Presbyterian College seeks to promote, within the framework of the Christian faith, the mental, physical, moral, and spiritual capacity of each student. Whatever your vocational plans, a major in the department of religion and philosophy will provide outstanding preparation.

101. Old Testament Survey (3) (Required of all students)
A survey of the Old Testament with attention to the history of the people of Israel, the development of the Israelite faith, and the composition of the Old Testament writings. (Fall, Summer)

110. New Testament Survey (3) (Required of all students)
A survey of the New Testament with attention to its expression of the Christian faith and the historical development of its writings. (Spring, Summer)

220. International Mission (3)
An introductory course dealing with the mission of the Church with emphasis on the international and cross cultural aspects of that mission. Possible areas of focus include (1) Biblical basis for mission; (2) some historical patterns of mission; (3) communicating the Gospel to people of other cultures; (4) some theological and moral issues in international mission such as hunger and justice; (5) various ways to be involved in missions today; (6) partnership with national churches. (Spring, alternate years)

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.

280. Third World Experiences and Seminar (4) (Prereq: consent of the instructor; maximum enrollment, 8 students; cross-listed with interdisciplinary studies)
Through experimental learning, readings, discussions, participatory learning activities, writing assignments, and study of selected biblical passages, class participants will be stimulated to critical thinking in regard to their own society. The course includes a week in a Third World country and a weekend at a homeless shelter in a large metropolitan area of the United States. (Spring)

302. Christian Doctrine (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instructor)
A systematic consideration of the major doctrines of the Christian faith with primary emphasis on the Protestant tradition. (Spring)

305. The Sociology of Religion (3) (Prereq: Soc 201; cross-listed with sociology)
A sociological approach to the study of religion, its institutional forms, aims, and impact on society. Attention is given to the theories of the sociology of religion and the interaction of religion and society, especially the impact of social change upon religion. Special emphasis is given to religion in contemporary America.

310. World Religions (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instructor)
An examination of the history, teachings, and practices of the major non-Western religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. (Fall)

311. Introduction to the Psalms (1) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110)
This one-hour course will consider the origins of the Hebrew Psalms and the various types of Psalms, including an in-depth study of some of the most important Psalms, the teaching of the Psalms, and the place of the Psalms in the life of the church.

312. Women in the Bible (1) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instruction)
This course will consider the biblical accounts of the origin of women as well as the range and significance of the Bible’s portrayal of women. This course is offered in conjunction with the Women Studies Program. (Spring, alternate years)

313. The Old Testament Prophets (3) (Prereq: RELG 101)
Begins with a study of early (pre-literary) Hebrew prophecy, moving to an examination of the literary development of the classical prophetic books. Concentration on prophets of 8th and 7th centuries B.C., especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, with attention to their relevance for modern times. (Fall, alternate years)

320. Introduction to Modern Christian Thought (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110)
An introduction to the major Christian theologians of the 20th century. Both primary and secondary sources consulted.

322. Studies in the Synoptic Gospels (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110)
An examination of Matthew, Mark, and Luke and investigation of selected problems in the Synoptic Gospels in light of historical-critical research. (Fall, alternate years)

330. Pauline Epistles (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instructor)
An examination of the letters attributed to Paul in light of their historical contexts with an emphasis on Romans and Galatians and their relevance for modern times. (Spring, alternate years)

332. Hebrews and General Epistles (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instructor)
An in-depth study of Hebrews and selected general epistles in their historical contexts along with consideration of contemporary issues related to these documents. (Spring, alternate years)

333. Johannine Studies (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of instructor)
An intensive study of the Gospel and Epistles of John in the light of various modern methods of research and interpretation. Interpretive approaches for the study of Revelation will also be examined. (Spring, alternate years)

334. Between the Testaments (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110)
A study of the period circa 400 B.C. to A.D. 100: the history, movements, and ideas crucial to the development of Judaism and Christianity as documented especially in non-Biblical writings. Special attention to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

343. Contemporary Use of the Bible (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110 or consent of the instructor)
What is the Bible? In what sense can it be regarded as authoritative? How can it be used legitimately as a source of present-day ethics, preaching, teaching, and personal guidance? What is the relationship of the Bible to modern history and science? These and similar questions will be addressed by considering the opinions of scholars and church leaders of varying perspectives and by critical analysis of contemporary speeches, sermons, articles, and popular literature.

345. The Bible as Literature (3) (Prereq: RELG 101 and 110)
A study of the literary artistry of the Biblical writers, including examination of such features as imagery, motifs, types of narration, plot arrangement, characterization, use of dialogue, and repetition. The study seeks to understand and appreciate how an author conveys meaning and achieves an effect on the reader.

355. Religion in America (3) (Cross-listed with history)
A survey of the American religious experience from colonial times to the present with particular emphasis on the interaction of religion and American life. This course provides depth to the religious and social facets of American history. For history majors and minors who prefer to study American history, this course offers a desirable elective. (Fall, odd years)

356. The African-American Religious Experience (3) (Cross-listed with history)
An examination of the African-American contribution to the life of the American people from the period of slavery to the present. Particular emphasis on the relationship of African-American religion to American history and culture. (Spring, alternate years)

357. History of Christianity (3) (Cross-listed with history)
A historical survey of Christianity from its beginnings to the present. Particular emphasis on the development of Christian thought and its expression in the Church. Primary and secondary sources consulted. (Fall, even years)

398. Honors Research (3-6). See page 44.
Available for students during the junior and senior years with approval of the departmental faculty. Students with a 3.20 GPA in all courses and a 3.40 GPA in major courses may undertake an honors research program. Oral and written presentations of the results of the project will be required. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors research program will graduate with honors in the major discipline. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring)

442. Directed Studies (1-3). See page 36. (Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair)
Independent reading and/ or research in an area of the student’s special interest. A plan including a statement of the purpose of the study, a bibliography, and the nature of any paper(s) to be written or project(s) to be completed must be approved by the instructor and the department chair at start of the term.

444. Internships. See page 37.
446. Readings. See page 37.
448. Research. See page 37.
450. Seminar. See page 37.
452. Special Projects. See page 37.
458. Special Topics. See page 37.

Christian Education (R-CE)

301. Introduction to Christian Education (3)
A survey of the foundational issues underlying Christian education with an emphasis on biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, and psychological themes. Significant time will also be dedicated to curriculum and design and the selection of curriculum resources. Activities and discussions take place against the background of observations in a local church. (Fall)

323. Christian Education of Children and Families (3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
An analysis of practices and programs in family and child education in the church from a developmental perspective. Emphasis on lesson planning and the development of teaching skills. (Spring, alternate years)

324. Christian Education of Youth (3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
An analysis of contemporary culture and the role Christian education can play in the lives of young people. Emphasis on program design and the development of teaching skills. (Spring, alternate years)

325. Christian Education of Adults (3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
An analysis of contemporary culture and the role Christian education can play in the lives of adults and older adults. Emphasis on program design and the development of teaching skills. (Fall)

326. Recreation Leadership in Christian Education (3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
A study of recreational resources and materials, the philosophy of recreation, and its place in the church. Emphasis on development of leadership skills. (Spring)

401. Christian Education Program and Leadership Development (3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
An analysis of the profession of Christian educator is followed by a study of how church and educational programs are structured, administered, and resourced. (Spring)

405. Field Work in Christian Education (1.5-3) (Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor)
Supervised field work in a church or institution done in the area of the student’s interest (youth, handicapped, children, etc.) and approved by the professor. May be completed in one or two semesters or a summer. (Fall or Spring, or Fall and Spring, alternate years)

Philosophy (PHIL)

201. Contemporary Problems in Philosophy (3)
A popular introduction to philosophy with emphasis on “wondering” about life — about freedom, truth, love, loneliness, beauty, time, and the many questions raised in contemporary life.

203. Introduction to Ethics (3)
A study of what it means to live a good human life. The class will focus on some of the major ethical questions confronting our society (e.g., abortion, pornography) as well as those that confront us as individual persons (e.g., the development of good character, the nature of friendship, etc.) The class will also sample some great ethical theorists such as Aristotle and Mill. (Fall)

205. Logic (3)
A study of how to analyze, evaluate, and present arguments. The class will examine arguments in many fields, including law, science, economics, politics, religion, and philosophy. The class will also pay attention to the most effective ways to present arguments. (Fall)

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 37 in Book of Majors.

303. Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3)
A study of some of the major philosophers of these eras, including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Anselm, and Aquinas. The class will devote special attention to the relationship between faith and reason.

304. Early Modern Philosophy (3)
A survey of western philosophy from Descartes through Kant with special emphasis on epistemology, metaphysics, and questions of religious belief.

307. Contemporary Philosophy (3)
A study of philosophers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The class will devote special attention to Hegel and his followers, phenomenology and existentialism, and logical positivism and its heirs.

310. Philosophy of Science (3)
A study of the nature of science with special attention to the history of western science. The class will consider the scientific theories and methods of Aristotle, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. It will also consider the relationships of natural science to other areas such as religion, philosophy, and the social sciences.

312. Ethical Theory (3)
A study of the ethical theories of Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and Mill. We will consider the practical relevance of each theory as well as the general relevance of ethical theory to living a good life. We will also pay attention to the critics each theory has inspired, including critics outside of philosophy (e.g. novelists).

314. Professional Ethics (3)
A study of the ethical issues related to the practice of various professions, including business, law, medicine, teaching, counseling, and the ministry.

315. Medical Ethics (3)
An introduction to both the moral issues in modern health care and the ethical concepts and analytic skills relevant to address these issues. (Spring)

316. Business Ethics (3) (Cross-listed with business administration)
A study of ethical issues in business with the aim of strengthening our capacities for moral discernment and practical judgment. Format will be analysis and discussion of case studies in light of contemporary ethical theory. (Fall)

319. Markets and Values (3) (Cross-listed with business administration)
An exploration of human existence within the market economy with particular attention to the ways in which markets enhance or diminish human freedom, development, and well-being. Topics of discussion will include the globalization of markets within the world economy, the spread of consumer societies, and the challenges that these developments present to traditional values and forms of life as well as the natural environment.

320. Ethics and the English Novel (3)
A study of selected English novels — George Eliot’s Middlemarch, Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones, and Jane Austen— in order to discern the moral vision of each. Attention will be paid to the effectiveness of the novel as a vehicle for moral instruction as well as to the relationship between philosophy and literature.

322. Aesthetics (3) (Cross-listed with art and theatre)
A consideration of beauty and what various philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Hume, and Kant had to say about it. The class will also consider art forms such as painting, sculpture, poetry, music, and photography to appreciate the presence or absence of beauty therein. (Spring,)

324. Love and Friendship (3)
A study of several philosophical works as they address the topics of love and friendship. Authors include Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Kierkegaard. The class will consider the nature of love and friendship, the differences and similarities among the various kinds of love and friendship, and contributions of each to human life.

325. Faith and Reason (3)
A study of the relationship between faith and reason, focusing on how each might complement, contradict, or correct the other. Philosophers studied will change from semester to semester and will include Kierkegaard, (325A) Augustine (325B), Pascal (325C), Aquinas (325D), and Hume (325E) and Art of Apologetic (325F).

442. Directed Study in Philosophy (1-3). See page 36. (Enrollment by consent of instructor and department chairman)
Independent reading and/or research in an area of the student’s special interest. A plan including a statement of the purpose of the study, a bibliography, and the nature of any papers or projects must have prior approval of the instructor and department chairman.

444. Internships. See page 37.
446. Readings. See page 37.
448. Research. See page 37.
450. Seminar. See page 37.
452. Special Projects. See page 37.
458. Special Topics. See page 37.

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