Philosophy, Psychology, and Religion
- Expresses Complex Ideas
- Debates Conflicting Perspectives
- Provides Historic Contexts
These courses explore life’s greatest questions by discussing classic and modern philosophers, psychology, and world religions. They develop skills to express complex ideas, challenge orthodoxy, and expose underlying assumptions.
Comparative Religion: From Christianity to Confucianism
Navigate the theory of religion and examine the ideals of six world religions.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Compassion in Today's World
To counter modern-day life’s intrusions upon our attention and humanity, explore the principles and practices of mindfulness and compassion.
Demons in the Ancient Near East
Through readings and art, explore the role of demons—both good and evil—in the ancient Near East.
From Hippocrates to Cognitive Neuropsychology: A History of the Study of the Mind
Learn about major developments in theories of the mind, from ancient Greece to neuropsychology.
Hannah Arendt: A Philosopher in Dark Times
Read and discuss Arendt’s work, and discover her continued relevance to contemporary political, moral, and intellectual life.
The Enigmatic Psychology of Our Dream Life
Explore Western culture’s psychological theories of dreaming, and look at current research about how dreaming functions and what it means.
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: The Five Books of Moses (Torah)
Read the first five books of the Bible, tracing the processes by which they were formed and considering the multiple contexts that informed them.
The Philosophy of Art
Explore timeless questions about art from a philosophical perspective: What is the significance of art? How is it meant to be understood?
Philosophy as a Guide to Spiritual Life
Consider some ways that philosophy distinguishes itself from religion as a guide to spiritual life.
Religious Sects, Cults, and Small Denominations
Explore American religious life from the perspective of those deemed “religious outsiders” or “cults” by the mainstream.
The Bible in Literature: Good Books Inspired by the Good Book
Explore the myriad of ways that writers have drawn from the Bible as a source for ideas.
Tibetan Meditation: Bringing Meaning to Every Moment
Explore how the Mahayana Buddhist concepts of compassion and wisdom can serve as the basis for a healthy, happy, and meaningful life.
Art, Artists, and Madness
Discover various psychological approaches to art and artists throughout history, and explore the psychology of three iconic artists.
Augustine of Hippo: Lust, Love, and the Life Eternal
Explore the writings and life of Augustine of Hippo, and discuss his legacy on modern Christian theology and philosophy.
Food and World Religion
Explore the fascinating relationship with food, eating, and food prohibitions in several major world religions.
Goddesses in the Ancient World
Gain a greater understanding of female divinities in the ancient world, as well as their continued influence on life and religion today.
Judaism and Christian Origins
Explore the period that led to the emergence of Christianity and Second Temple Judaism—its history, literature, and religious communities.
Nietzsche: His Controversial Legacy
Explore the works of Nietzsche, an important and controversial figure who continues to exert influence on contemporary writers and thinkers.
Plato's Republic
Study Plato’s Republic, a work of monumental scope and significance that presents his conception of the ideal city-state.
Sin and Sex in the Biblical World
Examine human relationships in the Bible and the ancient world, including gender roles, power, forbidden sexuality, and consequences for deviation.
The Ancient Near East: Crime and Punishment
Explore the varied ways that the position of women was defined in the ancient Near East, including in Israel, Mesopotamia, Babylon, and Sumer.
Three Jewish Heretics: Elisha ben Abuyah, Spinoza, and Jacob Frank
Explore the lives and legacies of three prominent Jewish heretics, and examine how they have influenced Jewish tradition and philosophy.