Religious Studies

Continued

CHECK WITH SOCIOLOGY DEPT FOR INFORMATION ON THIS COURSE

Insights into geography and landscape are provided by novelists, dramatists, poets and artists. In addition to their personal mode of regard, these creative individuals reflect in their descriptions and symbolism cultural perceptions of the environment. This course looks at their interpretations of landscapes and place. It will generally follow a chronological approach commencing with such topics as Arthurian romance, and subsequently include such groups as the Metaphysical Poets and the Romantic Poets. Images of Canadian landscapes in literature and urban landscapes in literature will be emphasized. In addition to secular literature, the interpretation of geography and landscape in religious literature will be considered. Included here will be tangible, symbolic and prophetic imaginary landscapes. Visits to synagogues, churches and art galleries will take place in class time.

Lectures: R 11:30-14:30

Assignments/Evaluation: one essay 40%; class presentation 20%; final exam 40%

Representative Texts: TBA

This course reviews some of the main aspects of the Medieval European literary tradition up to Dante and centres on the concept of love as the main focus of Dante's efforts to present an integrated view of man, and his role in the universe. The process of search and discovery; the Vita Nuova and the Divine Comedy; the importance of Dante's political ideas and of his linguistic theories will also be examined.

Time: MW 11:30-1:00

Format: The course will consist of three hours a week, two of which will be devoted to lectures and presentation of the material, and one to discussions and reports. This may vary according to circumstances. One report (oral or written) will be required in each term.

Assignments/Evaluation: One report, class participation 30%; two term tests 30%; two essays 40%

Representative Texts: Dante Alighieri, Divina Commedia Ed. N. Sapegno, Firenze: La Nuova Italia. Xeroxed materials will be provided at cost.

This course offers a chronological survey of paintings inspired by Ch'an and Zen Buddhism. The course will also involve a close reading of poetry written by monks and laymen associated with this enigmatic and challenging Buddhist sect. Students are expected to engage fully in class discussion.

Format: Three-hour seminar

Assignments/Evaluation: One 10-15 pg essay per term; two short tests per term; and numerous exercises, usually ungraded, assigned at the discretion of the course director.

Prerequisite: 6 credits in 3000-level Asian Art or 6 credits in Chinese or Japanese religion and culture or permission of the course director.

Despite confident predictions of secularization, religious groups around the world are thriving. What is the meaning of religious involvement in this period of history? In this course, religious movements are approached as global networks which link adherents around the world into shared frameworks of meaning and action. Catholic Christianity, Protestant Christianity, Islam and Judaism are examined from this perspective.

Representative Texts: Gilles Kepel, The Revenge of God: The Resurgence of Islam, Christianity and Judaism in the Modern World. 1994. Lester Kurtz, Gods in the Global Village. 1995. Edward Stourton, Absolute Truth: The Catholic Church in the World Today. 1998.

SAME AS GL/ILST 4615 6.0 (EN).

Degree Credit Exclusion: GL/SOCI/ILST 4010 6.0 (EN) & GL SOCI 6690 3.0

This course is open to third or fourth students.

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