This course introduces students to the comparative study of religion in history and the interaction of religion with general social and cultural traits over time. A focus on the cultural roots of specific traditions and religion as a metaphor will account for the spread of these diverse traditions across social and national boundaries. This course will consider eastern religions, primal religions, ‘People of the Book’ (Judaism, Christianity and Islam considered together), and the ‘New Religious Movements’ (a category considering religions and para-religions produced by modernity). (Offered through Distance Education format only).
