Colorado College Religion Department
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Topics for 2008-09
Block 1
RE 200. Global Hinduism
Examination of the
emergence of Hinduism outside its homeland into Europe and North America.
We will look at immigration patterns and their relationship to Hindu religious
practices and beliefs. We will examine the role of Hindu temples and neo-Hindu
organizations in both preserving Hindu culture in the West an also in
forging alliances with the Hindu right in India. Professor Penumala.
Block 3
RE 200. Bible and Qur'an
Comparative historical and exegetical study of the sacred scriptures of
Christianity and Islam.
Professor Wright.
Block 4
RE 200. Thomas Merton: Catholic
Monk, Social Prophet, and Buddhist Teacher
Introduction to the life of Thomas Merton who, despite living in a cloistered
monastery, became one of the most controversial, inspirational, and
influential religious figures of our time. We will examine his conversion
from playboy to monk, and study themes (e.g., prayer/contemplation,
freedom, and non-violence) that emerge from his journals, prose, and
poetry. Readings will include Merton's autobiography, The Seven Storey
Mountain, and excerpts from his writings on spiritual life, peace,
and eastern religions. Students will be required to write their own
spiritual autobiography and to present the results of their research
on one aspect of Merton's thought. Professor Stella.
RE 200. The Bhagavad-Gita: Reading
the Text in Modern Hinduism
Examination of the use of the Gita as a Pan-Hindu text by locating
it within the epic story of Mahabharata and Vedanta philosophies.
We will look at the significance of the text for Vaishnava Hindus in
particular, as well as its appropriation by neo-Hindu organizations,
its use in Indian nationalism, and its role in current Indian cultural
consciousness in India and the West. Professor Penumala.
RE 300. Magic and Religion
Advanced study of the relation between magical texts and practices and
the religions of the late antique Mediterranean world. Professor Schwarz.
Block 6
RE 300. Hindu Goddesses: Maintenance
and Subversion of Tradition
Examination of various mythological traditions pertaining to Hindu goddess
worship. We will look at Vaishnavite, Shaivite and Tantric goddess narratives
and consider whether they can be viewed as homogeneous or if they represent
fundamentally different theologies and ritual traditions. Finally, using
the example of Sri Lakshmi in South Indian Vaishnavism, we will examine
the role of the goddess in the scheme of salvation, comparing medieval
Hindu debates of the question with Christian reflection on the role
of works versus grace in salvation. Professor Penumala.
RE 300. Islam in the Americas
Advanced course on the growing presence of Muslim communities in North
and South America, including examination of strategies of accomodation
and identity maintenance, especially in the United States following
the attacks of September 11, 2001. Professor Wright.
Block 8
RE 200. Hinduism and the Modern World
Investigation of modern challenges to Hindu society. We will cover such questions as the concept of Hinduism as a homogenous faith, new movements within Hinduism, conversion to (and from) other faiths, environmental and medical ethics, adaptation of diaspora Hindus to host societies, and new approaches to long-standing problems, such as dowry and female feticide. Professor Penumala.
