RLS215 Christianity

An introduction to the academic study of religion in general and the Christian religion in particular. The course is largely a historical study that traces the emergence of Christianity from its beginnings as a minority sect within 1st-century Judaism to its contemporary form as a global faith. Crucial moments to be examined include the Early Church, Medieval Church and the Protestant Reformation, and modern challenges to Christianity. The course is also a contemporary cultural study. Students will read primary and secondary materials from each of the three largest branches of Christianity: Eastern Orthodox, Catholicism and Protestantism. They will also conduct field research in which they observe communities from each branch. Prerequisite: One Foundations English course. FWC, HWC