Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The Ohio State University has suspended face-to-face classes and transitioned to virtual learning for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester and for the Summer 2020 term.
For more information, please visit: https://oaa.osu.edu/coronavirus-academic-decisions.
Further resources are available at the Ohio State Keep Learning website.
RS Major Courses Spring 2020 | RS Minor Courses Spring 2020 | RS Courses Offered at Branch Campuses
RS Major Courses Spring 2020
Religious Studies
RELSTDS 2102.02 | Comparative Sacred Texts
[Major, Comparative/Interdisciplinary Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Melissa Anna Marie Curley | 21555
This course will cover the sacred texts of a variety of religious traditions and the basic theories and methods for reading religious literature. We will examine texts not only from "mainstream" traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, but also materials from Native American traditions and from new religious movements such as Scientology and Wicca. Students will also be introduced to basic theoretical tools for reading and interpreting sacred texts from multiple perspectives. In addition to lectures, films, and in-class discussions, the class will include field trips to a variety of religious sites in central Ohio.GE Literature and Diversity: Global Studies.
RELSTDS 3666 | Magic in the Modern World: From the Golden Dawn to Harry Potter
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Hugh Bayard Urban | 28990
This course traces the modern revival of magic and neo-paganism, both in new religious movements and in popular culture, novels, music and film, from 1870 to the present. The course examines the intersections between emergent magical groups and various social and political movements. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.
RELSTDS 3678 | Religion and American Culture
[Major, Comparative/Interdisciplinary Courses]
[Minor, Core Courses]
MW 11:10-12:30 | Isaac Amitai Weiner | 32639
Thematic approach to the intersections of religion and American culture, with attention to varied topics such as pluralism, nationalism, race, gender, sexuality, law, media, science, economics, and popular culture. 2370 (270) recommended. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for CompStd 3678. GE diversity soc div in the US course.
RELSTDS 3972 | Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
[Major, Core Courses]
[Minor, Required Courses]
WF 2:20-3:40 | Spencer L Dew | 17368
Survey of contemporary theories and methods used in the academic study of religion. Prereq: 2370 (270) or 2370H (270H) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for RelStds 4972 or CompStd 4972 (520).
RELSTDS 5871 | The Japanese Religious Tradition
[Major, Individual Religious Tradition]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
T 2:15-5:00 |Melissa Anne Marie Curley | 32649 & 32650
A survey of the Japanese tradition, including Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, New-Confucianism, and folk religion from the 6th century B.C.E. to the present. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for CompStd 5871 (641) or Japanse 5271 (641). Cross-listed in Japanse 5271.
Classics
CLAS 3401 | Ancient Greek Religion
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions Courses]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TBA | TBA | 22071
Study of ancient Greek religions, including the beginnings of Christianity. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 323. GE historical study course.
CLAS 3408 | Ancient Roman Religion
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions Courses]
TR 12:45-2:05 | Fritz Graf | 32106
Study of religious life and institutions in the Roman Republic and Empire, with due attention to the primary sources, in translation, and their difficulties. GE cultures and ideas and historical study course.
Comparative Studies
COMPSTD 4990 | Senior Seminar
[Major, Core Courses]
WF 12:45-2:05 | David Graves Horn | 17392
Writing seminar based on students' independent research. Prereq: 3990 (398), and 500 or a 4000-level course in CompStd, and Sr standing; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 598.
History of Art
HISTART 3005 | Christian Art
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
MW 2:20-3:40 | Gabrielle Marie Stephens, Barbara Joan Haeger | 33032
An introduction to the wide range of forms and functions of Christian images and spaces from the origin until 1700. Prereq: Soph standing. Not open to students with credit for 301. GE VPA course.
History
HISTORY 2221 | Introduction to the New Testament
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
MWF 9:10-10:05 | Michael Maged Beshay | 33933
Introductory survey of the New Testament writings in translation, including non-canonical sources of the early Christian movement. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Clas 2221, 2221E, 2401, or 2401E. GE for lit and historical study course. Cross-listed in Classics.
HISTORY 2351 | Early Islamic Society, 610-1258
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
ONLINE | TBA | 33935
Origins and early development of selected fundamental Islamic institutions in their historical and cultural context. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx. Not open to students with credit for 540.01. GE historical study course.
Jewish Studies
JEWSHST 2201 | Introduction to Jewish Culture, Thought, and Practice
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
MW 11:10-12:30 | Naomi Brenner | 32871
An introduction to the historical, ideological, and cultural growth of Judaism examined from a variety of methodological perspectives. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 201. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.
Medieval & Renaissance Studies
MEDREN 2666 | Magic and Witchcraft in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 2:20-3:40 | Michael Dov Swartz | 32723
A study of the history of witchcraft and magic from 400 to 1700 C.E. within sociological, religious and intellectual contexts. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Medieval 240. GE culture and ideas and diversity global studies course.
Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
NELC 3230 | Introduction to Shi’as Beliefs and History
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 2:20-3:40 | Hekmat Dirbas | 32674
Introduction to the history, doctrinal tenets, and social manifestations of Shi'ism within Islam and in the context of Islamic civilization. Prereq: English 110.
Philosophy
PHILOS 2120 | Asian Philosophies
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Steven Brown | 23280
A survey including at least three of the following philosophical systems of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 215. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
RS Minor Courses Spring 2020
Religious Studies
RELSTDS 3666 | Magic in the Modern World: From the Golden Dawn to Harry Potter
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Hugh Bayard Urban | 28990
This course traces the modern revival of magic and neo-paganism, both in new religious movements and in popular culture, novels, music and film, from 1870 to the present. The course examines the intersections between emergent magical groups and various social and political movements. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.
RELSTDS 3678 | Religion and American Culture
[Major, Comparative/Interdisciplinary Courses]
[Minor, Core Courses]
MW 11:10-12:30 | Isaac Amitai Weiner | 32639
Thematic approach to the intersections of religion and American culture, with attention to varied topics such as pluralism, nationalism, race, gender, sexuality, law, media, science, economics, and popular culture. 2370 (270) recommended. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for CompStd 3678. GE diversity soc div in the US course.
RELSTDS 3972 | Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
[Major, Core Courses]
[Minor, Required Courses]
WF 2:20-3:40 | Spencer L Dew | 17368
Survey of contemporary theories and methods used in the academic study of religion. Prereq: 2370 (270) or 2370H (270H) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for RelStds 4972 or CompStd 4972 (520).
RELSTDS 5871 | The Japanese Religious Tradition
[Major, Individual Religious Tradition]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
T 2:15-5:00 |Melissa Anne Marie Curley | 32649 & 32650
A survey of the Japanese tradition, including Shinto, Buddhism, Taoism, New-Confucianism, and folk religion from the 6th century B.C.E. to the present. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for CompStd 5871 (641) or Japanse 5271 (641). Cross-listed in Japanse 5271.
Classics
CLAS 2220 |Classical Mythology
CLAS 2220H | Honors Classical Mythology
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MWF 11:30-12:25 | Sarah Iles Johnston | 17092
TR 7:05-8:25 | TBA | 22073
(H) TR 11:10-12:30 | TBA | 17093
(H) TR 9:35-10:55 | Fritz Graf | 27799
(H) WF 12:45-2:05 | TBA | 17094
(H) WF 2:20-3:40 | TBA | 22069
(H) (REC) TR 12:45-2:05 | TBA | 33509
Personalities and attributes of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, their mythology and its influence on Western culture. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 222 or 222H. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
CLAS 3401 | Ancient Greek Religion
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions Courses]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TBA | TBA | 22071
Study of ancient Greek religions, including the beginnings of Christianity. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 323. GE historical study course.
CLAS 5401 | Methodologies for the Study of Ancient Religions
[Minor, Elective Courses]
W 3:55-6:40 | Michael Dov Swartz | 32362 & 32363
Introduction to the methodologies and the scholars who have significantly influenced the study of ancient religion. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for NELC 5401. Cross-listed in NELC.
English
ENGLISH 2280 | The English Bible
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 2:20-3:40 | James Anthony Fredal | 25811
The Bible in English translation, with special attention to its literary qualities, conceptual content, and development within history. Prereq: 1110.01 (110.01) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2280H (280H) or 280. GE lit course.
Hebrew
HEBREW 5602 | The Bible as Literature: Selected Readings
[Minor, Elective Courses]
WF 2:20-3:40 | Sam Arthur Meier | 18990 & 27213
Critical study of basic issues in the language and analysis of biblical texts. In Hebrew. Prereq: 2105, or permission of instructor. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 cr hrs.
History of Art
HISTART 2003 | The Art and Visual Culture of East Asia
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MW 11:30-12:25 | Christina Mathison & Gabrielle Stephens | 19010
(REC) R 11:30-12:25 | Gabrielle Stephens | 19011 & 19012
(REC) F 11:30-12:25 | Gabrielle Stephens | 26019 & 26020
Art of East Asian cultures from ancient through contemporary times. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 213 or 2003H. GE VPA and historical study and diversity global studies course.
HISTART 5816 | Images of the Mind: Chinese Painting of the Yuan and Ming Periods (1279-1644)
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 12:45-2:05 | Julia Andrews & Gabrielle Stephens | 33054 & 33055
A survey of Chinese painting from the Yuan and Ming periods, with emphasis on style, subject matter, and cultural context. Prereq: Soph or Grad standing, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 678.02.
History
HISTORY 2351 | Early Islamic Society, 610-1258
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
ONLINE | TBA | 33935
Origins and early development of selected fundamental Islamic institutions in their historical and cultural context. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx. Not open to students with credit for 540.01. GE historical study course.
HISTORY 2451 | Medieval and Early Modern Jewish History (700-1700 CE)
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 12:45-2:05 | Daniel Frank | 32234
Introduction to the history of Jewish communities, religion, and culture in Europe during the Medieval and Early Modern periods. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 330.01, 330.02, or JewshSt 2451. GE historical study course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HISTORY 2453 | History of Zionism and Modern Israel
[Minor, Elective Courses]
WF 9:35-10:55 | Ori Yehudai | 32235
The history of Zionist movement and the modern state of Israel from beginnings to present. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 334 or JewshSt 2453. GE historical study course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HISTORY 2455 | Jews in American Film
[Minor, Elective Courses]
W 12:45-2:05 | Matthew Goldish | 28003
A study of how modern Jews appear in film compared with historical reality. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 332 or JewshSt 2455. GE historical study course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HISTORY 2475 | History of the Holocaust
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MWF 9:10-10:05 | Nicole Ashley Freeman | 33936
Study of the state-sponsored murder of millions of Jews and non-Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 331 or JewshSt 2475. GE historical study course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HISTORY 3351 | Intellectual and Social Movements in the Muslim World
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Jane Hathaway | 32278
Upper-level lecture/discussion course on significant intellectual and social movements in the Middle East and vicinity from the advent of Islam to the present. Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 542.01. GE historical study course.
HISTORY 3450 | History of Ancient Israel (to 300 BCE)
[Minor, Elective Courses]
WF 11:10-12:30 | Sam Arthur Meier | 32280
Survey of the history and historiography of Israel from its origins to the advent of Hellenism. Prereq: English 1110.xx, and any History 2000-level course; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 530.01 or JewshSt 3450. GE historical study course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
Medieval & Rennaissance Studies
MEDREN 2666 | Magic and Witchcraft in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 2:20-3:40 | Michael Dov Swartz | 32723
A study of the history of witchcraft and magic from 400 to 1700 C.E. within sociological, religious and intellectual contexts. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Medieval 240. GE culture and ideas and diversity global studies course.
Near-Eastern Languages and Cultures
NELC 3201 | Muslims in America and Europe: Migration and Living Between Worlds
[Minor, Elective Courses]
WF 12:45-2:05 | Morgan Yih-Yang Liu | 32672
What does it mean to live as modern Muslims in western societies? How do they cope with prejudice, Islamophobia, traditions, integration, war, migration, and new opportunities? We explore the experiences of religious minorities in the U.S. and Europe for Muslims whose families are originally from the Arab world, Iran, South Asia, Turkey, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. GE soc sci indivs and groups and diversity soc div in the US course.
NELC 3230 | Introduction to Shi’as Beliefs and History
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 2:20-3:40 | Hekmat Dirbas | 32674
Introduction to the history, doctrinal tenets, and social manifestations of Shi'ism within Islam and in the context of Islamic civilization. Prereq: English 110.
Philosophy
PHILOS 2120 | Asian Philosophies
[Major, Individual Religious Traditions]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 11:10-12:30 | Steven Brown | 23280
A survey including at least three of the following philosophical systems of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 215. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
Sociology
SOCIOL 3467 | Sociology of Religion
[Minor, Core Courses]
ONLINE | TBA | 28355
The social role of religious institutions and beliefs, with particular reference to the United States; the relation between religion and other aspects of society. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for 467. GE diversity soc div in the US course.
RS Courses Offered at Branch Campuses
Lima Campus
Classics
CLAS 2220 | Classical Mythology
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MWF 10:10-11:05 | Scott Alden Fisher | 22065
Personalities and attributes of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, their mythology and its influence on Western culture. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 222 or 222H. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
Mansfield Campus
History
HISTORY 3245 | The Age of Reformation
[Major, Individual Religious Tradition]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 1:30-2:50 | Heather Jean Tanner | 33480
The history of the Protestant, Catholic, and Radical Reformations of 16th and early 17th century Europe. Prereq: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 511. GE historical study course.
Marion Campus
Classics
CLAS 2220 | Classical Mythology
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 1:30-2:50 | Katherine Ann Rask | 15351
Personalities and attributes of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, their mythology and its influence on Western culture. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 222 or 222H. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
CLAS 3401 | Ancient Greek Religion
[Major, Individual Religious Tradition]
[Minor, Elective Courses]
TR 9:30-10:50 | Katherine Ann Rask | 33419
Study of ancient Greek religions, including the beginnings of Christianity. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 323. GE historical study course.
CLAS 3408 | Ancient Roman Religion
[Major, Individual Religious Tradition]
MW 6:30-7:50 | Scott Alden Fisher | 27622
Study of religious life and institutions in the Roman Republic and Empire, with due attention to the primary sources, in translation, and their difficulties. GE cultures and ideas and historical study course.
Newark Campus
Religious Studies
RELSTDS 2370 | Introduction to Comparative Religion
[Major, Core Courses]
[Minor, Required Courses]
MW 3:55-5:15 | Cheryl Lynn Cash | 15473
MWF 1:50-2:45 | Eric S. Williams | 21554
Introduction to the academic study of religion through comparison among major traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) and smaller communities. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2370H or CompStd 2370H (270H) or 2370 (270). GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.
RELSTDS 3672 | Native American Religions
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MW 11:10-12:30 | John N Low | 21557
Comparative survey of indigenous religions of North America; patterns and diversity in religious experience, cosmologies, myths, rituals, social organizations, and sacred roles. 2370 (270) recommended. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for CompStd 3672 (322) or RelStds 322. GE cultures and ideas course and diversity soc div in the US course.
Classics
CLAS 2220 & CLAS 2220H | Classical Mythology
[Minor, Elective Courses]
MW 11:10-12:30 | Dana L Muntenau | 28269 & 27626
Personalities and attributes of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, their mythology and its influence on Western culture. Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 222 or 222H. GE lit and diversity global studies course.
Wooster Campus
Religious Studies
RELSTDS 2370 | Introduction to Comparative Religion
[Major, Core Courses]
[Minor, Required Courses]
MWF 1:50-2:45 | Eric S. Williams | 21554
TR 7:40-9:00 | Eric S. Williams | 27879
Introduction to the academic study of religion through comparison among major traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) and smaller communities. Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2370H or CompStd 2370H (270H) or 2370 (270). GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course.