REL 335 - Sacred Geographies

Credits: 3

This course explores the concept of sacred geography across diverse religious traditions, examining how physical landscapes are imbued with spiritual significance and become sites of religious meaning and devotion. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course investigates sacred spaces such as places of worship, pilgrimage routes, rivers, and mountains, considering their historical, cultural, and religious dimensions. It examines how these spaces are constructed, experienced, and narrated in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and other religious contexts. The course highlights their role in shaping communal identities and practices while critically analyzing how sacred geographies reflect the interplay between religion, politics, and environmental concerns globally. Students will engage with texts, ethnographies, and visual materials to explore the diverse ways sacred landscapes influence and are influenced by the cultures they inhabit.

Prerequisite(s): REL 100 .
General Education: May be used to fulfill the second Religious Studies component or the Cultural Diversity component of the General Education Requirements.