from year to year depending on the instructor and student interest.

This course covers selected topics in Religion. Topics may vary from year to year depending on the instructor and student interest.

Several contemporary feminist theological approaches will be used to analyze religious and devotional writings by women from various historical periods and areas of the English-speaking world. Texts in the areas of scripture, systematic theology, ethics, and feminist theory and spirituality will be analyzed to understand the importance of feminist theological practice in dialogue with the Judeo-Christian tradition and women's struggles for justice and wellbeing. Literary texts will include fiction, poetry, essays and personal narrative by authors such as Toni Morrison, Louise Erdrich, Alice Sebold, Emily Dickinson, Adrienne Rich, and Louise Glück. Prerequisites: Two of AUENG 102, 103, or 104, and 6 units in English at the 200-level (excluding AUENG 204, 215, 291). Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUREL 202 or 302.

An examination of religious texts and artifacts from the ancient world (e.g. biblical texts, Mesopotamian myths, iconography on statuary, reliefs, etc.), with a specific focus on representations of sex and gender. The course will introduce contemporary issues in gender theory to use as a lens for examining material from the ancient world, with the goal of better understanding various human beliefs and practices in relation to sexuality, the body and construction of gender.

This course examines the complexities and tensions in formulating religious responses to environmental problems. It looks at how eco justice, stewardship, ecological spirituality, and ecofeminism integrate Christian traditions with environmental responsibility. It also devotes substantial time to outlining the ways place-based identities address issues related to colonialism, environmental racism, technology and community. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUREL 345 and AUENV 345.

Critical study of the genesis, development, and structure of Luther's theology.

What stories do landscapes tell humans? What consequences do climate change, digital spaces and biotechnology have on how humans receive and preserve those stories? This course analyzes what is culturally, ecologically and religiously at stake in the inherited narratives humans have about the land. It does so by investigating stories about nature in creative, philosophical and religious writing. It focuses on the ways human experiences in forests, deserts, snow and water have been used as resources to challenge problems of race, injustice and violence in modern life. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUENV 365 and AUREL 365

Selected topics in the study of religion. Topics may vary from year to year depending on the course instructor.

Intensive study in a specific area of religion as defined by the student and a supervising instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor. Note: An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in each of these courses.

Intensive study in a specific area of religion as defined by the student and a supervising instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor. Note: An Application for Individual Study must be completed and approved before registration in each of these courses.

Preparation of a literature review, research proposal, and presentation of a public life issue that will be explored from philosophical perspectives. Research may be participatory, archival or community based. It may include a community service learning component. Classes provide supportive and critical analysis throughout the student's work and research process. Prerequisite: Third or fourth-year standing. Notes: Only open to students with a major in Philosophy and Religion. This course can be taken only by a student who is also registered in AUREL 433. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUPHI 422 and AUREL 432.

Continuation of AUREL 432. This course involves implementing research, presentation of results, and a final writing project. Research may be participatory, archival or community based. Classes provide supportive and critical analysis throughout the student's work and research process. Prerequisite: AUREL 432, third or fourth-year standing. Notes: Only open to students with a major in Philosophy and Religion. Credit may be obtained for only one of AUPHI 423 and AUREL 433.