RELS 4225 - Psychology and Religion

3 Credit Hours
Description
This course will survey the fields of psychology and religious studies. Addressing this tension, our course is designed to create a constructive, respectful dialogue between both perspectives. Can we conceive ways in which religious behavior and the study of religion may inform, or even construct, psychological theory? Conversely, how do psychological perspectives and cognitive science tell a richer, deeper story of what is happening in religious experiences? We will consider postmodern and qualitative critiques to such investigations, as well as the emerging field in “explaining” religion through cognitive science and evolutionary theory. This course will also consider Eastern forms of religious expression and spirituality.