Colorado College Asian Studies
Home | Curriculum | News and Events | People | Related Sites
Religion and Philosophy Courses
109 Chinese Meditative Arts. The history and philosophy of Chinese arts will be introduced with its applications for meditation, relaxation, concentration, and physical development. Short forms of Taichi, Taichi sword, and health-related techniques will be taught in conjunction with the art and practice of Chinese brush calligraphy and seal carving. Other art forms such as Chinese music, theater, and dance will be introduced briefly. The correlation/interface of the Chinese body movement and the arts practice would, hopefully, rekindle one's interest in and lead to further exploration of the Asian culture. (Also listed as Dance 102.) 1 unit - Wang
140 Islam An historical and thematic introduction to Islamic traditions from the 7th century CE to the present day, focusing on fundamental texts and practices. Topics include the Abrahamic context of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, the rise of sectarian movements (Shi'a and Sunni), ritual and pilgrimage, Islamic law, Sufism,women in Islam, the challenges of modernity, and Islam in America. 1 unit - Coleman.
160 Hinduism An historical and thematic introduction to Hindu traditions from prehistoric India to the present day, focusing on classic texts and popular rituals. Topics include the Rig Veda, the Upanisads and the rise of Buddhism, the great epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana), Yoga, the Bhagavadgita, Indian art and music, devotional movements and poetry, Goddess worship, dharma, the caste system, Hindu nationalism, Gandhi and Indian independence. 1 unit - Coleman.
251 Feminist Religious Thought An introduction to feminist theology and ethics in the Christian and Judaic traditions, with attention to feminist thought in Asian religions as well. Topics include God, love, justice, community, liberation, sexuality, reproduction, and social transformation.(Offered in alternate years). 1 unit - Coleman.
252 Women in Hinduism and Islam An exploration of constructions of gender and the status of women and Hindu and Islamic cultures, with attention to both texts and practices. Primary and secondary readings survey a variety of topics from classical and modern periods, including marriage, sexuality and reproduction, sati, Islamic law, devotion, renunciation and tantra. Prerequisite: RE 140 or RE 160 or consent of instructor. (Offered in alternate years). 1 unit - Coleman.
341 Sufism A study of Sufi texts and practices, focusing on devotional poetry from classical and medieval periods in diverse settings throughout the Islamic world, including South Asia. Major figures include Rabi'a, al-Hallaj, Rumi and Sultan Bahu. Prerequisite: RE 140. (Offered in alternate years). 1 unit - Coleman.
361 Bhakti: Devotion in South Asia A study of diverse Hindu devotional movements from classical and medieval periods. Primary readings include poetry by both men and women who are devotees of Visnu, Krishna, Siva, Rama, and the Great Goddess. Critical articles help situate the devotees and their songs in cultural context. Prerequisite: RE 160. (Offered in alternate years). 1 unit - Coleman.
362 Devi: Goddesses of India A study of various Hindu goddesses, including their iconography and particular powers, as well as the ritualistic ways in which they are worshipped in diverse regions of India, with a glimpse of feminist appropriations of Kali in the West as well. Primary and secondary readings include poetry, theology, and historical-critical studies. Films depict various rituals. Prerequisite: RE 160. (Offered in alternate years). 1 unit - Coleman.
203 Buddhism. An introduction to the life and times of the Buddha, his basic teachings, and central monastic and lay practices. Emphases include key elements in the development of Buddhist philosophy, the purposes and styles of meditation, and theory and practice in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. (Also listed as Religion 203.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit - Gardiner
216 Confucianism. Close reading of primary philosophical and ethical texts in the classical and Neo-Confucian traditions, including the writings of Confucius, Mencius, and Wang Yang-ming, with attention as well to modern scholarly interpretations of this literature. The influence of Confucianism on East Asian civilizations in general. (Also listed as Religion 206.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 2001-02.) 1 unit - Gardiner
218 Taoism. Close reading of Lao- tzu's Tao te ching and the writings of Chuang-tzu, supplemented by modern scholarly treatments of this literature. We will explore such topics in religious and philosophical Taoism as the spontaneity and naturalness of Wu- Wei; the natural world as teacher; meditative and dietary practices; the Taoist church and its priests and rituals. (Also listed as Religion 208.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 2001-02.) 1 unit - Gardiner
220 Philosophies of India. The development of Indian philosophy from its roots in the Vedic tradition of Hinduism. Attention will be focused on the metaphysical, ethical, and epistemological systems that grew out of the Hindu scriptures and the challenges to Hinduism posed by Buddhism and philosophical materialism. Prerequisite: one course in Philosophy or consent of instructor. (Also listed as Philosophy 220.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 2001-02.) 1 unit - Lee
242 Religion in China. Focuses on four aspects of religion in China: folk religion, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The course includes an introduction to Confucius' Analects and Lao-Tzu's Tao te ching; the Chinese transformation of Buddhism and the Buddhist transformation of China; the I ching; the significance of ancestor veneration; and the centrality of ideals of harmony on individual, social, and cosmic levels. (Also listed as Religion 243.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 2001-02.) 1 unit - Gardiner
243 Religion in Japan. The course focuses on the strong influence of Chinese and Indian religious forms; the prevalence of religious syncretism; the centrality of ancestor veneration; views of nature and of sacred space; the tendency toward this-worldly, material concerns; the wide variety of "new religions" in Japan. (Also listed as Religion 243.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 2001-02.) 1 unit - Gardiner
370 Systems of Buddhist Thought and Practice. The topic for this course will vary from year to year. The subject matter will draw from areas such as schools of Buddhist philosophy, traditions of meditation, and the writings of renowned Buddhist authors. Prerequisite: Religion 203. (Also listed as Religion 370.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit - Gardiner