Topic 1: What is Religion?. Examines classic theories about religion from the last 150 years of academic study: psychological, sociological, economic, phenomenological, and anthropological. Religious Studies 373 (Topic: What is Religion?) and 375S (Topic 1) may not both be counted. Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 2: Comparing Religions. A discussion of major comparative approaches in the study of religion. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 340 (Topic: Introduction to Comparative Religion), 340 (Topic 11), 379 (Topic 10), Religious Studies 373 (Topic: Introduction to Comparative Religion), 375S (Topic 2). Same as: ANS 379.10 Core Curriculum: 010 Additional prerequisite: For Asian studies majors, twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in Asian studies; for others, upper-division standing and at least six semester hours of coursework in religious studies.

Topic 3: Mystics, Visionaries, and Heretics in Medieval Europe. Examines particular mystical and visionary experiences within the context of medieval European Christianity. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 330 (Topic 3), History 350L (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 350L (Topic 74), Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Mystics, Visionaries and Heretics in Medieval Europe), 375S (Topic 3). Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 4: Radical Religion: Ascetics and Holy Persons. Explores asceticism and the concepts, practices, and goals associated with this radical way of life through case studies from various religions. Subjects include theories of the body and of culture, as well as issues of social status, gender, devotion, and violence. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 379 (Topic: Radical Religion: Ascetics), 379 (Topic 8), Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Radical Religion: Ascetics), 375S (Topic 4). Same as: ANS 379.8 Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 5: Religion, the Supernatural, and the Paranormal. Examination of extraordinary events, such as miracles, exorcisms, ghosts, psychic abilities, UFOs, and other related phenomena. Discussion of the similarities and dissimilarities between religious and non-religious contexts for such happenings, as well as possible explanations for them. Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Religion, Supernatural, and the Paranormal) and Religious Studies 375S (Topic 5) may not both be counted. Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 6: Religion in the American South. Examines the social construction and cultural meaning of southern religion using fictional characterizations, philosophical reflections, historical accounts, and theoretical comparisons. Only one of the following may be counted: American Studies 327 (Topic 6), 327F, Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Religion in the American South), 375S (Topic 6). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Same as: AMS 327F Core Curriculum: 010 Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing and at least six semester hours of coursework in religious studies.

Topic 7: Religions Of No Religion. Examine religious practices that are not religion and critical analysis of the category of religion and its contested borders. Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Religions of No Religion) and 375S (Topic 7) may not both be counted. Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 8: The Crusades. An exploration of the religious encounters between eastern and western Christians, Christian heretics, Jews, Muslims, and polytheists; political, military, and cultural changes of the high middle ages; and the ways that crusading ideas and symbols have been reused in contemporary politics and popular culture. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: The Crusades), 330 (Topic 5), European Studies 346 (Topic: The Crusades), 346 (Topic 38), History 344S, 350L (Topic: The Crusades), Religious Studies 375S (Topic: The Crusades), 375S (Topic 8). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Same as: AHC 330.5, EUS 346.38, HIS 344S Core Curriculum: 010 Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing

Topic 9: Religion in the Workplace. Examine the role of religion in the formation of the workplace in the United States. Survey a range of case studies in order to explore how religion has shaped how Americans understand the relationship between human labor and moral community. Religious Studies 375S (Topic: Religion in the Workplace) and 375S (Topic 9) may not both be counted. Core Curriculum: 010

Topic 10: Religion and Animals. Explore how religious practitioners have imagined and interacted with animals, as well as how contemporary sustainability projects draw on and depart from these historic practices. Focused on North America, explore animals as featured in written and oral sacred stories, as well as engagement with animals in food production, land occupation, and ritual. American Studies 370 (Topic 73) and Religious Studies 375S (Topic 10) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: At least six semester hours of coursework in religious studies.

Topic 11: Space, Time, and Religion. Examine religions through the concepts of space and time. Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 34) and Religious Studies 375S (Topic 11) may not both be counted. Same as: J S 363.34 Core Curriculum: 010 Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing and at least six semester hours of coursework in religious studies.

Topic 12: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient China. Investigate ancient Chinese beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife from the Neolithic era to the arrival of Buddhism. Explore tombs, burial objects, and funeral rites; philosophical essays and historical accounts; medical practices; religious relics, tokens, and talismans; ghost stories; poetry; and paintings. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 9), 330C, Asian Studies 379 (Topic: Death Aftrlfe Ancient China), 379 (Topic 18), History 344N, Religious Studies 375S (Topic 12). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Same as: AHC 330C, ANS 379.18, HIS 344N Core Curriculum: 010 Additional prerequisite: For Asian studies majors, twelve semester hours of upper-division coursework in Asian studies; for religious studies majors, upper-division standing and at least six semester hours of coursework in religious studies; for others, upper-division standing.