(Same as Religion M4.) Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Comparative study of eight major religious traditions, with emphasis on their beginnings and subsequent decisive changes in their respective historical developments and interactions. Equips students with intellectual tools necessary for thinking analytically, empathetically, and comparatively about fascinating human phenomena identified as religious, such as sacred acts, places, words, and persons in their varied historical contexts. Development of student skills in critical thinking, analyzing documents, and making persuasive arguments based on historical evidence. P/NP or letter grading.