Courses Offered Through Department of Comparative Religion:

CR 58 ETHICS THROUGH LITERATURE

Novels, short stories and plays will provide the basis for reflection on issues of personal character and integrity. The ethical and existential aspects of life will be examined through literature drawn from American, European, and Asian cultural experience. Themes will include the nature of conscience, types of life goals, vices and virtues, individual vs. community, and urban vs. rural life. Authors include Bellow, Camus, Ishiguro, A. Miller, Naylor, O'Connor, Marquez, Mukhergee, and Tolstoy. Rev. Dave O'Leary, University Chaplain

CR 56 CATHOLICISM: PEOPLES, CULTURES, TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS

An introduction to the development of the Catholic Church, exploring the key historical epochs and events that shaped and created the contemporary church. The dynamics of crisis and change as these are manifested in history and as they function today. Doctrines, traditions, and institutional forms will be examined in their specific historical and cultural contexts. Rev. Dave O'Leary, University Chaplain

CR 191 RELIGION IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Religion as both a transnational and a subnational force in international relations. Guest lecturers from religious and academic institutions in greater Boston. Rev. Dave O'Leary, University Chaplain

CR192BD WORLD RELIGIONS AND SEXUAL ETHICS

A survey of the major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and how they see the human body, issues of sexuality, and sexual ethics. Upon completion of this course students will be able to appreciate the different views of the human person from the major world religions; understand the various ways of reading sacred texts regarding issues of sexual behavior; learn of the development of sexual ethics; and know of plurality and diversity regarding comtemporary issues of sexuality and the major world religons. This course fulfills the above 100 elective for all Comparative Religion majors and minors. Rev. Dave O'Leary, University Chaplain

CR 195 MYSTICS

An exploration of the mystics and of mysticism as experience, as spiritual knowledge, and as a way of life. Reading, discussion, and reflection based on the mystics of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Rev. Dave O'Leary, University Chaplain

CR 96 INTRODUCTION TO THE TALMUD

Selected passages from the Talmud and rabbinic literature. Mishna, Gemara, Commentaries. Relevance to contemporary moral and ethical issues. All texts in English. No prerequisites. Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, Chaplain

CR 98 MUSIC AND PRAYER IN THE JEWISH TRADITION

The role and function of music in Jewish worship and cultural identity. Focus on the Kabbalat Shabbat. Topics to include participation vs. performance in worship, music and historical authenticity in prayer, music and religious experience, and the invention and presentation of tradition. Liturgical music and dual culturalism in the American Jewish community. Rabbi Jeffrey Summit, Chaplain