RELS 256-01, Methods and Theories of the Study of Religion, Fall 2006

Abstract

This course will introduce students to theoretical and methodological approaches to the academic study of religions. The study of religious phenomena in the modern academy has attempted to distinguish itself from theological or doctrinal study of religions by bracketing faith claims and suspending judgment in the pursuit of a neutral, objective, and usually comparative study of various religious traditions. In this course students will become acquainted with the ideas of some of the major figures in sociology, anthropology, and the phenomenology of religions who have made foundational contributions to the field of Religious Studies in general. Students also will have an opportunity to apply these ideas in a collaborative fieldwork project. This class is required for all Religious Studies majors.