Listed in: Religion, as RELI-11
Andrew C. Dole (Section 01)
Tariq Jaffer (Section 01)
This course introduces students to the comparative study of religion by focusing on a major theme within two or more religious traditions. Traditions and topics will vary from year to year. In 2009-10, the major traditions will be Islam and Christianity, and the theme will be the contested and sometimes conflictual relationship between religious belief and intellectual reflection. Through a range of classical and modern sources we will explore autobiographical narratives of spiritual journeys in both traditions; differing conceptions of the nature and purpose of scriptural study; practices of formulating law and ethical precepts on the basis of tradition; and attitudes towards the place and content of primary and higher education. One class meeting each week will be dedicated to discussion of the assigned material.
Fall semester. Professors A. Dole and Jaffer.