640:024. Religions of the World - 3 hrs.
Living religions of humankind with emphasis on their relevance to interpretations of existence, the problem of meaning and values, and human destiny. (Formerly 640:124.)
640:030. What is Religion? - 3 hrs.
Basic forms and views of religious phenomena, such as encounter, tradition, ritual, community, divine law, meditation, mysticism, response to life-crisis, and personal growth and fulfillment.
640:040. Religion, Ethics, and Film - 3 hrs.
An introduction to the study of religion through a critical examination of a variety of contemporary films. This course draws on student visual literacy as an approach to the study of religion.
640:113(g). Philosophy of Religion- 3 hrs.
Introduction to the philosophical examination of religious ideas. Strongly recommended that some work in philosophy or religion precede this course.
640:115(g). Religion and its Critics- 3 hrs.
Issues raised by the encounter between traditional Christian faith and modern concepts and methods of philosophy, science, history, sociology, and cultural criticism. Examines positions of both 19th- and 20th-century theologians. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:117(g). Religion in America - 3 hrs.
Investigation of religious movements and beliefs from colonial times to the present. Recommended to precede this course, one of the following: 640:024; 650:021. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. (Same as 960:145g.)
640:126(g). Meditation and Mystical Experience - 3 hrs.
Examination of various techniques of meditation and their results, drawing from Yoga, Zen, Buddhist, Christian, and secular sources including first-hand accounts of meditational practice and philosophic and psychological studies in the area of mysticism. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:130. Great Living Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism - 3 hrs.
Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam.
640:132. Great Living Religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen - 3 hrs.
Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Shintoism.
640:134. Great Living Religions: Judaism and Islam - 3 hrs.
A study of the doctrines and practices of Judaism and Islam in their cultural context. Attention will be paid both to their historical development and to their current situation.
640:136. Great Living Religions: Christianity - 3 hrs.
An introductory survey of the development, beliefs, practices, and varieties of Christianity.
640:141(g). Old Testament and Other Hebrew Scriptures - 3 hrs.
An introduction to the history and ideas of the Old Testament and other Hebrew scriptures. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:142(g). New Testament and Early Christian Writings - 3 hrs.
An introduction to the history and ideas of the New Testament and early Christian writings. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:152(g). Existentialism -- 3 hrs.
Study of interpretations of human experience in contemporary thought. Presupposes no previous knowledge of philosophy. Prerequisite: junior standing. (Same as 650:152g.)
640:154(g). Myth and Symbol -- 3 hrs.
Investigation of meaning and significance of religious myths and symbols, and theories used to study them. Prerequisite: junior standing.
640:161(g). Religion, Magic and Witchcraft - 3 hrs.
Anthropological understanding of behavior dealing with the supernatural; supernatural beliefs, practices, and movements throughout the world. Prerequisite: 990:011 or consent of instructor. (Same as 990:161g.)
640:162(g). Women and Christianity - 3 hrs.
Examines the history and function of gender in the symbolization of the Christian tradition; explores the institutionalization of sex roles in Christianity; discusses the interaction between the Christian religion and cultural patterns that define the social role, status, and image of women. All interested students are encouraged to contact the instructor. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:165(g). Religion and Society - 3 hrs.
Religious institutions and their social context; changes and development in religion. Religious organization and behavior; social function of religion. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:167(g). Religion and Autobiography -- 3 hrs.
Exploration of idea of literary self-creation as a religious, historical and cultural phenomenon. Attention to questions of race, ethnicity, gender, and class. Prerequisite: junior standing.
640:168(g). Religion and Sexuality -- 3 hrs.
Examination of ways in which religions shape and reflect ideas about the body and sexuality. Prerequisite: junior standing.
640:171(g). Religion and Ethics - 3 hrs.
Examination of key issues having to do with religion and ethics, including the moral function of religion; religious pluralism; war and peace; freedom and responsibility; religion and politics; religion and gender; social justice. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor.
640:173. Bio-Medical Ethics - 3 hrs.
Application of principles and analytic methods of ethical theory to contemporary issues in medical practice and research. Topics include the fundamental concepts of health and disease, life and death; the rights and obligations of medical practitioners and their patients; informed consent and confidentiality; abortion and euthanasia; reproductive and transplantation technologies; health policy and the provision and rationing of health care. (Same as 650:173.)
640:174(g). Ethics in Business - 3 hrs.
Application of ethical principles and analytic methods to contemporary issues in business. Topics include the moral responsibility of corporations and their regulation; economic policy, business practices, and social justice; the rights and obligations of employers and employees; meaningful work, motivation, and the worker; affirmative action and reverse discrimination; the environment and the natural limits of capitalism. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. (Same as 650:174g.)
640:175(g). Environmental Ethics - 3 hrs.
Introduction to and application of ethical theory to environmental issues, including responsibility for plants and animals, pollution, natural resources, and population growth. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. (Same as 650:175g.)
640:186(g). Studies in Religion - 3 hrs.
Study of special topics to be announced in advance of registration.
640:189(g). Individual Readings in Religion - 1-3 hrs.
Individually arranged readings and reports from (1) Biblical studies, (2) history of religions, or (3) contemporary religious thought. Can be repeated for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: consent of department head.
640:194(g). Seminar on Death and Dying - 3 hrs.
Ideas and research concerning the anticipation of dying, toward the goal of sensitive communication with those most affected by death-the suicidal, the terminally ill, and the grieving. (Formerly 680:194g.) (Same as 650:194g.)
640:197. Ethics Practicum -- 3 hrs.
Combines service-learning with study of theoretical and applied ethics. Students work 4-6 hours per week in a community agency and meet with instructor. Prerequisites: one completed or concurrent ethics course; consent of instructor. (Same as 650:197.)
640:250. Critical Perspectives on Gender -- 3 hrs.
Consideration of two traditions that have influenced feminist theories in the last two decades - poststructuralism and psychoanalysis. Readings in primary texts (e.g., Foucault, Derrida, Freud, and Lacan) and explorations of feminist elaborations and critiques of these texts revealing the tenacity, centrality, and power in human lives of a sense of gendered existence. (Same as 650:250.)
Department of Philosophy and Religion
Jerome P.
Soneson, Acting
Department Head
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls IA.
50613-0501
All Rights Reserved
Page last updated December 21, 2004 by the Department Webmaster.