University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Religious Studies (RLST)

RLST 191 - Special Topics. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

RLST 198 - Internship. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Prereq., consent of faculty supervisor and the Internship Services office. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. A maximum of 6 credits of Internship (198, 298, 398, 498) may count toward graduation.

RLST 202X - Hindu Traditions. 3 Credits.

Critical exploration of selected aspects of Hindu thought, narrative and practice, both in contemporary and historical perspective. Focus primarily on India, but with consideration of Hinduism's transformation and impact beyond South Asia.

Gen Ed Attributes: Cultural & International Diversity

RLST 204 - Intro to the Hebrew Bible. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the history, religion, and literature of ancient Israel and to modern methods in Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) studies. Includes an introduction to the history and religions of ancient West Asia.

RLST 232 - Buddhism. 3 Credits.

A historical introduction to the development of Buddhist thought and practice in the cultures of Asia and the West.

RLST 238H - Japanese Religions. 3 Credits.

Offered at least once every two years. An introductory exploration of Japan's unique religious synthesis of Buddhist, Shinto, Taoist, Confucian and folk/shamanistic traditions.

Gen Ed Attributes: Historical Studies

RLST 291 - Special Topics. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

RLST 292 - Independent Study. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.

RLST 300 - Theory & Method Study of Relig. 3 Credits.

A survey of modern theories and methods in the study of religion. Overview of sociological, anthropological, psychological, phenomenological, comparative, cognitive, and other approaches to the question, What is religion?

RLST 310 - Topics in Biblical Studies. 3 Credits.

(R-6) Selected topics in modern Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and New Testament studies. Focus on history, literature, and religions of ancient West Asia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. Topics vary from year to year and include: Israelite religion; prophets and prophecy; biblical history and historiography; ancient Gospels; the letters and communities of Paul; early biblical interpretation; archaeology and iconography of ancient religions; religion and politics in the Bible.

RLST 353 - Topics in South Asia Religions. 3 Credits.

(R-6) This course will examine select topics of central importance with respect to the history of interaction between the major religions (Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism) of South Asia.

RLST 369 - Contemplative Traditions of Asia. 3 Credits.

An exploration of the rich and diverse approaches to mental transformation and cultivation of gnosis as developed by several of Asia's major religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

RLST 391 - Special Topics. 1-12 Credits.

(R-12) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.

RLST 392 - Independent Study. 1-6 Credits.

(R-6) Course material appropriate to the needs and objectives of the individual student.

RLST 491 - Special Topics. 1-12 Credits.

(R-12) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate

RLST 492 - Independent Study. 1-9 Credits.

(R-9) Prereq., consent of instr. Work on selected problems by individual students under direct faculty supervision. Level: Undergraduate-Graduate