OSHER 517 - Religiosity in the Middle East and the U.S.

What are the origin and meaning of the concepts of "religion" and "religiosity?" What effect does understanding of these concepts (or lack of thereof) have on modern populations of the U.S. and the Middle East? We will discuss the historical, economic, social, cultural, and political settings (such as the emergence of monotheism, nationalism, and terrorism) in which these two concepts have been interchangeably used (or abused) for the real or perceived benefit of involved parties and for shaping their identities. Learn about issues of religious diversity as perceived, practiced, and prescribed under rules of different religions and regions. Emphasis will be on mutual perceptions of the groups discussed (e.g., Jews, Christians, and Muslims) as insiders and/or outsiders of these systems.