REL 295-01 - Special Topic: Religion and Food: Eating is Believing

4 credits (Fall Term 1)

Everyone eats, but each individual endows foods and drinks with unique significance. How do religious beliefs affect one’s food choices and eating habits? What are the relations between eating and spiritual well-being? The course will examine (1) the concepts of taboo, purity, and spirituality in religioius food regulations (2) the symbols of food in the sacred and secular contexts (3) eating and identity (4) ethical food and sustainability.

Prerequisite: REL 101, REL 102, REL 103, REL 104, REL 105, or second-year standing.
Instructor: Y. Chen