All upcoming Philosophy & Religion programs

Anxiety is usually thought of as a pathology, but some philosophers argue that anxiety is a normal, even essential, part of being human, and that coming to terms with this fact is potentially transformative. Philosophy professor Samir Chopra explores valuable insights about anxiety from ancient and modern philosophies, including Buddhism, existentialism, psychoanalysis, and critical theory.

Founded over nine centuries ago, this medieval masterpiece has been cherished by monarchs and admired by Londoners. Historian Lorella Brocklesby explores Westminster Abbey’s Gothic magnificence and important royal patronage from the Middle Ages. She discusses additions including extravagant Tudor adornments and towers designed in the Baroque era, as well as the myriad of rare and royal treasures that abound within the spectacular soaring interior. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Is it possible to be spiritual and not religious at the same time? Self-identification as “SBNR” is a growing trend in the United States and abroad that promotes the de-institutionalization of religion and a kind of spiritual individuation. Comparative religion scholar Graham Schweig analyzes this phenomenon psychologically and theologically by drawing from ancient Eastern and Western wisdom traditions. 

The period of post-biblical Judaism is exceedingly rich in archaeological evidence, found both in Israel and in the lands of an ever-widening Diaspora. In an illustrated full-day program, biblical scholar Gary Rendsburg of Rutgers University synthesizes archaeological findings and literary evidence to reveal a multifaceted portrait of Jewish life in late antiquity.

Jesus Christ is an instantly recognizable figure, perhaps the most frequently depicted in all Western art. Since scripture does not provide a description of what Christ looked like, painters and mosaic-makers would often resort to the artistic canons of their time to create an image of the Nazarene. Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo delves into some of the most impactful portrayals of Christ, uncovering how social, political, and religious contexts directly shaped the iconic image we recognize today. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

In the latter part of his career Michelangelo undertook remarkable architectural ventures, including projects for his childhood friends, the Medici Popes Leo X and Clement VII. However, the relationship turned sour when Michelangelo joined Florentine forces attempting to throw off the yoke of the ruling family. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo takes a close look at Michelangelo's projects for the Medici popes and the tumultuous events­—including a death warrant—that unfolded along the way. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

A remarkable 175-year-long story of survival, ambition, and political intrigue connects two rival Jewish families­—the Sassoons and the Kadoories—who dominated the world of Chinese business and politics. Author Jonathan Kaufman examines how their members helped transform China during pivotal years of growth, responded to revolutions that changed the future, and why they reluctantly had to leave it all behind with the advent of communism.

Understanding the Bible means understanding the cities and cultures that produced it. The story of these centers—their history, their archaeology, their mysteries, and the people who inhabited and later excavated them—is also the story of the Bible itself. Professor of classics and religious studies Robert Cargill leads a fascinating tour through cities including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Qumran, Babylon, Athens, Alexandria, and Rome to reveal how their stories shed new light on the Bible.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s and early 1950s forever changed the study of ancient Judaism and early Christianity. Dead Sea Scrolls scholar Gary Rendsburg describes the discovery of these precious fragments, what we know about their origins, the controversies surrounding them, and their influence on the development of both ancient Judaism and early Christianity.