REL 200A- Historical Roots of  the Study of Religion- Lynna Dhanani- Wednesdays 2:10-5:00 in Sproul 922
In this graduate seminar, we examine how “religion” emerges as distinct category of analysis and understanding by looking at its relationship with the intertwined categories of alchemy, medicine, and science from pre-modernity through the Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, and modern period.  Drawing on primary sources—including theological, alchemical, yogic, scientific, medical, and theosophical texts—from European, Islamic, and Indian contexts, we trace the shifting boundaries and epistemologies between religion, science, and medicine as we explore views of the material world, body, and self in these texts and contexts.

REL 230A—Thematic Topics - Body and Praxis - Professor Naomi Janowitz -NEW TIME! THURSDAYS, 3:10-6:00 IN SPROUL 922
This seminar centers of the problem of materiality, using the body as exemplar. From Paul’s distinction between the spirit and the letter of the law to Protestant suspicions of the agency of objects and emphasis on sincerity in prayer, ideas about material bodies are caught up with questions about language and representation. We will read both classic and recent studies about
language and bodies with a focus on praxis in several religious traditions. Assessment is based on oral presentations of the readings and presentation of a final project based on the interests of each student.