Introduction to the teachings, major figures, attitudes and practices of world religions. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C, CSU-C2, IGETC-3B)

In this course students will learn about the diverse religious traditions and communities of the Middle East. The course examines how religion has significantly influenced the societies, cultures, political institutions, gender roles, legal codes, and economies of various regions in the Middle East, particularly Iraq, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Palestine, Iran, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel. Special attention will be paid to the role of religion as a force of stability and instability in the region, a significant marker of identity, the status of religious minorities, and the challenge of nationhood. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C, CSU-C2)

This course will provide an introduction to the Christian religion, with a focus on the history of its development. Its scriptures, rituals, and beliefs will be examined, as well as important persons, groups, and events which have developed among the Roman, Orthodox, and Protestant communities of Christianity. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C, CSU-C2, IGETC-3B)

This course analyzes the relations between religion, religious communities, and political institutions in the United States and California. The course examines political institutions and processes set out in the U.S. and California Constitutions and the ways that religion and religious communities and political institutions and processes have shaped one another, especially related to the rights and duties of citizenship. Topics include: U.S. Constitution and policy making related to the presidency, Congress, and the judiciary; freedom of religion; civil rights and citizenship; the role of religion in war and domestic and foreign policy; and Constitutional documents as sources of civil religion, religion and immigration, separation of church and state, and religion in public education. (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-C,D, CSU-D)