Spring 2025 Courses
**Updated 10/15/2024. Listings are subject to change. Students, confirm meeting arrangements in BuckeyeLink when enrolling. All courses are full-term, 3 credit hour offerings unless otherwise noted.**
Core Courses
*COMPSTDS 4990 | Senior Seminar in Comparative Studies | LEC | TR 11:10AM-12:30PM | Smith Lab 2150 | Spencer Dew | Class #18822
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.
*For Major credit only.
RELSTDS 2102.02 | Comparative Sacred Texts | LEC | TR 12:45-2:05PM | Hayes Hall 006 | Kate Kaura | Class #21986
Introduction to religious views of the universe, the supernatural, social organization, ethics, etc., through sacred texts (oral and written) of diverse cultures and historical periods.
Prereq: English 1110 (110), or equiv. Not open to students with credit CompStd 2102.02 (202.02). GE lit and diversity global studies course.
RELSTDS 2370 | Introduction to Comparative Religions | LEC | TR 12:40-1:35PM | CBEC 130 | Melissa Curley| Class #29138
REC | F 10:20-11:15AM | University Hall 043| Patrick Dunn | Class #29139
REC | F 11:30AM-12:25PM | Jennings Hall 136| Patrick Dunn | Class #29140
REC | F 12:40-1:35PM | Hagerty Hall 251| Instructor TBD | Class #30246
REC | F 1:50-2:45PM | Hagerty Hall 251| Instructor TBD | Class #30247
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 2370H | Introduction to Comparative Religions Honors | LEC | TR 2:20-3:40PM | Derby 049 | Hugh Urban | Class #35820
Introduction to the academic study of religion through comparison among major traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.) and smaller communities.
Prereq: Honors standing, and English 1110 or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2370, CompStd 2370, or 2370H. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and race, ethnicity and gender div course.
RELSTDS 3972 | Theory and Method in the Study of Religion | LEC | WF 11:10AM-12:30PM | Mendenhall Lab 173 | David Brakke | Class #18810
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).
Individual Religious Traditions Courses
CLAS 2201 | Classical Civilization: Greece | LEC | TR 11:10-12:30PM | Page Hall 020 | Christopher Parmenter | Class #22425
A survey of ancient Greek civilization, concentrating upon important facets of literature, history, art, and archaeology.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for Classics 224. GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
CLAS 3404| Magic in the Ancient World | LEC | MWF 1:50-2:45PM | Denney Hall 238 | Sarah Johnston | Class #34799
An introduction to the theory and practice of magic in the ancient Mediterranean, how people viewed it, and how it survived in later epochs.
GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
COMPSTD 4822| Native American Identity | LEC | TR 2:20-3:40PM | Hagerty Hall 046 | Fabian Romero | Class #30276
Historical and contemporary issues of American Indian identity, primarily in U.S.; focus on American Indian authors, artists, and scholars.
Prereq: English 1110 or equiv., or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. GE cultures and ideas and diversity soc div in the US course. GE theme citizenship for div and just wrld course.
ENGLISH 2280 | The English Bible | LEC | TR 11:10-12:30PM | Denney Hall 202 | James Fredal | Class #35941
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. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.
HEBREW 2700 | Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | LEC | TR 11:10-12:30PM | Denney Hall 253 | James Moore | Class #28242
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is taught from a historical perspective. The HB/OT is a collection of texts designed to create and fortify the ethnic identity of a single group within imperial contexts, while focusing on the formation of gender identity and race. The student will study the cultural dimensions of the ancient societies in which the HB/OT was written.
Prereq: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for 2700H, JewshSt 2700, or 2700H. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and race, ethnicity and gender div course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HEBREW 2700H | Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament | LEC | WF 9:35-10:55AM | Mendenhall Lab 174 | Daniel Frank | Class #35833
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is taught from a historical perspective. The HB/OT is a collection of texts designed to create and fortify the ethnic identity of a single group within imperial contexts, while focusing on the formation of gender identity and race. The student will study the cultural dimensions of the ancient societies in which the HB/OT was written.
Prereq: Honors standing, and English 1110; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2700, JewshSt 2700 or 2700H. GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and race, ethnicity and gender div course. Cross-listed in JewshSt.
HISTORY 3219 | Historical Jesus| LEC | TR 12:45-2:05PM | Enarson Classroom 312 | Bert Harrill | Class #28832
The purpose of this course is to consider the problem of how historical facts and religious persuasion are related where a religion, such as Christianity, lays claim to historical truth through examination of the figure of Jesus. Students will learn about historical methodology and a major religious figure about which there is considerable academic and theological debate.
Prereq: English 1110.xx, or permission of instructor. GE historical study course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
HISTORY 3227 | Gnostics and Other Early Christian Heresies | LEC | W 2:20-3:40PM |Hayes Hall 006| David Brakke | Class #35427
Examines the early Christian philosophical movement known as 'the Gnostics' whose beliefs, based on the stories of the Bible, Platonist philosophy, and the new revelation of Jesus, shocked other Christians.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy course, or permission of instructor. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course.
JEWSHST 2201 | Introduction to Culture, Thought, and Practice | LEC | TR 3:55-5:15PM |Hagerty Hall 351| Adena Tanenbaum | Class #35835
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. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course.
PHILOS 2120 | Asian Philosophies | LEC | WF 11:10-12:30PM |Stillman Hall 100| Steven Brown| Class #23481
A survey including at least three of the following philosophical systems of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and historical and cultural studies course.
PHILOS 2120 | Asian Philosophies | LEC | TR 9:35-10:55PM |McPherson Lab 2017| Erich Jones| Class #28311
A survey including at least three of the following philosophical systems of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts and historical and cultural studies course.
Comparative/Interdisciplinary Courses
AFAMAST 4342 | Religion, Meaning, and Knowledge in Africa and its Diaspora | LEC | TR 12:45-2:05PM | Mendenhall Lab 185 | Spencer Dew | Class #34898
While the practice of religion in Africa is as diverse as its people, three major belief systems define the practice: African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity. This course will examine classical and contemporary definitions of African Traditional Religion/s and the introduction and adaptations of Islam and Christianity in Africa, as well as religious practices in the African Diaspora.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for AfAmASt 4342. Cross-listed in RELSTDS.
GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course.
HISTORY 2680 | It's The End of The World!: Apocalypticism in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam | LEC | TR 9:35-10:55PM | Hayes Hall 012 | Matt Goldish | Class #29702
This course will explore how the end of the world-generally understood to be preceded by enormous wars and disasters as well as the judgment of people and a reckoning of their deeds-was imagined over two millennia by Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The course will cover primary and secondary historical works, as well as fictional bestsellers, about the apocalypse from around the world.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or completion of GE Foundation Writing and Information Literacy Course, or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for NELC 2680. GE historical study and diversity global studies course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies and lit, vis and performing arts course. Cross-listed in NELC.
PHILOS 2850 | Introduction to Philosophy of Religion | LEC | TR 2:20-3:40PM| Macpherson Lab 2015 | Steven Brown | Class #34951
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: GEL Cultures and Ideas; GEN Foundation: Historical and Cultural Studies; Ohio Transfer 36 - Arts and Humanities
RELSTDS 2102.01 | Literature and Religion | LEC | WF 12:45-2:05PM | Denney Hall 250 |Spencer Dew| Class #36965
Study of relationships between religion and secular literature; analysis of religious and spiritual elements of literature and film of diverse cultures and historical periods.
Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for 2102.01H, CompStd 2102.01 (202.01), or 2102.01H (202.01H). GE lit and diversity global studies course. GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.
RELSTDS 2670 | Science and Religion | LEC | WF 2:20PM-3:40PM | Mendenhall Lab 125 | Dylan Flint | Class# 30784
A philosophical examination of the relationship between science and religion; concentration on issues regarding the creation of the universe and the origins of life.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for CompStd 2670 or Philos 2670 or 2860. GE cultures and ideas course. GE foundation historical and cultural studies course. Cross-listed in Philos.
RELSTDS 3168 | History of God | LEC | TR 11:10-12:30PM | Jennings Hall 040 | James D. Moore| Class #37460
Exploration of how the idea of a single God developed in religions having their origins in the ancient near East and the Mediterranean (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hellenistic philosophy) from ancient times to the present.
Prereq: English 1110, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course. Not open to students with credit for NELC 3168. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course. Cross-listed in NELC.
RELSTDS 4342 | Religion, Meaning, and Knowledge in Africa and its Diaspora | LEC | TR 12:45-2:05PM | Mendenhall Lab 185 | Spencer Dew | Class #34898
While the practice of religion in Africa is as diverse as its people, three major belief systems define the practice: African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity. This course will examine classical and contemporary definitions of African Traditional Religion/s and the introduction and adaptations of Islam and Christianity in Africa, as well as religious practices in the African Diaspora.
Prereq: Not open to students with credit for AfAmASt 4342. Cross-listed in AFAMST.
GE cultures and ideas and diversity global studies course. GE theme traditions, cultures, and transformations course.
RELSTDS 4875 | Gender, Sexuality, and Religion | LEC | TR 9:35AM-10:55AM | Smith Lab 1138 | Adam Banks | Class #36626
Explores intersections of gender, sexuality and religion in comparative and cross-cultural contexts.
Prereq: English 1110 (110) or equiv. Not open to students with credit for CompStd 4875 (515).
Other Courses of Interest***
***Please note that the following courses are NOT currently listed for major/minor credit, but may be of interest to our students anyway. If you would like to inquire about substituting one of the courses listed here for major/minor credit, please email Dr. Melissa Curley at curley.32@osu.edu.
HISTART 2007 | From Buddha to Bollywood: Art and Architecture of Southern Asia |LEC| TR 2:20-3:40PM | Dreese Lab 369 | Ujaan Ghosh | Class #37103
This course is designed to offer students a comprehensive overview of the diverse visual cultures of South Asia. We will delve into a broad range of topics, including architecture, sculpture and painting, performative traditions, and film. In lectures, discussions, and assignments, we will develop a critical vocabulary to better understand and interrogate the rich visual heritage of India.
GE foundation lit, vis and performing arts course.
HISTORY 4525 | Seminar in International History: Religion and U.S. Foreign Relations |SEMINAR| TR 2:15-5:00PM| LOCATION TBD | Chris Nichols | Class #35222
What role has religion played in shaping U.S. foreign relations? This guiding question will propel how this course examines the interplay between religion and the U.S.’s foreign policies, with greatest emphasis on the period from the late 19th century through the present (with brief analysis of colonial era to the 1880s).
We will study how the U.S.’s leaders, including presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden, have drawn on religious rhetoricto justify or explain their decision-making, with a special focus on times of crisis. In addition to surveying the major events in U.S. foreign relations, we will explore the role of religion and religious ideas in shaping national identity, core values, and what scholars have termed “American civil religion.” We will seek to understand how seemingly amorphous cultural influences, such as religion and ideology, informed both elite and public perceptions about what role the United States should or could play in the world. Throughout this course, we also will assess the influence that religious interest groups as well as religious perspectives had onthe U.S.’s policies toward China, Southeast Asia, Russia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Prereq or concur: English 1110.xx, or GE foundation writing and info literacy course, a grade of C or above in History 2800, and any 3000-level History course; or permission of instructor.