The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Butler University

eadings drawn from the Bible, spiritual writings,
autobiographies of mystics, letters, poems
and philosophical sources. Prerequisite: One
religion course or sophomore standing. (U/G)
(3). Spring even-numbered years.
RL375, Topics in Texts/Textual Interpretation:
Treats a specific subject area of religion that is
not the major subject of a regularly scheduled
course. (U)(3). Occasionally.
RL377, Religion, Gender and the Goddess in
Asia: A study at the intersection of religion and
gender studies. Course will begin with a discussion
of feminist and theoretical perspectives
on religion, and will then apply the knowledge
gained therein to various goddess-oriented
communities, past and present, with a focus
on Asia. (U/G)(3). Occasionally.
RL378, Religion and Science Fiction: This
course will explore and critically reflect on
religious themes, motifs, concepts and allusions
in science fiction (including television and film
as well as classic and more recent literature).
Philosophical and ethical issues with a religious
component will also be considered. (U)(3). Fall
even-numbered years.
RL381W, Theory and Method in the Study
of Religion: Introduction to theories and
methods used in the academic study of religion
with some attention to the history of the discipline.
Readings in James, Weber, Durkheim,
Otto, Eliade, Turner, Daly, Freud, Geertz, and
others. Prerequisite: Two religious courses or
junior standing. (U)(3). Spring odd-numbered
years.
RL391, Seminar on Religion and World
Civilization: Course is based on attendance at
four public evening seminars and four Saturday
morning workshops during the academic year.
Theme varies annually. Students enrolled in RL
391 are expected to take RL392 the following
semester. (U/G)(1). Fall only.
RL392, Seminar on Religion and World
Civilization: Continuation of RL391. Course
is based on attendance at four public evening
seminars and four Saturday morning workshops
during the academic year. Theme varies
annually. Prerequisite: RL391 or instructor
permission. (U/G)(2). Spring only.
RL397, Field Seminar Abroad: The Field
Seminar Abroad provides an opportunity to
observe and enter into dialogue with religious
communities abroad. Each seminar consists
of preparatory study, a trip of one week in the
field, and an assessment process including a
paper. (U)(1). Occasionally.
RL398, Field Seminar Abroad: The Field
Seminar Abroad provides an opportunity to
observe and enter into dialogue with religious
communities abroad. Each seminar consists of
preparatory study, a trip of two to three weeks
in the field, and an assessment process including
a paper. (U)(2). Occasionally.
RL401, 402, 403, Independent Study:
Individual study of a specific topic in religion
under supervision of a member of the department.
Includes assigned readings, papers and tutorials.
Obtain permission from department head
before enrolling. (U/G)(1, 2, 3). Occasionally.
RL405, 406, Internship: Offers the qualified
student the opportunity for supervised work
experience in a setting pertinent to their area of
study and their career goals. Contact department
head if interested. Open to junior and senior
religion majors. (U)(3, 6). Occasionally.
RL499, Honors Thesis: Undergraduate honors
thesis in religion. (U)(3). Fall and spring.
RP401, 402, 403, Independent Study: Individual
study of a specific topic in philosophy
and religion under supervision of a member
of the department. Includes assigned readings,
papers and tutorials. Obtain permission from
department head before enrolling. (U)(1, 2, 3).
Fall and spring.
RP499, Honors Thesis: Undergraduate honors
thesis in philosophy and religion. (U)(3). Fall
and spring.
Physics and Astronomy
Department
Administration
Xianming L. Han, Ph.D., department chair
Professors
Xianming Han, Ph.D.; Brian W. Murphy,
Ph.D., Director, J. I. Holcomb Observatory
and Planetarium
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Butler University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences