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.
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.
Dreaming: Its Psychology, Its Meaning
Explore Western culture’s psychological theories of dreaming, and look at current research about how dreaming functions and what it means.
Nietzsche: His Controversial Legacy
Explore the works of Nietzsche, an important and controversial figure who continues to exert influence on contemporary writers and thinkers.
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.
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.
Comparative Religion: From Christianity to Confucianism
Navigate the theory of religion and examine the ideals of six world religions.
From Apocalypse to Zombie: The End of the World in Religion, History, and Culture
Explore how religion, art, and popular culture have reflected humanity’s fears of the end of time throughout history.
Judaism and Christian Origins
Explore the period that led to the emergence of Christianity and Second Temple Judaism—its history, literature, and religious communities.
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 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?
Women in the Ancient Near East
Explore the varied ways that the position of women was defined in the ancient Near East, including in Israel, Mesopotamia, Babylon, and Sumer.