REL 1700 - What is Religion? (3)

When Offered: Fall
GEN ED: Liberal Studies Experience
Religions are complicated and fascinating forces, and they have a powerful influence on people’s lives and on the world we share. But what exactly is religion? What is distinctive about religious beliefs, practices, or communities? If people have “freedom of religion”, what may they do and what may they not do? If science explains the world, what is it that religious teachings do? Are religions prone to irrationality and violence? This course therefore serves as an introduction to the academic study of religion as well as to a major or minor in Religious Studies.