Religious Studies (RELST)Arts and Sciences

Showing 23 results.

Course descriptions provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - April 26, 2024 7:29PM EDT
  • Course Catalog - April 26, 2024 7:06PM EDT

RELST 2204
Introduction to Quranic Arabic

This course is designed for students who are interested in reading the language of the Qur'an with accuracy and understanding. The first week (4 classes) will be devoted to an introduction of the history ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ARAB 2204, ASRC 2204, NES 2204

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  6152 RELST 2204   SEM 101

  •  
    • MTWR White Hall 114
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Younes, M

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    This course is designed for students who are interested in reading the language of the Qur'an with accuracy and understanding. The first week (4 classes) will be devoted to an introduction of the history of the Qur'an: the revelation, collection, variant readings, and establishment of an authoritative edition. The last week will be devoted to a general overview of "revisionist" literature on the Qur'an. In the remaining 12 weeks, we will cover all of Part 30 (Juz' 'Amma, suuras 78-114) and three suuras of varying length (36, 19, and 12).

RELST 2250
Introduction to Asian Religions

This course will explore religious traditions in South Asia (Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka) and East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea) including Hinduism, Buddhism (South Asian and East Asian), Sikhism, ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: ASIAN 2250

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5923 RELST 2250   LEC 001

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  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  5924 RELST 2250   DIS 201

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  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  5925 RELST 2250   DIS 202

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  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  5926 RELST 2250   DIS 203

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  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  5927 RELST 2250   DIS 204

  •  
    • F Uris Hall G24
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Boucher, D

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 2546
South Asian Religions in Practice: The Healing Traditions

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ANTHR 2546, ASIAN 2254

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 18513 RELST 2546   LEC 001

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 2599
Medicine, Magic and Science in the Ancient Near East

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: BSOC 2599, JWST 2599, NES 2599

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  7067 RELST 2599   LEC 001

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 2630
Religion and Reason

What must (or could) God be like, and what reasons do we have for thinking that a being of that sort actually exists? What difference would (or could) the existence of God make to our lives? Religion & ... view course details

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Syllabi:

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: PHIL 2530

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 16920 RELST 2630   LEC 001

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 2644
Introduction to Judaism

This course is an introduction to Jewish identities, values, and practices from the ancient to modern era. Organized thematically, it examines Judaism as a religious phenomenon, with a particular emphasis ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: JWST 2644, NES 2644

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5903 RELST 2644   LEC 001

  •  
    • MW Statler Hall 198
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Litvak, O

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 2722
Of Saints, Poets, and Revolutionaries: Medieval and Modern Iran and Central Asia

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ASIAN 2294, MEDVL 2722, NES 2722

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17501 RELST 2722   LEC 001

  •  
    • TR White Hall 110
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Golestaneh, S

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 3150
Medieval Philosophy

A selective survey of Western philosophical thought from the fourth to the 14th century. Topics include the problem of universals, the theory of knowledge and truth, the nature of free choice and practical ... view course details

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Syllabi:

  • 16938 RELST 3150   LEC 001

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 3331
Opt Out, Tune In: Hermits, Pilgrims and Dharma Bums, from East Asia to Ithaca

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ASIAN 3331

  • 3 Credits Graded

  •  7554 RELST 3331   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Instructor consent required.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 3416
Zen Buddhism: Ecology, Sustainability and Daily Life

This course explores the Zen's central religious, historical and aesthetic developments. We read primary sources in translation and secondary sources. We examine the rise of the Ch'an tradition in China ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •  6283 RELST 3416   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Prerequisite: One course in Asian religions or Religious Studies. Permission of instructor required.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 3523
Judeophobia, Islamophobia, Racism

Islamophobia and Judeophobia are ideas and like all ideas they have a history of their own. Although today many might think of Islamophobia or Judeophobia as unchangeable—fear of and hatred for Islam and ... view course details

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Syllabi:

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: JWST 3523, NES 3523, PUBPOL 3523

  • 4 Credits Graded

  • 17657 RELST 3523   LEC 001

  •  
    • R Washington, DC
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Brann, R

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Taught in Washington, D.C.

RELST 3724
Death and the Afterlife in Islam

What happens after death? If there is an Afterlife, how is it connected to earthly life? What would the Afterlife actually look like? What role does God or Satan play in the Afterlife? Since the earliest ... view course details

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Syllabi:

  • 17496 RELST 3724   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 3734
Jewish Law, State Law

The concept of law plays a central role in Judaism. We often use the word 'law' to describe obligatory Jewish religious practices. But is that 'law,' as compared with state law? Legal systems in the U.S. ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: JWST 3732, NES 3732

  • 3 Credits Graded

  •  6912 RELST 3734   SEM 101

  •  
    • MW Sibley Hall 208
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Juni, N

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 4537
Shi'ism: Poetics and Politics

This course offers a broad survey of contemporary Shi'i beliefs, practices, and politics with a focus on Twelver or Imami Shi'ism. Through a close examination of ethnographies, intellectual and political ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  • 17518 RELST 4537   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 4691
Crossing the Apocalypse

How do we cross from an era of destruction and devastation to one of hope and possibility?  When we see the signs of endings and extinctions all around us, can we move forward with courage and creativity? ... view course details

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Syllabi: none

  • 17162 RELST 4691   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 4991
Directed Study

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  4276 RELST 4991   IND 601

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Formichi, C

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5044 RELST 4991   IND 602

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Boucher, D

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5045 RELST 4991   IND 603

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Brann, R

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5427 RELST 4991   IND 604

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Law, J

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17890 RELST 4991   IND 605

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Haines-Eitzen, K

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 2-4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  7750 RELST 4991   IND 606

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Monroe, L

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    To apply for independent study, please complete the on-line form at https://data.arts.cornell.edu/as-stus/indep_study_intro.cfm.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 4995
Senior Honors Essay I

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

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 4 Credits Multi-Term

  •  5470 RELST 4995   IND 601

    • TBA
    • Jan 22 - May 7, 2024

    • Staff

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies
    RELST 4995 is the FIRST course in the Honors two-part sequence. To enroll in Honors, please email akc52@cornell.edu to request a permission number.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 6020
Latin Philosophical Texts

Reading and translation of Latin philosophical texts. view course details

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: LATIN 7262, MEDVL 6020, PHIL 6020

  • 1-2 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  4776 RELST 6020   SEM 101

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 6210
Topics in Medieval Philosophy

Graduate seminar covering a topic in medieval philosophy. view course details

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Syllabi:

  • Topic: Augustine's "Confessions"

  •  6484 RELST 6210   SEM 101

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Enrollment in 6000-level is restricted to grad students only. Contact the Philosophy department for a permission number.

    Department Consent Required (Add)

RELST 6537
Shi'ism: Poetics and Politics

This course offers a broad survey of contemporary Shi'i beliefs, practices, and politics with a focus on Twelver or Imami Shi'ism. Through a close examination of ethnographies, intellectual and political ... view course details

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  • 17526 RELST 6537   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 6616
Zen Buddhism: Ecology, Sustainability and Daily Life

This course explores the Zen's central religious, historical and aesthetic developments. We read primary sources in translation and secondary sources. We examine the rise of the Ch'an tradition in China ... view course details

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •  6285 RELST 6616   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Prerequisite: One course in Asian religions or Religious Studies. Permission of instructor required.

    Instructor Consent Required (Add)

RELST 6691
Crossing the Apocalypse

How do we cross from an era of destruction and devastation to one of hope and possibility?  When we see the signs of endings and extinctions all around us, can we move forward with courage and creativity? ... view course details

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  • 17168 RELST 6691   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

RELST 6724
Death and the Afterlife in Islam

What happens after death? If there is an Afterlife, how is it connected to earthly life? What would the Afterlife actually look like? What role does God or Satan play in the Afterlife? Since the earliest ... view course details

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi:

  • 17493 RELST 6724   SEM 101

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: In Person