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Religion: Welcome Program Courses Faculty Department Events Contact Us More Info: For Prospective and Current Students |
RELIGION (REL) Professor: Hughes, Gaber Associate Professor: Johnson (Chairperson) Assistant Professor: Knauth Part-time Instructors: Adams, Gilmore A major in Religion consists of 10 courses, including: REL 113 or 114, two from REL 110, 121, 224, 225, 320, HIST 232, or SOC 336; and two Religion courses numbered 320 or above. No more than four 100 level courses may be applied toward the major. At least seven courses must be taken in the department. Up to three of the following courses may be counted toward fulfilling the major requirements: GRK 221, 222, HEBR 221, 222, HIST 232, 340, 416, PHIL 332, and SOC 336. REL 120 is strongly recommended for pre-ministerial students after their first year, regardless of their major. The following courses satisfy the cultural diversity requirement: REL 110, 224, 225, 226, 328, 333. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: REL 223, 230, 331, and 337. Minors A minor in Religion consists of one course from REL 110, 113 or 114 and four religion courses numbered 200 or above. At least one course must be taken from REL 110, 224, 225, or 320. An interdisciplinary minor in Biblical Languages requires the completion of GRK 101-102, HEBR 101-102, and two from GRK 221, 222, HEBR 221, 222. 110 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS Designed for the beginning student, this course examines what it means to be religious, especially within the major traditions of the world. Issues addressed include the definition of religion, the meaning of ritual and symbolism, and ecstatic phenomena. Attention will be paid to significant developments within the major religious traditions. 113 OLD TESTAMENT FAITH AND HISTORY A critical examination of the literature within its historical setting and in the light of archaeological findings to show the faith and religious life of the Hebrew-Jewish community in the Biblical period, and an introduction to the history of interpretation with an emphasis on contemporary Old Testament criticism and theology. 114 NEW TESTAMENT FAITH AND HISTORY A critical examination of the literature within its historical setting to show the faith and religious life of the Christian community in the Biblical period, and an introduction to the history of interpretation with an emphasis on contemporary New Testament criticism and theology. 120 DEATH AND DYING A study of death from personal, social and universal standpoints with emphasis upon what the dying may teach the living. Principal issues are the stages of dying, bereavement, suicide, funeral conduct, and the religious doctrines of death and immortality. Course includes, as optional, practical projects with terminal patients under professional supervision. Only one course from the combination of REL 120 and 121 may be used for distribution. 121 AFTER DEATH AND DYING An examination of the question of life after death in terms of contemporary clinical studies, the New Testament resurrection narratives, the Asian doctrine of reincarnation, and the classical theological beliefs of providence and predestination. Prerequisite: REL 120 is recommended but not required. Only one course from the combination of REL 120 and 121 may be used for distribution. Alternate years. 222 PROTESTANTISM IN THE MODERN WORLD An examination of Protestant thought and life from Luther to the present against the backdrop of a culture rapidly changing from the 17th century scientific revolution to Marxism, Darwinism, and depth psychology. Special attention will be paid to the constant interaction between Protestantism and the world in which it finds itself. Alternate years. 223 ROOTS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY A study of historical, cultural, and religious influences that shaped the formation of early Christianity and the antecedents of Christian doctrine and practice in Hellenistic, Roman, and post-exilic Jewish cultures. 224 JUDAISM AND ISLAM An examination of the rise, growth, and expansion of Judaism and Islam with special attention given to the theological contents of the literatures of these religions as far as they are normative in matters of faith, practice, and organization. Also, a review of their contributions to the spiritual heritage of mankind. Alternate years. 225 ASIAN RELIGIONS A phenomenological study of the basic content of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Chinese Taoism with special attention to social and political relations, mythical and aesthetic forms, and the East-West dialogue. Alternate years. 226 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY A study of the role of archaeology in reconstructing the world in which the Biblical literature originated with special attention given to archaeological results that throw light on the clarification of the Biblical text. Also, an introduction to basic archaeological method and a study in depth of several representative excavations along with the artifacts and material culture recovered from different historical periods. 227 HISTORY AND THEOLOGY OF THE EARLY CHURCH An examination of the life and theology of the church from the close of the New Testament to the fifth century. Special attention will be given to the struggles of the church with heretical movements, the controversies concerning the person and nature of Christ, and the encounter of the church with the Roman Empire. 230 PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION A study into the broad insights of psychology in relation to the phenomena of religion and religious behavior. The course concentrates on religious experience or manifestations rather than concepts. Tentative solutions will be sought to questions such as: What does it feel like to be religious or to have a religious experience? What is the religious function in human development? How does one think psychologically about theological problems? Alternate years. 320 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS A topics course with a comparative religions focus. Prerequisite: REL 110. Topics will vary from year to year and may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. 328 HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST A study of the history and culture of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria-Palestine, and Egypt from the rise of the Sumerian culture to Alexander the Great. Careful attention will be given to the religious views prevalent in the ancient Near East as far as these views interacted with the culture and faith of the Biblical tradition. 331 CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ETHICS A study of Christian ethics as a normative perspective for contemporary moral problems with emphasis upon the interaction of law and religion, decision-making in the field of biomedical practice, and the reconstruction of society in a planetary civilization. Alternate years. 333 OLD TESTAMENT WOMEN An in-depth study of a variety of biblical texts and themes relevant to the roles and character of women in the Old Testament, including selections from Genesis, Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, Proverbs (esp. ch. 31), and the songs of Deborah and Miriam. Excerpts from the prophecies of Hosea and Ezekiel will also be considered. Alternate years. Prerequisite: REL 113 or 114, or consent of instructor. 337 BIBLICAL TOPICS An in-depth study of Biblical topics related to the Old and New Testaments. Recently offered titles include David, Exodus, The Gospels of Mark and Thomas, Kingship Ideologies, and The Sayings of Jesus. Prerequisite: REL 113 or 114, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. 342 THE NATURE AND MISSION OF THE CHURCH A study of the nature of the Church as “The People of God” with reference to the Biblical, Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic traditions. 401 FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY Participation in an approved archaeological dig or field school program in the Near East or Mediterranean region. Includes instruction in excavation techniques, recording and processing of artifacts. A survey of excavation and research and the use of archaeology as a tool for elucidating historical and cultural changes. Special fees apply. May Term or Summer Sessions only. Cross-listed as ARCH 401. Students desiring credit toward the Religion major or humanities distribution requirement should register for REL 401. 470-479 INTERNSHIP (See index) Interns in religion usually work in local churches, hospitals, or other religion-based organizations or programs under the supervision of the pastor, chaplain, or supervisor and a member of the faculty. N80-N89 INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index) Current study areas are in the Biblical languages, Biblical history and theology, Biblical archaeology, comparative religions, and the ethics of technology. 490-491 INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index) ANCIENT LANGUAGES
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