Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.

All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in religion satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2064, or CGS 2100.

No statewide common program prerequisites have been identified for this program. However, faculty in this program recommend that students take several lower level religion courses with the REL prefix.

Major

To complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in religion, a student must take (in addition to other college requirements) thirty semester hours of religion courses. For purposes of the major requirement, religion courses are divided into the following three (3) areas:

Western: REL 2121, 2210, 2243, 3128, 3146, 3280, 3293r, 3363, 3370, 3430, 3505, 3600, 4203r, 4290r, 4320r, 4323, 4324, 4511, 4541, 4564, 4611, 4613, 4914r

Asian: REL 2315, 2350, 3316, 3335, 3337, 3340, 3358, 4333, 4359r, 4908r, 4912r

Issues and Approaches: REL 3142, 3145, 3170, 3177r, 3194; PHI 3700

Note: The areas in which REL 3936r, 4190r, 4304r, 4491r, 4905r, and 4932r fall depend on the topic. Students should inquire at the department office for a current list of all courses and their areas.

Majors must take at least three semester hours in each of the three areas listed above. In addition, at least eighteen semester hours must be at the 3000/4000 level, of which six hours must be numbered 3936 or above. Majors must take at least one religion course with a seminar format (either a course listed as a seminar or one approved as such by the department). REL 1300 is not applicable toward the requirements for the major. Courses in which the student receives a grade below "C–" will not be counted toward the major.

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in religion must complete an exit interview or survey.

Minor

The religion major requires the completion of a minor in another department or program.

The Department of Religion offers an honors program in religion to encourage talented juniors and seniors to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.

The Departments of Religion and Classics cooperate in a joint major designed for students with a special interest in religion in the ancient world. Students interested in this program should discuss it with the undergraduate director of either department.

Because religion touches many facets of human life, the study of religion is inherently interdisciplinary. The department therefore participates in a number of interdepartmental programs, including the following: American studies, Asian studies, African-American studies, humanities, and women's studies. In addition, students of religion will find related courses in other departments, including anthropology; art history; classics; English; history; philosophy; and sociology. Students undertaking a major or minor in religion should discuss such courses with the undergraduate adviser in religion.

Students majoring in other disciplines and wishing to minor in religion must take a minimum of twelve semester hours in the religion curriculum. At least six semester hours of credit must be earned in courses at the 3000 level or higher. REL 1300 is not applicable toward the requirements for the minor. Courses in which the student receives a grade below "C–" will not be counted toward the minor.

HBR—Modern Hebrew Language

HPS—History and Philosophy of Science

PHI—Philosophy

REL—Religion

SRK—Sanskrit Language

HBR 1102, 1103. Beginning Hebrew I, II (4, 4). Introduction to the basic grammar, syntax, and phonology of modern and classical Hebrew. Meets the foreign language requirement for the BA degree. No language laboratory required.

HBR 2222. Intermediate Hebrew (4). Translation and commentary on selected Hebrew readings. Meets the foreign language requirement for the BA degree. No language laboratory required.

PHI 3700. Philosophy of Religion (3). Philosophical analysis of major problems in religion: religious language, faith, revelation, existence and nature of God, immortality. Also offered by the Department of Philosophy

REL 1300. Introduction to World Religions (3). A survey of the major living religious traditions of the world, with attention to their origins in the ancient world and their classic beliefs and practices.

REL 2121. Religion in the United States (3). An examination of the scope and nature of religious movements and institutions in the United States.

REL 2210. Introduction to the Old Testament (3). The history, religious thought, and social institutions of ancient Israel as reflected primarily in its literature.

REL 2240. Introduction to the New Testament (3). An introduction to the writings of the New Testament in the context of the historical development of early Christianity.

REL 2315. Religions of South Asia (3). History and culture of the religious traditions of South Asia. A study of the manifestations of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

REL 2350. Religions of East Asia (3). An introduction to the history, thought, and practice of religion in China, Korea, and Japan. Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and popular religious traditions from ancient through modern times are covered.

REL 3054. Critics of Religion (3). This course is an introduction to the major thinkers and texts in the critique of religion as it developed in the 19th and 20th centuries in the west. Beginning with Schleiermacher, the course moves on to consider the so-called "masters of suspicion" — Feuerbach, Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud. By means of a close examination of central texts, students explore the meaning of a critique of religion, the structure of religious consciousness, the place of religion with respect to other forms of culture, the problem of religion and alienation, and the possibility of a critical faith.

REL 3128r. Topics in Religion in the Americas (3). Prerequisite: REL 2121 or instructor permission. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.

REL 3142. Religion, the Self, and Society (3). Interpretation of religious phenomena by the major social theorists of modern times. The course is divided into two parts: the psychology of religion and the sociology of religion.

REL 3145. Gender and Religion (3). A consideration of the impact of gender on religion. Includes cross-cultural studies, theoretical works, and gender issues within religious traditions.

REL 3170. Religious Ethics and Moral Problems (3). A discussion of contemporary moral problems such as deception, sexual activities and relations, and capital punishment from the standpoints of major religious traditions.

REL 3171. Religion and Bioethics (3). This course offers an introduction to theoretical and practical issues in bioethics from the perspective of a variety of religious and secular positions.

REL 3180r. Topics in Ethics (3). Consideration of themes and problems in modern ethics. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 3194.  The Holocaust (3). An examination of the origins, the process, and the consequences of the destruction of the European Jews during World War II.

REL 3293r. Topics in Biblical Studies (3). Prerequisite: REL 2210 and REL 2243 or instructor permission. Selected topics dealing with biblical writings in their ancient historical contexts and/or their interpretation in later periods. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 3335r. Hindu Texts and Contexts (3). A study of selected Hindu scriptures, their commentarial traditions, and their religious and cultural contexts. Topics vary; may include devotional (bhakti) poetry, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, etc. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 3337. Goddesses, Women, and Power in Hinduism (3). Female power in Hindu cosmology, mythology, and society. A study of Hindu goddesses, women, and female symbolism and the multifaceted relationship among them.

REL 3340. The Buddhist Tradition (3). A survey of the Buddhist tradition from its beginnings through the modern period. Some attention to its contemporary forms.

REL 3345. Chan/Zen Buddhism (3). This course focuses on Chan, a school of Chinese Buddhism popularly known in Japanese as "Zen". The course surveys Zen both historically and thematically, from its beginnings through the modern period. Topics include Chan's origins, history, doctrine, ethical beliefs, meditation, ritual, and monastic institutions.

REL 3358. Tibetan and Himalayan Religions (3). Historical and thematic survey of the religions of Tibet and the Himalayas, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim. The course emphasizes significant facets of this region's rich cultural heritage, including religion, literature, art, and politics.

REL 3363. The Islamic Tradition (3). This course provides a historical and topical survey of Islam as a religion and civilization, focusing on the formative and classical periods of its history. The course is primarily concerned with the life and career of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam; the scriptural sources of Islam (i.e., the Qur'an and the Sunna); and the development of the Muslim community and its principal institutions (schools of thought, law, theology, cultural life, and mystical traditions).

REL 3430. Issues and Thinkers in Western Religious Thought (3). An introduction to the Western tradition of religious thought as illustrated by the writings of some of its greatest representatives. Readings in such primary sources as Augustine, Dante, Erasmus, Luther, Pascal, Hegel, and Kierkegaard.

REL 3493. Religion and Science (3). This course provides an historical and philosophical analysis of major questions in the relationship between religion and science.

REL 3505. The Christian Tradition (3). The major beliefs, practices, and institutional forms of Christianity in historical perspective.

REL 3607. The Jewish Tradition (3). A survey of the varieties of institutional structures, beliefs, and religious practices of post-biblical Judaism in their historical contexts.

REL 3936r. Special Topics in Religion (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4190r.  Undergraduate Religion and Culture Seminar (3). Problems and issues in religion and culture. Topics vary. Intended for advanced undergraduate students. Permission of the instructor required. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4203r. Readings in Classical Hebrew Texts (1–3). Prerequisite: HEB 2230 or instructor permission. Intensive work on specific religious texts in classical Hebrew (ancient or medieval). Choice of texts will vary. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4290r. Undergraduate Biblical Studies Seminar (3). Advanced work in biblical studies for undergraduates. Topics vary. Permission of the instructor required. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4304r. Undergraduate History of Religions Seminar (3). Problems and issues in the history of religions. Topics vary. Intended for advanced undergraduate students. Permission of the instructor is required. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4321. Religions of the Graeco-Roman World (3). The religions of the Graeco-Roman world with special emphasis on traditional religious forms, mystery religions, and developments in philosophy. Some attention will be given to Judaism, Christianity, and Gnosticism in their broader social, cultural, and historical contexts.

REL 4324r.  Tutorial in Greek Religious Texts (1–3). Selected readings in Greek of Jewish, Christian, and other religious texts from the ancient world. A basic knowledge of Greek grammar is presumed. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4333. Modern Hinduism (3). Selected topics on the Hindu tradition in 19th and 20th century India. Includes modern Hindu thinkers, reform movements, popular religion, Hindu nationalism, and pluralism. Attention also to Hindu-inspired religious movements outside India and to other topics of student interest.

REL 4357r. Classical Tibetan (1–3). A systematic and comprehensive study of basic literary Tibetan grammar, common locutions, and translation devices. Emphasis is on exposure to a variety of styles and genres in Tibetan religious literature including Buddhist texts on philosophy, ritual, and history. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4359r. Special Topics in Asian Religions (3). This course focuses on selected topics and themes in the academic study of Asian religions with special emphasis on issues of methodology. Topics may include key theories in Asian studies, religion, philosophy, history, sociology, and anthropology intended to help students develop critical skills. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours as topics vary.

REL 4491r. Undergraduate Religious Thought Seminar (3). Topics vary. Intended for advanced undergraduate students. Permission of the instructor required. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4510. Christianity after the New Testament (3). Prerequisite: REL 2240 or instructor permission. The course covers major developments in the history and theology of Christianity in the first three centuries of the Common Era.

REL 4511. Christianity in Late Antiquity (3). Christian thought, institutions, lifestyles, and literature in their social, cultural, and historical contexts from the time of Jesus to the early Middle Ages.

REL 4564. Modern Roman Catholicism (3). The Catholic Church from the Council of Trent to the present day; special consideration given to Vatican II, current problems, and leading thinkers.

REL 4611. Judaism in the Graeco-Roman World (3). A history of the Jews and the development of Jewish religious ideas, literature, institutions, and practices from the Maccabean Revolt to the redaction of the Babylonian Talmud.

REL 4613. Modern Judaism (3). The development of Judaism as a religious and cultural phenomenon in Europe, North America, and the Middle East from the European Enlightenment to the birth of the State of Israel.

REL 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). Supervised reading and research on selected topics. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

REL 4908r. Tutorial in Pali (1–3). A study of the grammar, vocabulary, and style of the Pali canon to better understand both Buddhist philosophical concepts and the culture of ancient Buddhist India. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4912r. Tutorial in Sanskrit Texts (1–3). Prerequisite: SRK 4103 or equivalent. Readings in Sanskrit of selected religious texts. Topics will vary. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4914r. Tutorial in Latin Religious Texts (1–3). Readings in Latin of selected religious texts. Topics will vary. A basic knowledge of Latin grammar is presumed. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.

REL 4932r. Honors Work (3). Students completing this program are awarded their diploma "With Honors in Religion." Interested students should consult with the adviser of the program. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

SRK 4102, 4103. Elementary Sanskrit I, II (3, 3). Introduction to the morphology and syntax of Sanskrit and introduction to Sanskrit texts.

HPS 5340. Freud and the Invention of the Modern Mind (3).

HPS 5345. Power, Knowledge, and Control: Foucault and the History of Human Sciences (3).

REL 5035. Seminar: Introduction to the Study of Religion (3).

REL 5195r. Seminar: Religion and Culture (3).

REL 5204r. Readings in Classical Hebrew Texts (1–3).

REL 5292r. Tutorial in Near Eastern Languages and Literature (1–3).

REL 5297r. Seminar: Biblical Studies (3).

REL 5305r. Seminar: History of Religions (3).

REL 5328r. Tutorial in Greek Religious Texts (1–3).

REL 5332. Modern Hinduism (3).

REL 5319r. Tutorial in Classical Chinese Religious Texts (3-12).

REL 5354. Special Topics in Asian Religions (3).

REL 5356r. Readings in Tibetan Religious Texts (3-12).

REL 5486. Religious Thought in America (3).

REL 5497r. Seminar: Religious Thought (3).

REL 5515. Christianity in Late Antiquity (3).

REL 5516. Christianity after the New Testament (3).

REL 5565. Modern Roman Catholicism (3).

REL 5612. Judaism in the Graeco-Roman World (3).

REL 5616. Modern Judaism (3).

REL 5672. Gender and Judaism (3).

REL 5906r. Directed Individual Study (1–3).

REL 5910r. Tutorial in Pali (1–3).

REL 5911r. Supervised Research (1–3). (S/U grade only.)

REL 5915r. Tutorial in Sanskrit Texts (1–3).

REL 5916r. Tutorial in Latin Religious Texts (1–3).

REL 5937r. Special Topics in Religion (3).

REL 5940. Supervised Teaching (3). (S/U grade only.)

REL 6176r. Seminar: Ethics and Politics (3).

REL 6298r. Seminar: Scriptures and Interpretation (3).

REL 6498r. Seminar: Religious Thought (3).

REL 6596r. Seminar: Religious Movements and Institutions (3).

SRK 5236. Intermediate Readings in Sanskrit I (3).

SRK 5237. Intermediate Readings in Sanskrit II (3).

For listings relating to graduate course work for thesis, dissertation, and master's and doctoral examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.