Thematic Concentrations

While there are a number of established concentrations that you can choose from (for example, tradition-based concentrations), students are encouraged to think creatively and engage in a dialogue with their advisor to propose alternative concentrations. Consider, for example, the thematic concentrations listed below. You can also cross-reference our course listing.

Please note:

• These themes are just examples. All majors, whether pursuing an established concentration or a student-initiated one, must consult with their major advisor to assure the feasibility of the concentration and to anticipate course availability.
• The list of courses under each theme are not meant to be comprehensive. The faculty often change their syllabi, sometimes significantly, and it is likely that there are classes currently offered that may not be listed. 
• Remember to talk to your faculty advisor (and department chair) as not all these courses are offered on a regular basis.

Religion and Politics

• RELI 0201 (Religion and Violence)
• RELI 0254 (Islam in South Asia)
• RELI 0273 (Religion and Capitalism)
• RELI 0297 (Middle East Political Religion)
• RELI 0376 (Religion and American Politics)
• RELI 0352 (Fundamentalism and Religion)
• PSCI 0438 (Political Islam)
• RELI 0398 (Christianity and Social Justice)
• RELI0375 (Church and State)

Religion and Modernity

• RELI 1074 (Buddhism in the Modern World)
• RELI 0261 (Jewish Thought: Modern Era)
• RELI 0229 (Religion in Modern China)
• RELI 0359 (Fundamentalism and Religion)
• RELI 0362 (Religion and Nationalism)

Religion and Class

• RELI 0248 Religion and Class in South Asia
• RELI 0273 (Religion and Capitalism)
• RELI 0298 (Privilege and Poverty)
• RELI 0398 (Christianity and Social Justice)

Mysticism

• RELI 0231 (The Way of the Ascetics)
• RELI 0238 (Literature and Mystical Experience)
• RELI 0350 (Sufism: The Mystical Tradition of Islam)
• RELI 0290 (Women and the Sacred) 

Sacred Texts

• RELI 0120 (Asian Religious Classics)
• RELI 1023 (Early Taoist Texts)
• RELI 0252 (the Qur’an)
• RELI 0280 (Hebrew Bible/Old Testament)
• RELI 0180 (Intro to Biblical Literature)
• RELI 0332 (The Ten Commandments)
• RELI/LITS 0282 (New Testament in Narrative and Art)