Materiality, Religion, and Technology

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course examines the role of material objects, bodily practices, and technological advancements in our understanding and experience of religions. The course is premised upon the assumption that the spiritual components of religions have material bases-they are sensed, experienced, and expressed with and through material objects and practices. The advent of artificial intelligent and the expansion of digital environments provide a novel context for examining the already complex and intertwined concept of "material religion" in ways that are both challenging and intriguing. The course draws on readings and discussions from religious studies, anthropology, and science and technology studies to provide students with conceptual tools and to introduce recent discussions on the course topics. This course is suitable for students who plan to develop an original research project on the intersection of materiality, religion, and technology in any religious tradition. Students are required to complete a thorough literature review on the topic(s) of their choice as their final project and present their work in class.