Introduction to the practices, beliefs, institutions and values of major religions and spiritual movements in the contemporary United States. Subjects include American expressions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Native American Religions and Sikhism, along with other religious communities.

Beliefs and principles of the major faiths of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, viewed from historical, cultural, and theological perspectives.

History, beliefs and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto and "popular" religion in Asia through modern times. Emphasis on the roles of religion in the history and culture of South Asian and East Asian societies.

History, beliefs, values and practices of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through modern times, with a comparative perspective on law, institutions, scripture, gender and religious thought.

The role of spirituality and religious ideas, values, beliefs and practices in shaping cultural and social attitudes towards health, illness and curing.

Exploration of gender in relation to religious beliefs, practices and institutions in contemporary and historical contexts. Emphasis is on social roles, construction of identity, and women's and men's religious experiences.

Philosophical thought on religious topics and concepts. Topics include arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the rationality of belief in God, and life after death.

Modern history, beliefs, values and practices of Muslim communities worldwide, with focus on contemporary Islamic approaches to law, institutions, politics, scripture, and gender.

Specific themes, regions, or traditions in religion. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.