This course is an introduction to the study of religion as an element of human experience. The first part of the semester will involve exploring some of the methods which scholars utilize to understand various aspects of religion. Those aspects include history, psychology, sociology/anthropology, religious symbols and ritual, myth, belief and ethics.

After a general introduction, the course will illustrate religious studies methods by focusing upon Mysticism and Religious Experience. Mystical experiences have been an important part of nearly all religious traditions and have often played significant roles in the beginning of new religious movements. In many cultures mysticism is the normative means of religious expression while in other communities, such experiences are reserved for "special" or designated members of the society. For students who have been strongly influenced by modern, western culture, religious experience is one of the most enigmatic aspects of religion. It stands in contrast to more familiar concepts such as belief or ritual. As such, the subject of mysticism provides an opportuntiy to see how scholarly approaches to religion can help in understanding the human situation.

The focus on mysticism will begin with The Wedding of Zein, a short fictional story which explores the dynamics of popular religion in an Islamic community in Africa. From there we will look at several approaches to mysticism giving special attention to the methods of psychology and phenomenology (Note: It's o.k. if you don't have the slightest idea what "phenomenology" means--You will by the end of the course). Then, during the last few class sessions, we will read and discuss several accounts of mystical experiences in different religious traditions. The course will utilize a combination of discussions, lectures, films, a computer presentation, and optional field trips to observe religious communities. An special feature will be the use of the exciting resources available on the Internet and the World Wide Web for Religious Studies. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in online class discussions by email. No previous experience with the internet or computers is assumed The instructor will hold a special session during class to teach everyone how to use these resources.