This course examines the variety of religious vocations in the religions of the world in their institutional settings. Primary emphasis is placed upon life in the formal setting of the monastery and avowed ascetic practices, but consideration will also be given to other forms of quasi-ascetic religious living, such as among the Amish, and priestly vocations. The course looks at the social organization, economies and politics of such communities and the relationship pf religious communities to the outside world. Other themes considered include the place of genderm celibacy, poverty, education, and medicine in monasticism aroud the world. (S) (lec 3) cr 3.
