Religious Studies REL STD

REL STD 5A World Religions I

Units

4

Same as HISTORY 16A

(IV and VIII)

An introduction to the history, doctrine, culture, and writing of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 5B World Religions II

Units

4

Same as HISTORY 16B

(IV and VIII)

An introduction to various religious traditions in selected areas of the world—including India and South Asia, East Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Offered: Fall 2026 (5 sections)

REL STD 5C Religious Dialogue

Units

4

Same as HISTORY 16C

(IV and VIII)

Lectures and discussion on controversial topics in religion: sexual morality; religious violence; science; treatment of women and girls; religious truth, American Constitutional matters; secularization; the future of religion, and other topics.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 17 An Economic Approach to Religion

Units

4

Same as ECON 17

(III)

Introduction to how basic economic concepts such as demand, supply, consumption, production, competition, free-riding, innovation, regulation, and rent-seeking can be applied to understand observed religious behavior.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 21 Philosophy and Religion

Units

4

Same as PHILOS 21

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

(IV)

Examines the intersection of religion and philosophy from a standpoint that does not presuppose previous academic study of either. Both Western and Eastern traditions and perspectives may be explored.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 60 Global Themes in Sikh Studies

Units

4

Same as ANTHRO 60

(III and (VII or VIII).)

Serves as an introduction to Sikhism and the field of Sikh Studies. Examines the development of the religious tradition and the formation of the scholarly field of Sikh Studies in the contemporary Western university.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 61 Gender and Religion

Units

4

Same as GEN&SEX 60C

(III and VIII.)

Introduces the topic of religion in a feminist context by performing cross-cultural exploration of gender, authority, and faith in various traditions. Study includes (but is not limited to) writings of contemporary Jewish, Christian, and Muslim feminists.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 100 Topics in the Study of Religion

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

The intersection of religious belief and practices with selected subjects of continuing interest.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 103 Topics in the Philosophy of Religion

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Critical examination of philosophical concepts in religious scripture and theology, e.g., the nature and existence of God, miracles, the problem of evil, and divine command theories in ethics. May include any religious tradition.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

REL STD 110W Religion Research Lab: Applied Theories and Methods

Units

4

Prerequisite

Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement

Overlaps with REL STD 110

Restrictions: Religious Studies majors have the first consideration for enrollment

(Ib)

A survey and investigation of the major thinkers, theories, and methodologies in the study of religions. Designed to develop the student's ability to analyze and articulate theoretical arguments in writing; includes a paper on relevant Religious Studies topics.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 115 Religion and World Politics

Units

4

Prerequisite

POL SCI 41A or INTL ST 11 or INTL ST 12 or REL STD 5A or REL STD 5B or REL STD 5C

Examines the relationship between religion and world politics historically and today, focusing on connections with peace/war, democracy, human rights, secularism(s), and globalization. Covers major debates, scholarship, concepts, and theories through class exercises, exams, and essays.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 120 Topics in Asian Religious Traditions

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Studies involving (but not limited to) Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Jainism, Sikhism, Daoism, Shinto or Shamanism, including both elite and doctrinal aspects and forms of more popular religiosity.

Offered: Fall 2026 (3 sections)

REL STD 122 Ancient India

Units

4

Same as ART HIS 155A, HISTORY 170A

Concurrent: ART HIS 255A

Examines the visual and religious history of the region defined as "India" today, but necessarily encompassing modern Bangladesh and Pakistan. Culminates with the supposed Golden Age of the Gupta empire and its far-reaching legacies.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 123 Medieval India

Units

4

Same as ART HIS 155B, HISTORY 170B

Concurrent: ART HIS 255B

Begins with the Gupta period's aesthetic legacies in South Asia's architecture, sculpture, and painting. Explores the dispersal of Islam throughout South Asia, including the Muslim communities of southern India.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 124 Topics in Modern Indian Religion

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Topics in religions of the Indian subcontinent including, but not confined to, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, and Buddhism from the founding of the Mughal Empire in 1526 to the creation of the several modern states of the Indian subcontinent.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

REL STD 125 Jain History, Culture, and Ethics

Units

4

Concurrent: REL STD 225

Introduces history, texts, philosophy, culture, and ethical practices of the Jain tradition as it developed in India and now exists globally, including in Orange County.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 126 Topics in Jain Studies

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Concurrent: REL STD 226

Studies involving aspects of the Jain tradition in relation to philosophy, ethics, culture, ritual, art, or diaspora, and/or analyses of environment, gender, or in relation to other Indian traditions.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 130 Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Religious Traditions

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Character and evolution of Egyptian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Muslim, and other religious communities of the region from their formative periods to the present era.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

REL STD 130D History of Antisemitism

Units

4

Same as HISTORY 130D

Survey of the history of antisemitism, ancient to modern. Topics include medieval religious anti-Judaism, persecution of Jews and Judaism during the Crusades and the Inquisition, the rise of modern racial antisemitism, Nazi antisemitism, and the persistence of antisemitism since 1945.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 130F Jews and Power

Units

4

Same as POL SCI 154J, HISTORY 130F

Examines the relationship between the Jewish people and political power over a 3500 year period. How have Jews preserved their communal interests and personal safety? How have they defined the proper relationship of the people to political authority?

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 131A History of Zoroastrianism

Units

4

Same as HISTORY 131A

Concurrent: IRAN 231A

Reviews major trends in the history of Zoroastrianism.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 140 Early Western Religious Traditions

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Religious perspectives of the Mediterranean and European regions from the earliest times to approximately 1500 C.E.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 150 Religion in the Americas

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Religious belief and social context in North and South America from the earliest human societies to the present.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

REL STD 155 Topics in Race and Religion

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Concurrent: REL STD 255

Critical analysis of race and religion as expressed through (1) various structures of socio-political ordering, metaphysics, language, class, colorism, power, biology, nationalism, and culture, and (2) various expressions of moral philosophy, ethics, music, literature, arts, rituals, liberation, and revolution.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 158 Topics in Indigenous Religions

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

A study of Indigenous Religions. Focus may be local, regional, or global. Primary texts may come from a variety of disciplines, with varying attention to similarities and differences to colonial religious conceptions.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 165 Topics in Religion and Science

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Concurrent: REL STD 265

Examinations of the dynamic interplay between religion and science, including historical conflicts, contemporary dialogues, and ethical implications. Classes analyze how these two realms shape our understanding of the universe, humanity, and morality.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 170 Topics in Comparative Studies in Religion

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary

Literary, historical, or philosophical comparison of selected religious and quasi-religious traditions, their beliefs and practices.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 175 Medical Ethics

Units

4

Same as PHILOS 131C

Analysis of moral issues concerning health care. Topics may include just allocation of scarce medical resources, the doctor/patient relationship, genetic engineering, surrogate motherhood, abortion, euthanasia, or social policy concerning AIDS.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 199 Independent Study

Units

1-4

Repeatability: May be taken for credit 3 times

Directed reading and research in consultation with a faculty member. Substantial written work required.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

REL STD 225 Jain History, Culture, and Ethics

Units

4

Concurrent: REL STD 125

Introduces history, texts, philosophy, culture, and ethical practices of the Jain Tradition as it developed in India and now exists globally, including in Orange County.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 226 Topics in Jain Studies

Units

4

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary

Concurrent: REL STD 126

Studies involving aspects of the Jain tradition in relation to philosophy, ethics, culture, ritual, art, or diaspora, and/or analyses of environment, gender, or in relation to other Indian traditions.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 255 Topics in Race and Religion

Units

4

Concurrent: REL STD 155

Critical analysis of race and religion as expressed through (1) various structures of socio-political ordering, metaphysics, language, class, colorism, power, biology, nationalism, and culture, and (2) various expressions of moral philosophy, ethics, music, literature, arts, rituals, liberation, and revolution.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 265 Topics in Religion and Science

Units

4

Concurrent: REL STD 165

Examinations of the dynamic interplay between religion and science, including historical conflicts, contemporary dialogues, and ethical implications. Classes analyze how these two realms shape our understanding of the universe, humanity, and morality.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

REL STD 399 University Teaching

Units

4

Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only

Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times

Limited to teaching assistants.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)