The Specifics

Major in Religion

In addition to taking RELG 101 and 110, you must take 30 additional hours in religion (six of which may be in philosophy). GREK 401-402 may be counted as religion courses. Among the 30 additional hours required, the following should be taken: R-CE 301; RELG 310; three hours selected from the advanced biblical courses (i.e., RELG 313, 322, 330, 332, 333, 334, 343, 345); three hours of philosophy; and three hours selected from the courses dealing with church history or theology (i.e., RELG 302, 355, 356, and 357). Any exceptions to this distribution must be approved by the advisor and the department chair.

 

Minor in Religion

Eighteen hours in religion courses numbered 200 or above approved by any member of the religion faculty are required for the minor. Refer to general requirements for minors.

 

Course Descriptions

 Religion (RELG)

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.

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.

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. (Alternate years)

258. Special Topics (1-6). See page 29.

280. Third World Experiences and Seminar (4)
(Prereq: consent of the instructor; maximum enrollment, 8 students; crosslisted with INTD 280) 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.

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.

308. Judaism (3)
(Prereq: RELG 101) An introductory overview of the writings, history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism. (Alternate years)

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.

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. (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. (Alternate years)

315. Psychology of Religion (3)
(Prereq: PSYC 201 or consent of instructor; crosslisted with PSYC 315) This course focuses on religious beliefs, religious feelings, and behavior from a psychological perspective. Issues of interest include: religious development, conversion, the role of religious faith in promoting health and well-being in the individual and compassion for others. The secular value of religion within a society and religion from an evolutionary perspective will also be explored. (Alternate years)

317. The Pentateuch (3)
(Prereq: RELG 101) A study of the literary, historical, and theological issues arising from the first five books of the Old Testament. Special emphasis is given to the development of interpretive skills. Attention is also paid to questions of composition, archaeology, and comparative studies between the Bible and the Ancient Near East. (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. (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. (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. (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. (Alternate years)

340. Theory of Religion (3)
(Crosslisted with PHIL 340) What is religion? What are its origins and what is its future? Is it a source of good or evil? This course will explore contested questions about the nature of religion and the proper way to study it through a survey of various approaches and topics such as theology, philosophy, history, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Our central questions will be how to assess (a) religious claims and (b) claims about religion. (Alternate years)

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.

355. Religion in America (3)
(Crosslisted with HIST 355) 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. (Alternate years)

356. The African-American Religious Experience (3)
(Crosslisted with HIST 356) 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. (Alternate years)

357. History of Christianity (3)
(Crosslisted with HIST 357) 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. (Alternate years)

398. Honors Research (3-6).

440. Capstone Seminar in Religion (3)
This research seminar is designed to give religion majors the opportunity to identify a timely research topic, hone their research skills, write a significant research paper, present their findings in an open seminar format, and hear formal responses from their peers. Students will draw from their major course work in religious studies and across the college’s curriculum to address a selected topic in a holistic and integrative fashion as both a presenter and respondent.

442. Directed Studies (1-3). See page 28.
(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 28.

446. Readings. See page 28.

448. Research. See page 28.

450. Seminar. See page 29.

452. Special Projects. See page 29.

458. Special Topics. See page 29.

Hebrew (HEBR)

261-262. Biblical Hebrew (3 each sem)
(Elective for upperclassmen) An introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew. Designed primarily for pre-seminary students. (Alternate years)

Greek (GREK)

301-302. Elementary Greek (3 each sem)
(Elective for sophomores, juniors, and seniors) Foundational studies of the Hellenistic Greek of the New Testament. Emphasis on vocabulary building, rules of grammar, and syntax. Regular translation of Greek to English and English to Greek required. (Alternate years)

401-402. Advanced Greek (3 each sem)
(Prereq: GREK 301-302; elective for juniors and seniors) Concentrates on reading selected texts from the New Testament to improve facility with the language and understanding of more advanced points of grammar and syntax. (May count toward religion major.) (Alternate years)

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.

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. (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. (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 (Alternate years)

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.

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. (Alternate years)

440. Christian Education Capstone: Program and Leadership Development (3)
(Prereq: R-CE 301 or consent of instructor) An analysis of the profession of Christian education and how educational programs and leadership are exercised in the church. Students will do research projects and make public presentations of their findings.

 

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