2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Public Health

  
  • PUBH 304 - Nutrition (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) A study of the metabolic mechanisms and requirements of food groups and nutrients as related to health, various age groups, and physical activity. Special attention is given to risk reduction of chronic disease through proper nutritional health and individual eating practices along with the evaluation of these habits against the guidelines that support good health. F, S, Su.
  
  • PUBH 310 - Issues in Family Life and Sexuality (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) An overview of problems and questions relative to family life and sex education. Topics include: communication, relationships, intimacy, marriage, parenting, male/ female sexual anatomy, sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptives and childbirth.
  
  • PUBH 320 - Public Health Policy and Advocacy (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Sophmore standing)  This course addresses the basic concepts of the legal, ethical, economic and regulatory dimensions of health policy. It provides an overview of health policy issues and policy making in the United States including the roles, influences and responsibilities of different agencies and branches of government. Therefore, this course delivers insight and socio-political competencies to analyze health policy. Additionally, advocacy strategies are taught for changing and/or creating systems, policies and built environments that impact healthy decision making and behaviors. Contemporary public health policy issues are examined and reform options and new directions considered.  F, S.
  
  • PUBH 331 - Health Education for the Primary and Elementary School (3 credits)


    An exploration of the major health problems that affect school age children and have implications for learning. Special emphasis will be placed upon how the teacher may influence the health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of children in preschool through grade eight.
  
  • PUBH 333 - Environmental Health (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) Study to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the complex interaction of humans and the environment, the multi-disciplinary areas of the environmental health sciences and the impact degradation of the environment may have on the health of living organisms. Environmental pollution, its sources, modes of transport and transformation, and methods of prevention are addressed.
  
  • PUBH 340 - Drugs in Society (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) In this course, drug policies and laws as well as contemporary advocacy efforts impacting drug use, abuse, prevention, treatment and interdiction are examined from a public health perspective. Motivational factors that influence the use of licit and illicit drugs are explored and the psychological, socio-cultural and pharmacological/biochemical risk factors for abuse or dependence are identified. Systems providing effective drug education, prevention, treatment and interdiction are also evaluated. F, S.
  
  • PUBH 347 - Consumer Health Education (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) Responsibility of individuals and families for the proper evaluation of medical information as it relates to the adequate and proper utilization of health practices and services.
  
  • PUBH 349 - Peer Educator Training (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) A course designed to educate students to be peer educators so they may educate others about prevention and risk reduction of health problems.
  
  • PUBH 350 - Community Health Promotion Strategies (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Admission to the Health Promotion Program, PUBH 121 , PUBH 201 , and junior standing) Overview of the skills necessary for excellence and quality in the implementation of health promotion programs. Topics include coalition building, presentation skills, program planning, health communication, legislative involvement, and promoting multicultural diversity.
  
  • PUBH 361 - Health Organization Communication (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121  or permission of the instructor) This course explores the communication processes, issues and concepts that comprise the organization of health care. It focuses on the interactions that influence the lives of patients, health professionals and other members of health institutions by examining how health institutions function communicatively to ultimately benefit health care delivery.  F, S.
  
  • PUBH 370 - Principles and Practices of Patient Education (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) This course is designed to enable a student to develop skills in teaching, communicating health advice, and assessing patient needs. Other areas such as ethical issues, patient compliance, informed consent, and the use of educational materials will be explored. F.
  
  • PUBH 375 - Global Health Perspectives (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) The course provides an overview of the multi-dimensional and inter-sectoral aspects of health of the global south (developing nations). The course explores how the determinants of health, population spread, disease burden, environmental health, international policy, grassroots advocacy endeavors, civil society, government, and the international sector impact health care delivery and health access. S.
  
  • PUBH 380 - Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System (3 credits)


    (Prereq: sophomore standing) This course is an introduction to the basic structures and operations of the United States health system and focuses on the major core challenges of the delivery of health care. The foundation and history of United States health care; the health care workforce, philosophy, nature, and scope of health organizations including hospitals, primary, ambulatory and long-term care facilities; administration and financing of health care; and government in the health care system will be discussed.
  
  • PUBH 382 - Concepts of Disease (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) The epidemiology of chronic and communicable diseases to include a study of their causes and progressions, departures from normal body functioning, relationships of disease to functional ability, and preventative and curative aspects. Su.
  
  • PUBH 388 - Needs Assessment and Program Planning (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 201 ) Overview of the skills necessary for excellence and quality in the development of public health programs. Needs assessment and program planning concepts and models are reviewed with practical applications in the classroom and field settings.  F, S.
  
  • PUBH 398 - Public Health Research and Evaluation Methods (3 credits)


    (Prereq: A grade of ‘C’ or better in PUBH 388  and either STAT 201  and STAT 201L CBAD 291 POLI 205 PSYC 225  and PSYC 225L ) An introduction to the fundamentals of research design and applications of research strategies and its application to public health. In addition, evaluation models are reviewed with practical applications in the classroom, laboratory, and field settings. This course serves as an introduction to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to research and evaluation, as well as ethical issues in conducting research.  F, S.
  
  • PUBH 399 - Independent Study (1 to 3 credits)


  
  • PUBH 401 - Issues In Health Services and Public Health Practices (3 credits)


    (Prereq: junior standing) This course explores contemporary issues in health services delivery and public health practices for eliminating health disparities and improving population health in the United States. Course content will be framed around the determinants of health and will be germane to trends in today’s society. S.
  
  • PUBH 403 - Leadership in the Health Professions (3 credits)


    To introduce students to leadership theories and research, provide a context for leadership in public health and help students learn core leadership skills. Assessments focus on helping students understand their own and others’ leadership styles. Content areas include leadership theory; personal leadership; leadership in organizations; leadership in communities and leadership in research. Emphasis is placed on the application of the course material to real life public health problems and issues in the development of public health careers. F, S.
  
  • PUBH 410 - Epidemiology (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Admission to the Public Health program, a grade of ‘C’ or better in PUBH 350  and either STAT 201 /STAT 201L CBAD 291 POLI 205  or PSYC 225 /PSYC 225L ) An overview of epidemiological models and quantitative research methods used by public health agencies and health care providers to analyze patterns of acute and chronic diseases. F, S.
  
  • PUBH 440 - Gender, Culture, Literacy and Disparities in Health (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) This course explores the roots of health disparities among marginalized populations. It analyzes how socio-cultural determinants of health including gender, race/ethnicity, disability, religion, seniority, economics and institutional factors compound health inequities. It examines multi-level interventions steeped in health literacy, health promotion, social justice, and cultural communication to achieve health equity and promote population health. F, S.
  
  • PUBH 455 - Special Topics in Public Health (1-3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121  or Junior standing or permission of the instructor) An intensive seminar that provides an in-depth investigation of special topics in Public Health not generally available in the curriculum. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.   F, S.
  
  • PUBH 480 - Women’s Health Issues (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 121 ) An overview of current health concerns related to women throughout their life-span. Current diagnostic, technological and other medical/scientific advances will be discussed. Open to men and women.
  
  • PUBH 481 - Behavioral Foundations and Decision Making in Health Education (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Admission to the Health Promotion Program, PUBH 350  and Senior standing) A study of the interaction between health education and the applied behavioral sciences to effect positive health behavior change in persons, institutions, and communities. Included is the study and identification of theoretical foundations to plan effective promotion and health education programs.
  
  • PUBH 484 - Pre-internship Seminar (0 to 1 credit)


    (Prereq: Senior standing and permission of the instructor) The purpose of this pre-internship seminar is to provide students the opportunity to develop professional skills and materials relevant to their internship and career interests. Enrollment in this course will facilitate the internship site placement process for both local and distance internship students. Throughout this course, students will reflect and identify expectations and goals to strengthen their future orientation for continued professional development. Students must be senior standing and have permission of the instructor. Pass/Fail grading only. F, S.
  
  • PUBH 485 Q - Internship in Health Careers (6 credits)


    (Prereq: Senior standing, permission of the instructor and PUBH 350 ) Supervised work experience through health-related agencies for a minimum of 250 hours. The internship requires formal application with a resume by stipulated deadline; and a learning contract with the internship agency, the student, and the department. A journal detailing work activities and portfolio are also required.  F, S, Su.
  
  • PUBH 491 - Needs Assessment, Planning and Evaluation Methods in Health Promotion (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Admission to the Health Promotion Program, PUBH 350 , STAT 201  or the equivalent, and Senior standing) Needs assessment and evaluation models will be reviewed with practical applications in the classroom, laboratory, and field settings. Major emphasis on qualitative design and analysis, but an application of quantitative design and instruments will be provided.
  
  • PUBH 495 - Senior Seminar - CHES Review (1 credit)


    (Prereq: Admission to the Health Promotion Program, Senior standing, and PUBH 350 ) (Coreq: PUBH 485 ) A review of the skills and processes of health education which will assist in the preparation to certify as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Pass/Fail grading only.
  
  • PUBH 498 - Public Health Research Project (3 credits)


    (Prereq: PUBH 398 ) The use of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods and theoretical constructs to guide directed undergraduate research on a public health topic to be developed by the student and instructor. Repeatable for up to 6 credits.  F, S.
  
  • PUBH 499 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1 to 6 credits)


    (Prereq: permission of the instructor and approved contract) Directed undergraduate research on a topic to be developed by the student and instructor.

Recreation and Sport Management

  
  • RSM 120 - Leisure, Recreation, and Wellness (3 credits)


    The study of human wellness through leisure and recreation concepts. Emphasis placed on using leisure resources to increase human satisfaction, fulfillment, and quality of life; the potential for physical, mental, social, and emotional growth; and the development of individuals, communities, and societies. The course presents a variety of leisure, recreation, and wellness opportunities and alternatives to heighten the college student’s awareness of available lifelong leisure activities. F, S.
  
  • RSM 200 - History of the National Parks (3 credits)


    This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the evolution and use of the National Parks. The National parks have two purposes: 1) to preserve features of scientific and cultural importance; 2) to make those features available for the education and enjoyment of the public.
  
  • RSM 201 - Gender and Sport (3 credits)


    This course will focus on sport, as a gendered institution. Drawing from cultural, psycho-social, and political perspectives, the course examines intersections of gender with age, sexual orientation, social class, gender identity, race and ethnicity and politics. F, S.
  
  • RSM 210 - Recreational Activities (3 credits)


    An exploration of a variety of activities appropriate for use in any recreational setting. Areas of concentration will include music, crafts, nature, special events, fitness, leisure counseling, and socialization. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of activity skills.
  
  • RSM 242 - Introduction to Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    The significance and meaning of recreation, leisure, play, and sport in modern society, theories of play, models of sport, and the recreational and sport movement in the United States. Role and scope of recreation and sport programs in the community, schools, commercial, and industrial settings. Introduction to professional and career issues in the field.
  
  • RSM 280 - Recreation for People with Disabilities (3 credits)


    An introduction to the concepts and professional approaches to recreation service delivery for people with disabling conditions. Appreciation for human diversity and impact of differences on recreation involvement. F, S.
  
  • RSM 290 - Fiscal Management in RSM (3 credits)


    The objective of this course is to introduce students to the concepts of fiscal management within the recreation and sport management industry. This course will cover some of the theory and practice of fiscal decision-making. The course focuses on the elements of analyzing financial statements, calculation of financial ratios, understanding the time value of money, and applications of financial management in recreation and sport. F, S.
  
  • RSM 305 - Sports Officiating (3 credits)


    A study of the philosophy and principles of sports officiating. Content includes rules and mechanics for officiating of various seasonal sports, with practical/field experiences. Includes observation and evaluation of officials in recreational, high school and collegiate settings with certification opportunities.
  
  • RSM 308 - Recreational Sport Programming (3 credits)


    Exploration and examination of theoretical foundations and basic sport programming skills, methods, and techniques necessary to deliver recreational sport activities within a variety of settings, agencies and/or organizations. F, S.
  
  • RSM 309 - Youth Sport (3 credits)


    An investigation into the issues of children participating in organized and competitive sport. The course examines youth sports from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the impact of sport managers and leaders in the delivery of youth sport programs. Comprehensive survey of current scientific knowledge and examination of changing attitudes, behaviors, and trends in youth sport. F, S.
  
  • RSM 310 - Campus Recreation (3 credits)


    An introduction to collegiate recreation and intramural sports programs including professional ethics and issues, facility operations, program management, legal liability and risk management, marketing, fiscal management, and social issues. F, S.
  
  • RSM 315 - Outdoor Recreation (3 credits)


    An overview of the role of the natural world in recreation services. The course will focus on values of outdoor recreation, adventure recreation, environmental impact, and the role of government in the provision of outdoor recreation.
  
  • RSM 317 - Moral and Ethical Reasoning in Recreation and Sport (3 credits)


    The course provides a survey of the ethical and legal issues confronting sport in contemporary society. Students use a case study approach to become familiar with interconnecting legal and ethical issues as they arise within the context of sports from youth to professional levels. F, S.
  
  • RSM 337 - Risk Management in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    An overview of the role local, state and federal governments have in the provision of recreation and sport services. Provide the basic understanding of legal liability, risk management, negligence, standard of care, safety regulations, and other areas of risk management as they apply to recreation and sport. F, S.
  
  • RSM 352 - Commercial Recreation (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 242  and RSM 290 ) Basis principles and steps of initiating and conducting a commercial recreation enterprise, designed to offer students practical experience in starting a commercial recreation business. F, S.
  
  • RSM 369 - Marketing and Promotion in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    An application of fundamental marketing and promotion concepts to the recreation and sport industries. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the relationship between recreation and sport products and recreational and sport consumer markets. Students will utilize the analysis, strategy development, implementation, and evaluation phases of the marketing process as they pertain to recreation and sport industry segments. F, S.
  
  • RSM 370 - Outdoor Leadership (3 credits)


    This course focuses on theoretical and practical study of leading groups in outdoor recreation and education setting. Specific outdoor leadership skills are discussed, including lesson design and teaching style, expedition planning, emergency procedures, risk management, minimum impact approaches, and working with various clients. This course requires students to participate in extended outdoor expeditions.
  
  • RSM 377 - Sport Tourism (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 242 ) Sport Tourism is defined as travel to and participation in or attendance at a predetermined sport activity. The sport activity can include competition and travel for recreation, entertainment, business, education and/or socializing. The sport can be competitive and/or recreational. F, S.
  
  • RSM 379 - Principles of Ecotourism (3 credits)


    This course will introduce students to the history, concepts, principles, marketing, planning and management of ecotourism activities and development which promote cultural and environmental awareness and local economic benefits.
  
  • RSM 389 - Recreation and Sport Leadership (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 337 ) This course focuses on the study and practice of leadership styles and direct leadership techniques for conducting organized recreation and sport programs for all ages. F, S.
  
  • RSM 392 Q - Field Experience in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 337 ) A supervised practicum in a professional setting; on-site observation in a public, private or commercial setting with experience in all working areas and activities pertinent to that agency.
  
  • RSM 393 - Sport Media and Communication (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 242 ) This course is designed to provide insight into public and media relations in the recreation and sport management fields. The content of the course will allow the student to examine and apply strategic public relations concepts to the internal and external communication problems encountered in these occupations. The course will cover general principles and strategies of public relations and will include a component of effective communications in recreation and sport organizations. The course will also focus on the application of public relations, media relations, and publicity in a variety of settings. F, S.
  
  • RSM 394 - Sport Technology (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 242 ) This course will introduce students to current technology advances that enhance various management aspects of sport organizations. Emphasis will be on the use of computer technology with topics including fundamental website development, relational database management, potential application of data mining in sport organization decision making, internet based recruiting, electronic ticketing, virtual signage, video streaming, use of technology for facility and risk management, and use of multimedia for instruction or promotion of sport related programs. F. S.
  
  • RSM 396 - Orientation to Internship (1 credit)


    (Prereq: 90 credit hours earned) Plan and prepare for internship in recreation and sport management. Analyze career placement opportunities, the internship process, and associate requirements. For recreation and sport management students only or permission of the instructor. F, S.
  
  • RSM 399 - Independent Study (1-3 credits)


    (Prereq: Permission of the instructor and advisor) Written contract between student and instructor, approved by the department chair.  Maybe repeated once for credit, but can only be combined with RSM 499  for a maximum total of 9 credit hours. F, S, Su.
  
  • RSM 400 - Sport in Contemporary Society (3 credits)


    (=SOC 403 ) (Prereq: 75 credit hours earned) An investigation into sport as a microcosm of society and how it is influenced by cultural traditions, social values, and psychosocial experiences. Emphasis is placed on how sport managers are immersed in the soci-cultural milieu, with sport as the focus. Course includes the examination of changing attitudes, behaviors, and trends in the world of sport. F, S.
  
  • RSM 410 - Sales and Finance in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    (Prereq: ECON 101  and RSM 290 ) This course introduces students to the concepts of financial management and sales as applied to the unique world of sports. This course will analyze and produce skills essential to the revenue production and sales process commonly found in the sport business. The course concentrates on understanding the application of several key financial analysis techniques to the operation of sport organizations. Specific focus will also include budget analysis, contract negotiation and understanding the use of economic impact studies to justify sport events and facilities in host communities. Furthermore, this course discusses the financial concepts and theories and their application in the professional, intercollegiate, and commercial sport settings. F, S.
  
  • RSM 432 - Research and Evaluation in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    (Computer Usage) (Prereq: RSM 369  or ECON 320  or ECON 330  and Senior standing) Systematic, structured problem-solving for decision making in recreation and sport management services. Research techniques/evaluation procedures; quantitative, qualitative methodologies; deductive, inductive reasoning.
  
  • RSM 438 - Recreation for Active Aging (3 credits)


    This course introduces the students to recreation activities and techniques for working with senior adults. Topics include procedures for programming, implementation, and evaluation of recreation activities that serve senior adults. F.
  
  • RSM 456 - Principles of Administration in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 392 ) Administrative policies and organizational management of recreation and sport including financial and personnel practices. Use of research including needs assessments, evaluations, and feasibility studies will be discussed as it applies of administrative decision making. F, S.
  
  • RSM 482 - Special Topics in Recreation and Sport Management (3 credits)


    (Restricted to junior or senior standing) Topics of special interest in contemporary recreation and sport management. Reading, research, and application of selected subject(s). This course may be repeated for up to six credit hours under different topics. Offered as needed.
  
  • RSM 490 - Program and Event Planning in Recreation and Sport (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RSM 337  and 75 credit hours earned) This course focuses on the principles and approaches to planning and implementing recreation programs. A philosophical and practical basis for preparing a variety of recreation programs will be covered. F, S.
  
  • RSM 492 - Campground Administration (3 credits)


    (Computer Usage) (Prereq: RSM 392 ) Basic concepts of campgrounds and management. Topics include administration and organizational structure, business management, insurance for special groups or special camps, day camping, residence camping, recreational vehicle camping, campground facility design and maintenance, special event planning, and camp appraisals.
  
  • RSM 494 - Area and Facility Management in Recreation and Sport (3 credits)


    (Prereq: 75 credit hours earned) Basic consideration in planning, construction, design and maintenance of sport and recreation areas, facilities and buildings. F, S.
  
  • RSM 496 Q - Internship in Recreation and Sport Management (12 credits)


    (Prereq: senior standing and successful completion of all required RSM courses, successful completion of internship application, and exit examination) This is a 480 hour and twelve week full-time supervised experience in recreation or sport at a cooperative and approved agency. F, S, Su.
  
  • RSM 499 - Directed Undergraduate Research (1-3 credits)


    (Prereq: Permission of the instructor and advisor) Using the scientific method, directed undergraduate research on a recreation or sport related topic to be developed by the student and the instructor. May be repeated one time, but not taken in combination with RSM 399  for more than 9 total credit hours. F, S, Su.

Religious Studies

  
  • RELG 103 - World Religions (3 credits)


    This class introduces students to the academic study of religion and surveys the global range of religious traditions. It examines various worldwide patterns of religious beliefs and practices, and investigates particular traditions, communities, and their respective histories and development. The course also investigates the role of religion in the modern world. F, S, Su.
  
  • RELG 104 - Introduction to Asian Religions (3 credits)


    This course provides an introduction to the most prevalent and enduring ideas, images, and personalities of Asian religious traditions including Daoism, Confucianism, East Asian Shamanism, Shinto, and Buddhism. The regions of focus include India, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan, with some reference to other areas of Asia.
  
  • RELG 203 - Studying Religion: Theory and Methods (3 credits)


    This course is an introduction to theory and method in the academic study of religion. It is not a survey of different religions (though students explore several religions). The course encourages students to think critically about the role of religion in individual and collective life around the world. Course material is designed to help students understand and apply these ideas to the religious behavior and beliefs of real people, cultures and societies, and evaluate and formulate arguments that explain these behaviors and beliefs. S.
  
  • RELG 205 - Introduction to Abrahamic Religions (3 credits)


    This course is an introduction to the Abrahamic religious traditions, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It explores the beliefs, practices, and institutions of these traditions, as well their sacred texts and traditions of interpretation. Ancient Near Eastern history, beliefs and practices is also examined. Based on lectures, assigned readings, multimedia, and discussions, this course explores the historical development of Abrahamic religious history, thought and practice. Offered as needed.
  
  • RELG 300 - Religion in the Public Life (3 credits)


    This course explores the role that religion plays in public life in a variety of contexts, including the United States of America from the eighteenth century to the present. Students explore multiple perspectives on the relationship between religion and government, including ideas of secularism, state religions, and theocracy. Topics covered may also include debates over prayer in public schools, creationism (e.g. the Scopes trial), the 1979 Iranian revolution, and Scientology’s legal battle with the Internal Revenue Service over tax-exempt status.  F.
  
  • RELG 301 - Hebrew Bible (3 credits)


    A critical study of the literature of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) emphasizing its historical development and meaning in Jewish communities. No knowledge of Hebrew is required or needed. Offered as needed.
  
  • RELG 302 - New Testament (3 credits)


    An historical and critical study of the origin, structure, and transmission of the New Testament writings and their meaning in life and thought of the early Church; emphasis is placed on the life, teachings, and significance of Jesus and Paul-both for their day and for ours.
  
  • RELG 311 - Gospel Traditions (3 credits)


    An analysis of the historical and social setting of the Gospel designed to afford the student a fuller understanding of Jesus and his mission.
  
  • RELG 312 - The Life and Letters of Paul (3 credits)


    A critical study of the life and thought of Paul, his letters to the early Christian churches, his role in the expansion of the Christian movement, and his continuing influence today.
  
  • RELG 315 - Archaeology and the Bible (3 credits)


    This course introduces students to the field of archaeology and how material remains contribute to the socio-scientific study of the Bible (Hebrew Bible/”Old Testament” and New Testament). Students learn about the major theories and methods of archaeology, how material remains illuminate biblical narratives, as well as the history of early Jewish and Christian traditions. Students also analyze the different ways individuals and groups today make use of archaeology associated with the Bible.  S.
  
  • RELG 320 - Introduction to Buddhism (3 credits)


    This course provides an introduction to the diverse Buddhist traditions of the world through a study of theories, practices, images, and social settings. It begins with an examination of stories of the life of Buddha and the religious-political situation in India at the time his ideas began to flourish. It also follows the development of later Buddhism in India and its manifestations as Theravada traditions of Southeast Asia. It also examines Buddhism’s development of a Mahayana and Tantric traditions in Tibet and East Asia.
  
  • RELG 322 - Introduction to Islam (3 credits)


    This course is an introduction to the diversity of the Islamic tradition and various Muslim communities, as well as the methods and resources used in Religious Studies. It will cover some of the history of the development of the Islamic tradition and various Muslim communities, while exploring wide-ranging beliefs, practices, figures, concepts, debates, institutions, and communities. It will explore the tradition both historically and contemporarily. Topics covered may include debates over the idea of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, and some subsequent Islamic expressions, such as Sunni and Shi’i Muslims, the development of schools of law, theological debates, Islamic mysticism, responses to modernity, and contemporary Muslim communities. F or S.
  
  • RELG 323 - Christianity: Sects and Practices (3 credits)


    This course introduces students to the 2,000 year history of Christianity. It explores the development and formation of Christian texts (canonical and non-canonical), doctrines, rituals, institutions, modes of devotional life, and the contributions of major Christian thinkers. The disputes within the Church that produced the enormous variety of sects and denominations in Christianity are also explored in historical context. Offered as needed.
  
  • RELG 324 - Hinduism (3 credits)


    A survey of Hinduism through history, theology, sacred texts, spiritual practices, social organizations, and politics. The course proceeds from the earliest phases of the religion to contemporary groups and practices. Students will be introduced to key ideas and beliefs in Hinduism, and will examine major texts in the tradition. They may also study Hindu devotional deities as depicted in art and music, and explore modern developments in Hinduism, including major political initiatives. S.
  
  • RELG 325 - Religion in Contemporary American Film (3 credits)


    A critical study of religious beliefs and practices as seen through the medium of film. Students will view contemporary American films and film clips through the lens of religious studies. Lectures and films are augmented by online discussion boards.
  
  • RELG 326 - Buddhism in Literature and Film (3 credits)


    (Prereq: one religious studies course or permission of the instructor) ure and film. The course considers the nature, power, or inability of literature and film to convey various themes such as “no-self,” “suchness,” “Buddhamind,” and “enlightenment.” Students are challenged to question ideas of scriptural authority as well as “Orientalist” representations.
  
  • RELG 330 - Introduction to Judaism (3 credits)


    This course is an introduction to the diversity of the Jewish tradition, as well as the methods and resources used in Religious Studies. The approach will be partially historical to facilitate the exploration of current beliefs, practices, concepts, debates, institutions, and communities. Topics covered may include conflict between Jews and Muslims, anti-Semitism, varieties of American Judaism, and cultural expressions of Jews worldwide. Offered as needed.
  
  • RELG 331 - The Qur’an (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103  or RELG 322 ) This course introduces students to Islam’s primary sacred text, the Qur’an, and its impact on world history. It explores the history and the formation of the Qur’an as a written text, its place in Muslim religious life, and its many interpretations from a variety of sectarian and cultural perspectives over the last 1300 years. No knowledge of Arabic is required. Offered as needed.
  
  • RELG 350 - Lives of Hindu and Buddhist Saints (3 credits)


    A study of lives of individuals related to Hinduism and Buddhism who are alleged to be “saints” in stories, biographies, and autobiographies. These life accounts are compared to archetypes found in canonical sources including the Ramayana, the Bhagavata Purana, and Buddhist Jataka. The class considers the genre of religious biography/hagiography in such terms as intended audience and practical usage of the texts. Students will examine stories about ancient and modern Hindus and Buddhists from India, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and America. S.
  
  • RELG 351 - Religion of India (3 credits)


    The personal religious goals and characteristic social patterns which have developed in India from pre-Vedic times to the modern period. Particular attention will be given to the interaction of Hinduism, Buddhism, and transcultural influences.
  
  • RELG 352 - Zen Buddhism (3 credits)


    A study of the philosophies and practices of Zen Buddhism as they appear in East Asia and America. Primary emphasis is placed on the idea of Zen as a transformative practice. The course uses classic Mahāyāna texts and the writings of Zen teachers. It also examines Zen through koans, zazen, engaged Buddhism, arts, and films. The class considers the relationship of Zen mind and Zen practice. May.
  
  • RELG 353 - Reading Buddhist Texts (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103  or RELG 104  or RELG 320  or RELG 326  or RELG 350 ) This course explores seven classic texts considered primary sources in the Mahayana Buddhist canon. Students pursue academic literary analysis of these texts, explore their historical formulation as cohesive texts and examine their cultural impact. All readings are in English. S.
  
  • RELG 355 - Islam, Ethics, and the Environment (3 credits)


    This course is to serve as an overview of environmental ethics, religious responses to environmental issues, and Islamic ethics, as well as some of the gaps between ideals and practices. F.
  
  • RELG 356 - Islam in America (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103  or RELG 205  or RELG 322 ) This course is an introduction to the beliefs, practices, and histories of various Muslim communities in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Topics covered may include debates over concepts of Islamic orthodoxy, interpretations of the Qur’an, and responses to modernity, as well as anti-Muslim prejudice in the United States. S.
  
  • RELG 360 - Women and World Religions (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103  or permission of the instructor) An examination of the historical and social context of issues in religion or sanctioned by religion that are uniquely related to women.
  
  • RELG 363 - Women and Gender in Islam (3 credits)


    This course will serve as an introduction to the relations between gender and Islamic belief and practice. It will examine the historic, social, cultural, political, and economic factors that have influenced Muslim ideas and practices pertaining to gender and sexuality, as well as perceptions about the relation between Islamic belief, practices, and gender. F.
  
  • RELG 365 - Religious Diversity in the South (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103 ) This is a survey of the evolution of religion in the South from its beginnings to the arrival of new religions and movements in the twentieth century. This course will review the development of major denominational churches as well as the evolution of “folk belief”. Integral to the course will be the consideration of women’s roles, and attitudes toward women in religion. Religious history of South Carolina and the low country, specifically, will serve as the focus for the course, with particular attention given to new religious arrivals.
  
  • RELG 366 - Religions of the West African Diaspora (3 credits)


    (Prereq: RELG 103  or permission of the instructor) This course explores the transatlantic travel and transplanting of ancient African religions (e.g. Yoruba, Bakongo, and Vodun) in the Americas and the Caribbean. Particular attention is given to the merging of African religion with Christianity to form new religions (e.g. Condomble’, Santeria and Gullah religion) as well their influence on folk cultures from food ways to music. S.
  
  
  • RELG 399H - Interdisciplinary Independent Study (3 to 9 credits)


    Directed independent study at the honors level in two or more departments.
  
  • RELG 490 - Capstone Seminar (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Senior standing) This seminar engages religious studies majors in research and discussion involving an advanced topic in religious studies. The final paper demonstrates research skills, analysis, and original argument, and should be suitable for submission to an undergraduate conference or journal. Students present their final papers to the department faculty at the completion of the course.  F.
  
  • RELG 491 - Selected Topics in Religious Studies (3 credits)


    Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of courses by suffix and title. This course may be repeated for credit under different topics.
  
  • RELG 498 - Advanced Project (3 credits)


    A supervised research project or other creative work, normally taken in the senior year.
  
  • RELG 499 - Senior Thesis (3 credits)


    (Prereq: Senior standing) Students plan, execute, and write an original paper in religious studies under the direction of a thesis adviser. The thesis reflects a mastery of writing skills, research skills, and content knowledge, and should be suitable for submission to an undergraduate conference or journal. The student presents the thesis to the department faculty at the completion of the course.  F, S.
 

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