Religious Studies (RELST)Arts and Sciences
Showing 32 results.
Course descriptions provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.
Last Updated
- Schedule of Classes - April 13, 2026 10:10AM EDT
Classes
RELST 2060
Course Description
This course explores the history of religions among people of African descent from the period of the development of the transatlantic slave trade (1440s) to the present. Its aim is to introduce students ... view course details
RELST 2154
Course Description
Jewish men and women in early modern Europe lived their lives within a gendered social order inherited from the Talmudic period. The relationship between sex and power remained fundamental to Jewish communal ... view course details
RELST 2299
Course Description
This course will explore the Buddhist tradition from its origins in ancient India to its migrations throughout Asia and eventually to the West. The first part of the course will deal with Indian Buddhism: ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: ASIAN 2299
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
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Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- MW
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Boucher, D
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
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Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- F
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Boucher, D
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
RELST 2546
Course Description
This course offers an anthropological approach to the study of religious traditions and practices in South Asia: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The course begins with a short survey of the major ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ANTHR 2546, ASIAN 2254
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 2599
Course Description
This course explores the history of medicine and other sciences in the ancient Near East, broadly defined. In addition to medicine, the other scientific disciplines covered in this course include mathematics, ... view course details
RELST 2627
Course Description
This course is an introduction to the study of Islam and Islamic history. Organised historically, the lecture series will begin with the career of the Prophet Muhammad, before charting the course of the ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: HIST 2627, MEDVL 2627, NES 2627
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 2722
Course Description
From the poet-kings of medieval Persia to the trading networks of the famed ?Silk Road? to the wandering mystics of Herat to the constitutional revolution of Iran to the colonial and post-colonial occupations ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 2294, MEDVL 2722, NES 2722
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 2772
Course Description
Did ancient Egyptians believe in the existence of souls? Why did they mummify the dead? Was the body of a pharaoh different from that of an ordinary person? This course sets the famous mortuary practices ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ANTHR 2772, ARKEO 2772, NES 2772
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 2852
Course Description
Most people think of Christianity as the daughter religion of Judaism. In this course, we will see that what we now know as Judaism and Christianity both claimed ownership of the same textual tradition ... view course details
RELST 3049
Course Description
This course will explore the development of and variety in the academic discipline of Religious Studies. We will consider the emergence of secular approaches to the study of religion arising out of the ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 3049, ASIAN 6049, RELST 6049
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 3060
Course Description
This course explores past and contemporary theories of emotions and different kinds of emotions like wonder, grief, anger, and fear, all with an eye toward the study and practice of religion, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASRC 3060
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 3297
Course Description
This course introduces students to significant stories in the Quran. It is a language course in which students engage with stories about the prophets, women, righteous people, and animals. The ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ARAB 3297
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 3331
Course Description
This course explores the intentional removal of oneself from society as expressed in East Asian Buddhist literature, through the acts of hermits and pilgrims. We read the diaries, essays, autobiographies, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 3331
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 3695
Course Description
This course offers an introduction of Christianity from the apostle Paul through the seventeenth century, with an emphasis on the diversity of Christian traditions, beliefs, and practices. We explore the ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: NES 3695
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 3888
Course Description
This course explores the interactions between Jews, Christians, and other religious groups in late antiquity, especially in Sasanian Persia circa the first through seventh century C.E. Students pay particular ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: JWST 3888, JWST 6888, MEDVL 3888, MEDVL 6888, NES 3888, NES 6888, RELST 6888
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 4021
Course Description
This course explores the Buddhist tradition of Zen through a focus on the major figures in its Japanese context who have contributed to its foundational practices and promulgation and its revitalization ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 4021
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 4023
Course Description
Buddhist ideas, practices, and institutions play many roles in the political life of South and Southeast Asia, in the present day and throughout the long history of these regions. This course approaches ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 4023, ASIAN 6023, RELST 6023
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 4100
Course Description
Reading and translation of Latin philosophical texts. view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: LATIN 7262, MEDVL 4002, MEDVL 6020, PHIL 4002, PHIL 6020, RELST 6020
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Credits and Grading Basis
1-2 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 4256
Course Description
An introduction to belief systems in ancient Mexico and Central America, emphasizing the blending of religion, astrology, myth, history, and prophecy. Interpreting text and image in pre-Columbian books ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ANTHR 4256, ANTHR 7250, ARKEO 4256, ARKEO 7250, LATA 4250, LATA 7250, RELST 7250
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 4310
Course Description
Topic: Writing Through the Forest in Search of Trees. Hello, Humanities Student! Are you a plotter or a pantser? Not sure? Come and join us to find out, and to gain valuable insight into what kind of a ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ARTH 4310, ARTH 6310, JWST 4310, JWST 6310, MEDVL 4310, MEDVL 6310, NES 4700, NES 6700, RELST 6310, SPAN 4570, SPAN 6590
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 4488
Course Description
Sufism, the mystical tradition in Islam, has exerted considerable influence on modern European and American thought. Much like the adoption of yoga and other Eastern spiritual practices in the modern West, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: COML 4488, COML 6688, NES 4488, NES 6688, RELST 6688
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 4540
Course Description
Moses Maimonides who was born in Cordoba (1138), moved to Fez as a youth and died in Cairo (1204) is regarded by Jewish, Islamic, and Christian tradition alike as the most important Jewish religious ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: JWST 4540, MEDVL 4540, MEDVL 6540, NES 4540, NES 6540, SPAN 4540
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 4990
Course Description
For undergraduates who wish to obtain research experience or do extensive reading on a special topic. Students select a topic in consultation with the faculty member who has agreed to supervise ... view course details
Project Session Full.
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Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
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Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Formichi, C
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Law, J
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Boucher, D
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Golestaneh, S
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Monroe, L
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Project Session Full.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Haines-Eitzen, K
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To apply: first discuss the Independent Study with the course supervisor, and then complete the online Independent Study form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
RELST 4995
Course Description
RELST 4995 is the first course in the Honors two-part sequence. The Honors Program is open to Religious Studies majors who have done superior work and who wish to devote a substantial part of their senior ... view course details
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Multi-Term(Multi-Term Course: Not Graded)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Multi-Term(Multi-Term Course: Not Graded)
-
Class Number & Section Details
-
Meeting Pattern
- Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026
Instructors
Haines-Eitzen, K
-
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
To enroll in Honors, please email Ayla Hodges (akc52) to request a permission number.
Instructor Consent Required (Add)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Multi-Term(Multi-Term Course: Not Graded)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Multi-Term(Multi-Term Course: Not Graded)
RELST 4996
Course Description
RELST 4996 is the second course in the Honors two-part sequence. The Honors Program is open to Religious Studies majors who have done superior work and who wish to devote a substantial part of their senior ... view course details
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
Regular Academic Session.
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 6020
Course Description
Reading and translation of Latin philosophical texts. view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: LATIN 7262, MEDVL 4002, MEDVL 6020, PHIL 4002, PHIL 6020, RELST 4100
-
Credits and Grading Basis
1-2 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 6023
Course Description
Buddhist ideas, practices, and institutions play many roles in the political life of South and Southeast Asia, in the present day and throughout the long history of these regions. This course approaches ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 6023
-
Credits and Grading Basis
0 Credits ()
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 4023, ASIAN 6023, RELST 4023
-
Credits and Grading Basis
4 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 6049
Course Description
This course will explore the development of and variety in the academic discipline of Religious Studies. We will consider the emergence of secular approaches to the study of religion arising out of the ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ASIAN 3049, ASIAN 6049, RELST 3049
-
Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 6310
Course Description
Topic: Writing Through the Forest in Search of Trees. Hello, Humanities Student! Are you a plotter or a pantser? Not sure? Come and join us to find out, and to gain valuable insight into what kind of a ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ARTH 4310, ARTH 6310, JWST 4310, JWST 6310, MEDVL 4310, MEDVL 6310, NES 4700, NES 6700, RELST 4310, SPAN 4570, SPAN 6590
-
Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 6688
Course Description
Sufism, the mystical tradition in Islam, has exerted considerable influence on modern European and American thought. Much like the adoption of yoga and other Eastern spiritual practices in the modern West, ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: COML 4488, COML 6688, NES 4488, NES 6688, RELST 4488
-
Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Graded(Letter grades only)
RELST 6888
Course Description
This course explores the interactions between Jews, Christians, and other religious groups in late antiquity, especially in Sasanian Persia circa the first through seventh century C.E. Students pay particular ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: JWST 3888, JWST 6888, MEDVL 3888, MEDVL 6888, NES 3888, NES 6888, RELST 3888
-
Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
RELST 7250
Course Description
Explores the ways Mesoamericans understood the world and their place in it, and the ways they constructed history as these are reflected in the few books that have survived from the period before the European ... view course details
Regular Academic Session. Combined with: ANTHR 4256, ANTHR 7250, ARKEO 4256, ARKEO 7250, LATA 4250, LATA 7250, RELST 4256
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Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)