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.
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.
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.
Religion and Literature: From the Bible to James Baldwin
Explore themes—love, death, evil, suffering, and forgiveness—across religious and literary texts from the Western canon and beyond.
Tragedy and Philosophy: Philosophical Implications of Ancient Greek Tragedy
Explore the grand themes and philosophical ideas that inspired ancient Greek dramatists.
Crime and Punishment in the Ancient Near East
Examine law and the judicial process in the ancient Near East.
Comparative Religion: From Christianity to Confucianism
Navigate the theory of religion and examine the ideals of six world religions.
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.
Religion and Architecture in New York City
Explore how religion has impacted the history of New York City and the role of religion in the City today.
Demons in the Ancient Near East
Through readings and art, explore the role of demons—both good and evil—in the ancient Near East.
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?
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.
Nietzsche: His Controversial Legacy
Explore the works of Nietzsche, an important and controversial figure who continues to exert influence on contemporary writers and thinkers.
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.
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.
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.
Ancient Near East: Religion and Culture
Explore the history and culture of the ancient Near East, including its cultural legacy as birthplace of the Judeo-Christian religious traditions.