Courses - Spring 2026
RELS
Religious Studies
Open Seats as of
11/06/2025 at 10:30 PM
RELS170
Cross-listed with: CLAS170.
Credit only granted for: CLAS170 or RELS170.
Additional information: This course cannot be taken for language credit.
What are myths and why do we tell them? What powers do myths have? We will tackle these questions by looking at the enduring and fascinating myths from ancient Greece and Rome. In addition to studying how they shaped ancient societies, we will also look at their modern influence and reflect upon the power that myths still hold in our contemporary world. Taught in English.
RELS264
Introduction to the New Testament
A historical and literary introduction to the New Testament focusing on the context of the authors and the development of earliest Christianity.
RELS271
Credit only granted for: RELS289I or RELS271.
Formerly: RELS289I.
Draws upon examples from a wide variety of religious traditions to explore the question of what religion is and how to best understand it. Engagement with diverse approaches to religion including phenomenology and the study of "the sacred"; sociology and the study of religious communities; and questions of religious experience, ritual, and identity formation.
RELS273
Jesus, Mani, and Muhammad: The Dynamics of New Religious Movements
Cross-listed with: HIST289T.
Credit only granted for: RELS273 or RELS289M or HIST289T.
Formerly: RELS289M.
We examine three significant ancient religious figures: Jesus (d. 30s CE), Mani (d. 276 CE), and Muhammad (d. 632). All three were founders of long-lasting religions that were part of a dramatic change in the society and religion of the ancient world. Special areas of focus: the biographies of these founding figures, and how we know them; a historical approach to religious founders; and the sociology of new religious movements.
RELS319P
Special Topics in Religious Studies; Missionary Dreams and Nightmares: A Global History of Protestant Missions
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with RELS319P. Credit only granted for HIST339I or RELS319P.
Protestant missionary activity from the seventeenth century onwards in aglobal perspective. We will investigate the relations between missionaryactivity, imperialism, and the "civilizing project" of the West with particular reference to British missionary organizations. The real and perceived risks and difficulties faced by missionaries, from dying of malaria to being eaten by cannibals, will be discussed to understand the ethos that has animated the Protestant missionary commitment over the centuries.
Protestant missionary activity from the seventeenth century onwards in aglobal perspective. We will investigate the relations between missionaryactivity, imperialism, and the "civilizing project" of the West with particular reference to British missionary organizations. The real and perceived risks and difficulties faced by missionaries, from dying of malaria to being eaten by cannibals, will be discussed to understand the ethos that has animated the Protestant missionary commitment over the centuries.
RELS429C
Advanced Topics in Religious History; Fighting Words: Debated Topics in Jewish Thought
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
An examination of the constant debate over the meaning of the sacred texts and the rulings of rabbinic authorities in Jewish thought. After a general introduction, this course focuses on modern claims to authority in the US and Israel.
Cross listed with HIST428D, JWST429F, and JWST658A. Credit granted for only RELS429C, HIST428D, JWST429F, or JWST658A.
Cross listed with HIST428D, JWST429F, and JWST658A. Credit granted for only RELS429C, HIST428D, JWST429F, or JWST658A.
RELS429M
Advanced Topics in Religious History; From Damascus to Cordoba: The First Dynasty of Islam East and West
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with HIST329M. Credit only granted for HIST329M or RELS429M.
RELS499
Independent Study in Religious Studies
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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301.405.1000
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