Religion Courses (REL)
General Education
REL 1010. Understanding the Bible (3). Does not count toward a major or minor in religion.A survey of the Judeo-Christian canon of scripture from the history of the Hebrew people through growth of the New Testament church movement. Emphasis is given to patterns and themes within the biblical material. Meets core requirements; see degree requirements for path instructions. This course fulfills Human Experience category A requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the first year, or as early in the student's program as possible. This course combines only with REL 3015 (path B courses), 3020, 3060, 3080, 3090 to fulfill the BELL Core requirement in religion.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G - Global Studies) (Path B).
REL 1020. Introduction to the Old Testament (3). Does not count toward 30 required hours in major or 18 hours for minor in religion.A survey of the history of the Hebrew people from their rise to the Christian era. Historical background and the content of the Old Testament are emphasized. Meets core requirements. This course fulfills the Human Experience category A requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the first year, or as early in the student's program as possible. This course combines only with REL 3050 to fulfill the BELL Core requirement in religion.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G – Global Studies). (Path A).
REL 3015. Junior Cornerstone Seminar (3). The junior cornerstone experience. Students enrolling in REL 3015 sections may choose to use the class to complete their general education religion requirement. Students who take REL 1020 Introduction to the Old Testament must take REL 3015 Introduction to the New Testament to fulfill both their Junior Cornerstone and general education requirement. Students who take REL 1010 Understanding the Bible must take one of the following REL 3015 sections to complete their Junior Cornerstone and general education requirement: Spirituality in World Religions, Jesus in the Gospel and in Film, Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Issues, or Questions that Matter.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS & EL (T - Undergraduate Research).
REL 3020. Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Issues (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. An integrative study of biblical texts, cultural issues and the theoretical and experiential frameworks for seeing, hearing and acting based upon wisdom literature. In addition to universal issues studied, class and individual choices will be made about which issues will be investigated during any given semester. This course fulfills the Human Experience category B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible. (Path B).
REL 3030. God, the Bible, and Scientific Discovery (3). This course examines the relationship between modern scientific discovery and Christian traditions, including biblical texts, church doctrines, and popular Christian beliefs, in order to find possibilities for more productive interaction. A third-year general education religion course for Path B that can be taught as a Junior Cornerstone.
REL 3050. Introduction to the New Testament (3). Prerequisite: REL 1020. Does not count toward 30 required hours in major or 18 hours for minor in religion. A survey of New Testament history with attention to historical backgrounds and main teachings of the various books in the New Testament. This course fulfills the Human Experience B category requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G – Global Studies). (Path A).
REL 3060. Jesus in the Gospel and in Film (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. An introductory study of the gospels through the historical and literary perspectives. Movies about Jesus, the gospels themselves and study of the historical setting of the gospels will serve as a basis for investigating the ways Jesus has been understood and misunderstood. This course fulfills the Human Experience category B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible. (Path B).
REL 3080. Questions that Matter (3).This is a problem based learning course that focuses on the complex nature of selected religious questions and the multiple ways people can address these questions. The overarching problem of certainty and ambiguity in religious thought will take shape with three particular questions. What is the relationship between free will and determinism? How do we deal with different religions that claim to be true? What makes an act right or wrong? Moral or immoral? (Path B).
REL 3085. Entertainment, Scripture, and Culture (3).This is a problem based learning courses focusing on the intersections of entertainment, scripture, and culture for students participating in the study away experiences. This course considers the nature of humanity and the role it plays in expressing individual and social identity in culture. (Path B).
REL 3090. Spirituality in World Religions (3). Prerequisite: REL 1010 for General Education. Prerequisite: for religion majors / minors REL 1020 and REL 1250. Does not count toward a major or minor in religion. A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.This course fulfills the Human Experience category B requirement of the BELL Core. It should be taken in the junior year, or as close to the junior year as possible.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G – Global Studies). (Path B).
REL 3095. Ethics in World Religions (3). This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.
Gen. Ed. Designation: GS (G – Global Studies). (Path B).
REL 4015. Colloquium for Religion Majors (2). A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical, and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
Biblical Languages
REL 1110,1120. Elementary Biblical Hebrew (4, 4). A study of Biblical Hebrew emphasizing grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and development of exegetical skills.
REL 1150,1160. Elementary Koine Greek (4, 4).A study of the elements of New Testament Greek grammar with practice in composition and translation. Selections from Johannine literature are read. Meets core Humanities requirements for Religion and Biblical Languages minors if complete through 1160 level.
REL 2110. Intermediate Biblical Hebrew (3).Prerequisites: REL 1110 and 1120. A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.
REL 2120. Advanced Biblical Hebrew (3). Prerequisites: REL 1110, 1120, and 2110. A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms, and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.
REL 2150. Intermediate Koine Greek (3). Prerequisites: REL 1150 and 1160. A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.
REL 2160. Advanced Koine Greek (3). Prerequisites: REL 1150, 1160 and 2150. A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.
REL 3110,3120. Readings in the Hebrew Bible (1.5,1.5). Prerequisite: REL 2110, 2120, or consent of instructor. A rotating study of segments of the Hebrew Bible. The course emphasizes vocabulary and grammar. (May be repeated so long as it does not cover the same segment).
REL 3150,3160. Reading in the Greek New Testament (1.5,1.5). Prerequisites: REL 2150, 2160, or consent of instructor. A rotating study of segments of the Greek Literature of the Gospels, Epistles, Acts, and the Apocalypse. The course emphasizes both vocabulary and grammar. (May be repeated, so long as it is not the same segment.)
Biblical Studies
REL 1250. Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods (3). Prerequisite: REL 1020. An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.
REL 3210. Gender and the Bible (3). Students will investigate the interplay of male and female in scripture and in religious contexts. Issues to be researched and discussed will include the gender of God, the dynamic of gender in biblical narratives, the teachings of scripture related to gender and religious traditions and theologies that shape contemporary mores related to gender.
REL 3220. The Pentateuch (3). A comprehensive study of the first five books of the Bible. Some attention is given to theories of composition, with the primary focus being the literary structure of the final form of the text.
REL 3230. Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3). A study of the psalms and wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Poetic form and theological teachings are examined.
REL 3250. Johannine Literature (3). A study is made of the Gospel of John, the epistles of John, and the Revelation.
REL 3260. The General Epistles and Hebrews (3). A detailed study of the contents of James, I and II Peter, Jude and Hebrews.
REL 4220. The Prophetic Literature (3). A survey of the Old Testament Prophets in their cultural and historical setting, with a focus on the literary structure of the prophetic scrolls and their theological teachings.
REL 4230. Old Testament Theology (3). An examination of the theology of the Old Testament, including major approaches and themes. Does not count toward the major/minor requirement in the Historical/Theological area.
REL 4250. The Life and Letters of Paul (3). A study of the Acts of the Apostles as it relates to the life and work of Paul, also the Pauline epistles as related to the history of Acts.
REL 4260. The Life of Christ (3). A study of the life and teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.
Theological and Historical Studies
REL 2310. Understanding Church History (3). A general survey of the history of Christianity from its inception to the present. Particular attention given to significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions.
REL 2340. Martyrs, Mystics, and Saints (3). A historical, biographical, and theological approach to significant lives and practices from Judeo-Christian tradition. This course will be designed around particular historical persons chosen for each semester the course is offered.
REL 2350. Christian Doctrine (3). A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
REL 2360. Hermeneutics (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350.Course explores the practices of interpretation and the influences of culture, environment, and presupposition in the interpretive experience. Particular attention given to the role played in biblical interpretation and the development of theological method.
REL 3310. Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions.
REL 3320. Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements, and institutions.
REL 3330. Women in Church History (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. An overview of the history of Christianity from its beginnings through the modern period through the words and witness of women, with particular attention given to life stories of women and writings by women.
REL 3350. Contemplative Thought and Practice (3). The contemplative practices of religious tradition which cross history and denomination will be explored. The role of these practices and their impact on modern culture and history will also be researched and discussed.
REL 3360 Contemporary Issues in Christian Theology (3). This course is a survey of some of the significant movements and figures of contemporary Christian theology (from 1914 to present).
REL 3380. Faith and Beauty (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. Course explores the interaction between aesthetics and theological reflection. Emphasis placed upon historical, theological, and philosophical discussions that engage culture and religion.
REL 4310. History of Religion in America (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A survey of the history of American religion from colonial beginnings in the New World to contemporary religious expressions that explores the interaction of American culture and religious faith.
REL 4320. History of Baptists (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A survey of the origin, growth and unique contributions of the Baptist denomination.
REL 4355. Theology and Worship Arts (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of worship arts and worship leadership.
REL 4360. Theology and Literature (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of literature. Particular attention given to the influence of the biblical canon in literature and literary themes.
REL 4370. Studies in Theology (3). This topical course explores various doctrinal aspects of Christian theology.
REL 4380. Theology and the Arts (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. Examines the role theology plays in the development and presentation of art.
REL 4390. Religion and Arts Symposium (3). An integrative experience that requires the student to bring together the theory and practice of religion and the arts.
Practical Studies
REL 1410. Vocation and the Christian Life (1). An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing, and personal development.
REL 2410. Spiritual Formation (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping, and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God.
REL 2450. Dynamics of the Local Church: Practice of Ministry (3). A course designed to develop practical leadership skills for Christian ministry including time and money management, interpersonal relationships, decision making, leadership style, planning, organizing, and directing.
REL 2460. Education in the Church (3). The study of the historical development of educational theory and expression with emphasis placed upon emerging educational theories and practices that influence Christian education. Emphasis is placed upon the development of Christian education.
REL 2480. Introduction to Church Recreation Ministry (3). An introduction to the history, theological, and philosophical bases and practice of church recreation ministry.
REL 2490. Introduction to Church Youth Ministry (3). An introduction to the history, theological, and philosophical bases and practice of church youth ministry.
REL 3400. Ministry in Focus Seminar (0). Required each semester a religion major is enrolled in a religion major. The seminar creates opportunities for the student to encounter individuals who live out their Christian vocation in a variety of professional roles.
REL 3410. Youth Ministry Internship (3). Prerequisite: REL 2490 or consent of instructor. Supervised ministry experience with youth. Experiences to be monitored by a professor in conjunction with a qualified supervisor. Each hour of credit requires 40 clock hours (including planning and evaluation conferences) of student participation.
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I – Internships, Clinicals, Practica).
REL 3420. Church Recreation Internship (3). Prerequisite: REL 2480 or consent of instructor. Supervised ministry experience in church recreation. Experiences to be monitored by a professor in conjunction with a qualified supervisor. Each hour of credit requires 40 clock hours (including planning and evaluation conferences) of student participation.
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I – Internships, Clinicals, Practica).
REL 3430. Pastoral Care: Practice of Ministry (3). A course designed to create practical skills in ministry under professional supervision, including hospital visitation, a pastoral internship, and exposure to denominational agencies.
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I – Internships, Clinicals, Practica).
REL 3440. Religion Field Experience (3). A field experience designed to provide practical experience in a ministry setting.Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I – Internships, Clinicals, Practica)
REL 3450. Missions and Church Development (3). Course explores historic approaches to the missionary emphasis and development of the Christian church. Particular emphasis given to emerging strategies for missions and church development.
REL 3460. Worship and Preaching: Practice of Ministry (3). A study of worship as the rehearsal of the acts of God by a believing community. Attention is given to the principles of preaching as part of worship.
REL 4410. Servant Leadership (3). Exploration of current leadership theories and their application to the Christian Leadership environment. Particular attention given to the transformational aspects of servant leadership.
REL 4440. Pastoral Counseling (3). An emphasis upon uniqueness of the pastoral role, levels of counseling, theoretical frameworks for counseling, attention to specific crises, and practical steps in learning the art of counseling.
REL 4450. Studies in Spiritual Formation (3). The contemplative tradition has survived millennia of human history through the practice of disciplines, which surpass denomination and tradition linked doctrine. This course will include a historical survey and research into current implications.
REL 4470. The Practice of Worship (3). This lab based course will engage students in planning, organizing and presenting corporate Chrisitan worship. This work will be informed by theological reflection on the character of worship and an historical awareness of the forms of Christian worship.
Religion in Society
REL 2510. Christian Ethics (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought, and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
REL 3510. Poverty and Justice (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A study of poverty and homelessness in the United States and the world in light of social, biblical, and theological approaches to economic justice. This course combines experiential and theoretical learning to help students develop an understanding of economic justice.
REL 3520. Faith and Justice (3). An introduction to a theology of justice in the history of Christian thought, to theories of justice in the Western intellectual tradition, to contemporary practices of justice and the issues which initiated them, and the contemporary components of social change that draw up on the rich tradition of justice grounded in Christian faith.
REL 3540. Eco-Justice and Faith (3). This course explores ways in which theologies, spiritual traditions, and social ethics guide and motivate human beings in their interaction with the environment. The course examines the tensions between religion and science in order to see how those have an effect on the way we think about the environment. This course applies moral and theological analysis to a broad range of environmental issues.
REL 3550. Faith and Popular Culture (3). Course explores the cultural dimensions that affect faith formation and attitudes. Examines how faith acts to enable individuals to construct meaning, understand life purpose, and move toward greater authenticity. Attention given to the ways faith expressions influence inter- and intra-cultural dialogues in personal and professional life.
REL 3580. Psychology of Religion (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A study of the religious dimensions of human experience, with particular attention given to the human factors, the major theorists, and the central forms of religious experience.
REL 4550. Readings in Religion and Culture (3). This is a seminar course in which students and faculty come prepared to discuss, having read assigned material on the topics chosen. At the heart of the conversation throughout the semester is the question: how is living one’s faith in the 21st century shaped by ancient texts and modern culture?
REL 4560 Moral Vision of the Bible (3). An examination of the Bible as a primary source for Christian ethics. Attention will be given to the moral norms, critical challenges, and interpretive methodologies that accompany the function and place of the Bible in Christian moral discourse. This course will make explicit the relationship between Christian ethics, the Christian canon, and the life of the church.REL 4590. World Religions (3). Prerequisite: REL 2350. A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans.
Seminars and Special Studies
REL 1990-4990. Special Studies (1-3).
REL 1950-4950. Studies Abroad (3-18). Study in a foreign country. Individual course titles and locations are assigned for each course taken. See Studies Abroad program for details.
NOTE: REL 3950 Study Abroad taken as "The New Testament World" (3), may count in REL General Education in Path A or Path B as 3000 course.
REL 4500. Special Studies (Including workshops) (1-4).