Introduces students to historical method and perspective through comparative study of human societies and cultures. The concept of "civilization" is examined in varied contexts through comparisons of social, economic, and political institutions, as well as systems of thought and religion, from pre-history to around 1400.

An introduction to the history of Greek civilization, from Minoan and Mycenaean times to the Hellenistic period. Emphasis will be on cultural and intellectual developments in their social and political contexts.

This course will examine the response of several world religions to the following issues: human origins, purpose (teleology), evil, "redemption" and the "future estate." We will also examine how new religions often sprang from attempts to reform preexisting religious structure, necessitating a radical reinterpretation of the older religion's doctrines and institutions.

This course will examine the response of several world religions to the following issues: human origins, purpose (teleology), evil, "redemption" and the "future estate." We will also examine how new religions often sprang from attempts to reform preexisting religious structure, necessitating a radical reinterpretation of the older religion's doctrines and institutions.

An historical, cultural, and religious study of the emergence of Christianity from its Biblical and Jewish origins through its Greek and Roman influences to the time of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.

Academic analysis of the New Testament and Christian apocrypha, Critical study of Christian literature utilizes various sociological and literary analysis methods to reveal a deeper historical context of this literature's production. This is an academically focused course, so questions of personal faith or devotion will not be entertained, though community faith-based ideology and identity are topics that this class will cover.

Academic analysis of the New Testament and Christian apocrypha, Critical study of Christian literature utilizes various sociological and literary analysis methods to reveal a deeper historical context of this literature's production. This is an academically focused course, so questions of personal faith or devotion will not be entertained, though community faith-based ideology and identity are topics that this class will cover.