Religious Studies

Below is a general summary of my studies in the Religious Studies major at UWSP.

REL 303 – Jewish Scriptures

(Taken from here) This course introduces students to the literature of the Hebrew Bible and to a variety of critical (interpretive) approaches to that literature. We will study the Hebrew Bible as the literary creation of an ancient people, shaped in its composition by specific historical and sociological contexts, rather than as the revealed word of a transcendent God. Our emphasis will be upon methods of interpretation and upon the multiplicity of meanings which those interpretations can produce. No prior knowledge of the Bible or any religion is assumed or necessary for success in this class.

REL 304- New Testament and Early Christianity

(Taken from here) We will investigate early Christian works, both within the New Testament and in noncanonical texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, to discern the various ways in which their authors responded to the historical circumstances in and for which they were writing.

REL 305 – Prophets and Prophecy

Prophets and Prophecy takes emphasis on the prophetic portions of the major religions in the fertile crescent and gives an overview of the early religions in that region. Some religions discussed were Judaism, Zoroastrianism, the Branch Davidians, Christianity, and Vedic traditions.

REL 340 – Buddhism

(Taken from here) Study of Buddhist religious traditions in their historical and cultural contexts. Special attention will be given to the relevance of Buddhism for addressing problems in the modern world such as war, environmental degradation and social injustice.

REL 399 – Independent Study: Biblical Hebrew

This is an independent study put together by Professor Alice Keefe and myself in regards to learning basic Biblical Hebrew. Primary goals intended are to have a basic understanding of the alphabet and grammar structure of the language and to be able to use Biblical Hebrew in contemporary research. I am still working on this project and hope to have it done soon.

PHIL 307 – Science and Values

Science and Values investigates the relationship of science and technology throughout history. The course evaluates science and technology from the paleolithic period to the present time and investigates viewpoints on the interdependency of science and technology.

PHIL 312 – Epistemology

Epistemology spends time investigating the theory of knowledge and differentiating types of knowledge. Classical and contemporary philosophies are included in the search for defining knowledge and pragmatism is also covered.

REL 311 – Religion in America

This course examines beliefs, practices, and interactions of diverse religious traditions represented in the United States (e.g. Native American, Hispanic, Protestant, African, American, Catholic, Jewish, Asian, Muslim). The course is very similar to a AP US History course or simple History 101 class, except with much of the historical emphasis on Religious thought, ideas, and establishments throughout American History.