RELS289M

Cross-listed with: HIST289T. Credit only granted for: RELS273 or RELS289M or HIST289T. Formerly: RELS289M. We examine three significant ancient religious figures: Jesus (d. 30s CE), Mani (d. 276 CE), and Muhammad (d. 632). All three were founders of long-lasting religions that were part of a dramatic change in the society and religion of the ancient world. Special areas of focus: the biographies of these founding figures, and how we know them; a historical approach to religious founders; and the sociology of new religious movements. Cross-listed with: HIST289T. Credit only granted for: RELS289M or HIST289T. Applying historical and sociological approaches to the study of new religious movements, this course examines the founders of long- lasting religions that were part of a dramatic change in the society and religion of the ancient world.