REL 301 - Theories of Religion

Institution:

The University of Virginia's College at Wise

Subject:

Description:

This course will explore main theories of religion from the multidisciplinary scientific (including social sciences) and theological perspectives. A study of the origin and development of religious phenomena that consist of several classic attempts to develop comprehensive theories of religion as well as new theories by modern hard natural sciences such as genetics and neurology. Scientific theories considered will include those of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Sigmund Freud, B. Malinowski, E.E. Evans-Pritchard, Edward Taylor, James Frazer, among others. On the theological and philosophical side, we will discuss the classical theologies of S. Augustine and S. Thomas Aquinas, samples of modern theologies such as those of Paul Tillich and Romano Guardini, and recent trends displaying more holistic approaches, i.e. ecotheology, feministic theology, neurotheology. These new trends suggest a new concept of religion that may be seen through a more dynamic, relational and organic perspective in which all these theories are brought together. Readings will be a combination of original writings of these figures and secondary scholarship about their views on religion.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

https://www.uvawise.edu/

Phone Number:

(276) 328-0100

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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