The Problem of Religion and Theology in the Modern Research University

This course deals with the 'back history' to the study of religion (and theology) in the West as modern scientific enterprises. It will provide insight into the conditions that underly a proper study of religious thought and behaviour in the context of the modern research university. The lectures, readings, and discussions will review the evolution of the human cognitive capacities that made the emergence of a scientific mode of thought possible, as well as a review of the prehistorical and historical development of the scientific enterprise. This will provide the foundation for discussion of the question about the appropriate approach to the study of religion (and theology) in the modern research university.