<p>Lecture, two and one half hours. Exploration of topics such as existence of a higher being, meaning of life, one’s role in world, one’s obligations to others, human nature, and existence of evil. Examination of texts ranging from scriptures to film that reflect religious, philosophical, and secular ways people—over centuries and throughout world—have sought answers to basic questions of human existence. Today, in time of global disruption, people still search for meaning and purpose on path is rarely straight forward or upward, and often requires movement backward or downward. Introduction to how various thinkers and cultures have approached life’s big questions, including religious and philosophical responses to them. Students are encouraged to think critically about them and formulate their own responses. P/NP or letter grading.</p>

Religion, Study of

College of Letters and Science

General Education — Social Analysis (Society & Culture)

General Education — Philosophical & Linguistic Analysis (Arts & Humanities)

General Education — Literacy & Cultural Analysis (Arts & Humanities)

RELIGN 113 - In Search of Meaning: From Holy Texts to Hollywood

In Search of Meaning: From Holy Texts to Hollywood

use literature and film to discuss the meaning of life

Course objectives: familiarize students with conceptions of God in the major religious traditions

encourage creative ways of expressing responses to what it means to live a meaningful, fulfilling life in the 21st century

encourage students to think deeply about their lives, beliefs and values

introduce students to ancient Greek and existentialist philosophy

explore how writers grapple with human suffering and death

General Catalog

In Search of Meaning: From Holy Texts to Hollywood

RELIGN 113

5 units