Religion

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Formal writing skills at the level of Competence (2.5 on a 4.0 scale rubric).
  2. Oral presentation skills at the level of Competence (2.5 on a 4.0 scale rubric).
  3. Research skills at the level of Competence (2.5 on a 4.0 scale rubric).
  4. Ability to develop a cogent argument at the level of Competence (2.5 on a 4.0 scale rubric).
  5. Religion content knowledge in the areas of: biblical literacy, and world religions at the level of Competence.
  6. Philosophy content knowledge in the areas of ethics, and logic (rhetorical/persuasive techniques rather than formal logic) at the level of Competence.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

REL 110: The Biblical Heritage

Class Program
Credits 3
A study of the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity through an examination of selected portions of the Old and New Testaments, with stress upon their relevance for modern humanity.
Core Tags
RL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 111: Hebrew Scriptures

Class Program
Credits 3
This course provides an overview of the social and historical context of the ancient Israelite society (from the age of the Patriarchs to the emergence of Second Temple Judaism), the literary character of the scriptures it produced and the theological content of those scriptures.
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 112: New Testament

Class Program
Credits 3
This course provides an overview of the emergent Christian community of the early Christian era (from the time of Jesus to the end of the Apostolic Age), the literary character of the scriptures it produced and the theological content of those scriptures. NOTE: Students may not take both REL 110 and the REL 111-112 sequence as their content will overlap.
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 113: Writing About Values and Virtues

Class Program
Credits 3
Individuals who like to think about the application of values and virtues to life will be challenged to express themselves in creative and effective ways through writing. This Writing Intensive (WI) course seeks to improve the academic and practical writing skills of enrolled students. All Religion and Philosophy majors are required to take this class at the earliest opportunity. All other students who would like assistance to discuss and write about important issues in life are encouraged to enroll. Does NOT satisfy Core Curriculum Requirements for a Religion (REL) course.
Core Tags
WI

REL 121: Sex in the Bible

Class Program
Credits 3
This course examines the multi-faceted biblical perspectives of sex. Focusing on topics such as God’s gender, rape, homosexuality, prostitution, pre-marital sex, divorce, and others, students will explore biblical laws and narratives that impact public debate on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion.
Core Tags
RL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 122: The Bible and the Courts

Class Program
Credits 3
America's Founding Fathers upheld two central principles regarding religion popularly summarized as 1. Freedom of Religion and 2. Separation of Church and State. This course will explore contemporary efforts to uphold these two principles resulting in civil and legal disputes. The class will engage in basic exploration of key legal rulings and biblical exposition of the values and beliefs which have been central to these rulings.
Core Tags
RL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 123: The Bible as Literature

Class Program
Credits 3
This course explores the Bible as a sublime anthology of ancient prose and poetry that forms the fountainhead of western literature and culture. Participants will study the literary features of a number of selected texts and develop skills essential for interpreting its texts of wide-ranging genres and understanding its layered meanings.
Core Tags
RL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 124: Love in the Bible

Class Program
Credits 3
A study of the concept of love in Judaism and early Christianity through an examination of selected texts in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Emphasis will be given not only to the historical and literary background and meaning of the texts but also to their relevance for contemporary issues and humanity today.
Core Tags
RL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 203: From the Apostles to the Reformers (History of Christianity I; ca. 100-ca. 1550)

Class Program
Credits 3

This course examines the institutional, intellectual, and social developments in the history of Christianity from its beginnings to the Reformation. Issues such as the relationship between church and state, theology and philosophy, piety and culture will be traced and analyzed in the wider context of the history of the Mediterranean and Western Worlds from later antiquity to the Reformation. This course may be taken by History Majors to complete degree requirements in the field of History.

Core Tags
GL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 207: From the Reformation to the Present (History of Christianity II; ca. 1500-Present)

Class Program
Credits 3

This course examines the history of Christianity from the Protestant Reformation through the emergence of the modern era to contemporary events in Christian History. Particular attention will be given to the rise of denominationalism, the history of Christianity in America, various reactions to modern social, political, and scientific theory, and the encounter of Christianity with non-European cultures through missionary and colonizing activity. This course may be taken by History Majors to complete degree requirements in the field of History.

Core Tags
CE
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 213: Christian Ethics in a Changing Society

Class Program
Credits 3

An investigation of the resources within the Christian faith for making moral decisions with respect to the scientific, social, economic, political, and personal problems in the contemporary world.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 220: Religions of the World

Class Program
Credits 3

The history, beliefs, and practices of major non-Christian religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism.

Core Tags
GL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 221: Twisted Religion

Class Program
Credits 3

This course studies the theologies and actions of religious extremists. Why do they so often resort to violence? What do they believe about the world and their place in it? How do people come to hold such extreme religious views? What are their political views? Students will learn about various perceptions of God and salvation, the role and flexibility of sacred texts, and the influence of human leaders.

Core Tags
GL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 230: Special Topics in Religion

Class Program
Credits 3
This course provides an examination of specific topics related to the Christian engagement in contemporary society. Designed for the non-major and ideally suited for the pursuit of topics on general interest, this course provides students and faculty an opportunity to explore biblical interpretation and religious engagement in the practical concerns of contemporary society.
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 232: Science and Religion

Class Program
Credits 3

Throughout history, humans have sought explanations for how the world works and for their place and purpose in the cosmos. These pursuits have produced seemingly contradictory approaches to truth and knowledge. This course explores these pursuits and their possible contradictions through the study of evidence developed in the sciences (physics and evolutionary biology), the social sciences (psychology), and religion. The goal of the course is to equip students with the means of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each disciplinary approach to answering life’s fundamental questions.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 250: Christian Vocation and Church Leadership

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the call to Christian service in the Church and the world. This course will examine the concepts of ministry and the call, the nature and structure of the Church, contemporary issues facing the Church, as well as resources and programs used by the Church to promote faith and service in local congregations. This course is open to students of all denominations and religious traditions. This course may not be taken to fulfill any core requirement.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 290: Religion and Popular Culture

Class Program
Credits 3

This course explores the wide variety of religious perspectives and values communicated through the arts most accessible to the general public. Movies, television, music, and web-based communication will provide opportunities for investigation into and reflection on the role that religious ideas and values play in contemporary American society.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 301: Jesus: His Religion and His Teachings

Class Program
Credits 3

The character, ministry, and teaching of Jesus Christ, based upon the New Testament, including an examination of modern interpretations of Jesus.

Core Tags
WI
Prerequisites

grade of “C” or better in REL 110 or REL 12x

Semester Offered
Offered alternate years.

REL 302: The Hebrew Prophets: Their Times and Message

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the development, characteristics, and messages of selected major and minor prophets of Israel and Judah, with an emphasis upon their relevance for contemporary life.

Prerequisites

grade of “C” or better in REL 110 or REL 12x

Semester Offered
Offered alternate years.

REL 303: Paul: His Life, Writings, and Continuing Impact

Class Program
Credits 3

A survey of the life of Paul and the development of his theology in response to the problems and heresies he faced as an apostle and a missionary, with a consideration of their impact upon 20th century theology.

Core Tags
WI
Prerequisites

grade of “C” or better in REL 110 or REL 12x

Semester Offered
Offered alternate years.

REL 305: The General Epistles and the Johannine Literature

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the non-Pauline epistles in the New Testament and those writings associated with the name of John, including Revelation.

Core Tags
WI
Prerequisites

grade of “C” or better in REL 110 or REL 12x

Semester Offered
Offered alternate years.

REL 310: American Religious History

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the major trends, issues, persons, and movements in American religious history in their social, cultural, and political contexts. This course may be taken by History Majors to complete degree requirements in the field of History.

Core Tags
CE
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 320: African-American Religious History

Class Program
Credits 3

A study of the major trends, issues, persons and movements in African-American religious history. Special attention will be paid to Civil Rights, sociological factors affecting religion in America, and the politics of Religion.

Core Tags
CE
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 321: Wealth, Poverty and the Biblical Heritage

Class Program
Credits 3

The just use and distribution of wealth in a world filled with poverty has challenged people from the Ancient Israelites to 21st Century Christians. Beginning with biblical texts and sampling the writings and moral reflection of Christians to the present class participants will address the challenges of global poverty and its implications for Christians. Analysis of the socio-economic conditions of a Southern Hemisphere country will serve as a case study.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 323: Dr. MLK Jr.: A Closer Look

Class Program
Credits 3

This course explores the personal and public trials and triumphs of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., tracing his development from his upbringing in Atlanta through his postsecondary education; his philosophical and personal influences; and his calling as a pastor and prophet for civil and human rights in the world. As well, students will learn about his intellectual, political, sociological, theological, and global impact.

Core Tags
CE
Prerequisites

grade of “C” or better in REL 110 or REL 12x

REL 325: 21st Century Christianity

Class Program
Credits 3

The 21st Century promises to be an era of Christian resurgence marked by cultural struggles around the globe. Cultural, Political and Theological upheaval characterizes the rapid growth of Southern Hemisphere Christianity. Theologians and institutional developments in Africa, Asia, South America and the United States will frame class discussion of both the recent past and potential future of global Christianity.

Core Tags
GL
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 340: Youth Ministry

Class Program
Credits 4
This course will provide a very practical introduction to the problems encountered and “best practices” employed by Church Leaders in the area of Youth Ministry. Attention will be paid to youth outreach and support strategies, program organization, curriculum selection or development, effective teaching methods, unique challenges and issues related to pre-adolescent and adolescent youth, and issues related to staff and supervisory boards. In addition, the class will include a unit on Christian Education programs.
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 350: Systematic Theology

Class Program
Credits 3

This course examines the main themes of Christian theology in their classical formulation, traditional development, and contemporary expression. A seminar approach will be adopted in the course. Students will actively cooperate in developing the course content through the completion of reading assignments, outside research, formal presentation of material, and participation in discussion and debate. The textbook and instructor will serve primarily to describe the content and variety of influential positions taken on the main themes in theology. Students will take the initiative in advancing and defending particular views on the issues described.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 380: Lutheran Theology & Confessional Writings

Class Program
Credits 3

Selections from Luther’s works, the Augsburg Confession and subsequent Lutheran writings will guide the student’s investigation of her or his own confessional understanding of the Christian faith.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 481: Seminar on Religious Issues

Class Program
Credits 3
An intensive study of a question or problem in Biblical studies, religious history, or a current religious movement or issue. This course may NOT be taken to complete Core requirements.
Prerequisites
at lease one 300-level course in Religion

REL 491: Independent Study

Class Program
Credits 3
Open only to juniors and seniors of demonstrated ability majoring or minoring in Religion and Philosophy. Subject to Independent Study rules and regulations.

REL 495: Christian Vocation Internship

Class Program
Credits 3
Students will be matched up with an internship opportunity which matches the student’s expressed interest in Church Leadership. Every effort will be made to place students in an internship experience which both exhibits some of the “best practices” in their chosen field of leadership and reflects the denominational/ theological affiliations of the student intern. Subject to Internship regulations and restrictions..
Prerequisites
junior or senior classification and approval of Religion/Philosophy faculty advisor
Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 499: Senior Essay

Class Program
Credits 3

A project requiring scholarly research and culminating in the public presentation of a formal paper. Subject to Senior Essay rules and regulations.

Semester Offered
Offered at departmental discretion.