Global Perspectives on Indigenous Societies, Spiritualities, and the Environment

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course explores the spiritual traditions of Indigenous cultures throughout the world. For example, we examine the role of elders and shamans in various aboriginal societies, their understandings of the environment in which they live, and their various expressions of spirituality. The course discusses the recognition of Indigenous rights at the United Nations and its implications for preserving land, cultures and spiritualities. Finally, students reflect on the effect of development on Indigenous lands and how that is affecting Indigenous societies and their traditional belief systems. Cross-listed: IDS-2804(3). Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and IDS-2804. REL-2901 (3 or 6) Art in Non-Christian Religions (3 hrs Lecture) This course explores the intrinsic links within non-Christian religious traditions between beliefs and social systems and the art produced in those contexts. We examine different traditions, regions, and eras, in religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Aboriginal Spirituality, and media such as architecture, decorative arts, painting, and sculpture. Students explore art's implicit and explicit messages about the religious beliefs of its producing society, the function of art in particular religions, and how one reads religious art. We investigate the impact of social, economic, and power structures on religious art, and the role of patronage in art production. Cross-listed: HIST-2802(3). Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and HIST-2802.