35 courses with the subject REL, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
REL 101The Search for God3
This course explores some of the common themes and patterns of religion, such as myth, ritual, symbolism, sacred space, and the quest for salvation. Examples are taken from different religions, especially those of the Western/American tradition. The course highlights Catholicism in general and the Vincentian heritage in particular. (Formerly Intro to Religion)
A survey of the historical and theological development of the Christian religion from its Jewish origins to contemporary American Christianity. There will be an emphasis on the key historical moments and personages that have had a far-reaching impact on the Christian tradition, especially its Roman Catholic dimension. Aspects of the Vincentian heritage will be considered as part of the latter.
This course introduces students to the category of world religion and surveys several examples, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention is given to the origins, beliefs, practices, and social structures of each tradition.
An introduction to the critical interpretation of the Jewish Bible/ Old Testament. The composition and key themes of the individual works of the Bible will be examined in light of ancient Israelite history and religion. The formation of biblical canons in early Judaism and early Christianity will also be considered.
The course will explore the meaning of human personhood using the theological language of grace, sin, freedom, and conscience, both from traditional and contemporary sources. We will discuss issues of human character as well as current issues in family, church, and society, whose solutions have implication for the dignity of persons.
A study of Jesus as presented in the Gospels, with special emphasis upon Jesus as savior, the resurrection, the role of the cross, and Jesus as revealing the Word of God. Also treated are various theological developments (including the Formula of Chalcedon) in the distinction made between the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith.
An introduction to the critical interpretation of the earliest Christian literature within the historical, cultural, and social settings of the ancient Mediterranean world in which it was produced. Close reading of primary texts will be emphasized, with a focus on issues of method, and the question of unity and diversity in early Christianity.
A comparative look at two branches of Christianity -- Orthodoxy ('monastery') and Protestantism ('megachurch'). Topics range from worship styles to questions of salvation.
Conflict and antagonism between religion and science are neither uncommon nor unusual, yet they have a common origin in the quest for truth and meaning in life. Modern scientific knowledge is required to be objective, logical, empirical, and quantitative. Religion deals primarily with meaning; it gains knowledge through faith, contemplation, and revelation. This course examines the contemporary relationship between religion and science.
This course is an introduction to the comparative study of religion. Using examples from ancient shamanism to contemporary cults, it explores various ways to classify religions and make sense of their similarities and differences.
How should a Christian be and act in this world? What does love of God and neighbor look like in real life? What would Jesus do? In this course, students will consider Christian approaches to ethics by examining historical and contemporary Christian views on variety of moral issues. Possible topics include: wealth, war, sexuality, war, race, politics, and the environment.
An introductory survey of Catholic thought examining Chrisitan belief from a mature and developed perspective, and exploring the applications of this synthesis to Christian existence.
An in-depth study of the Book of Revelation through its background (Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Inter-Testamental Literature, Qumran, New Testament) as well as through detailed study of the text.
An exploration of the central religious tradition of India, as well as the origins of the wisdom of Buddhism. The development within Buddhism of the Theravada and Mahayana (e.g., Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, etc.) vessels of thought are studied. The values, rituals, and practices of these religions are examined through art, classic writings, and spiritual techniques.
A study of the scriptural, historical, and cultural influences on the development of ministry in Christianity. This exploration of the origins and evolution of ministry, and the various forms it has taken from the New Testament period to the present, enables a critical reflection on current trends and concerns for both lay and ordained ministry.
A literary and historical study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, including the hypothetical Synoptic Sayings Source Q. The literary relationship between these texts will be explored, and the distinctive narrative and theological features of each will be investigated.
An examination of Paul's letters through the lenses provided by contemporary biblical criticism. Special attention will be given to the social circumstances in which they were written, their rhetorical aims, the religious and ethical thought they manifest, and, finally, Paul's legacy in subsequent Christianity.
This course explores some of the intersections between the worlds of religion and the visual arts. Students will gain an understanding of foundational concepts in the field such as religious vs. sacred art, aniconic vs. iconic art, high art vs. folk art, as well as statuary and the architecture of sacred space. In this course students will take advantage of local resources including the Castellani Museum's permanent collection, Niagara University's Alumni and Gacioch Center chapels, the Buffalo Museum of Religious Art, as well as Our Lady of Victory Basilica in order to conduct independent research using primary visual materials.
A survey of issues pertinent to the lives and roles of women in church and society, with special focus on the development of women's contributions across different time periods and cultures.
This course examines the Church from an international perspective. It focuses on the relationship between Church, culture and belief, aware how the context in which the church exists shapes its expression. Key is the Church is not just Western, in North America and Europe, but also Latin American, Asian and African. It asks the place of Christian belief in secular society , as well as how Christian life is expressed in the diversity of cultures across the world and the challenges confronting the church and people in various contexts.
This class addresses marriage and the family as a western legal, economic, social, and religious institution. Topics may include: the sacramental, theological, moral, and social aspects of marriage and the family, as well as their historical development in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
This course will examine the relationship between Christian belief and citizenship, including the exploration of social responsibility in one's personal ethical code. We will study church teaching on social issues as well as examine a range of contemporary social problems.
A study of current medical and biological issues from the viewpoint of Christian ethics. An examination of contemporary moral and legal problems such as eugenic engineering, artificial insemination, compulsory sterilization, and abortion. Recommended for premedical and prelaw students.
This course is a research-based exploration of the religious tradition of Islam, and is intended to go beyond a basic introduction. Special emphasis will be placed on the foundational texts, individuals, and concepts of Islam. Islam in the modern world will also be considered with its classical foundations in mind.
An in-depth study of the history of the Christian Church from its apostolic days to the Middle Ages. The course will examine the development of Christian doctrine, the evolution of Church structures, and the relationship of the Church to society and culture during the first 1500 years of its existence.
This course will address the history and theology of Catholics in the United States as well as the issues which have confronted the church in America. Special emphasis will be placed on contemporary issues in the final unit of the course.
A survey of the historical and theological dimensions of the Second Vatican Council. The course will consider historical background, as well as the salient moments in, significant contributors to, and major pronouncements of, this major cultural and religious event of the 20th century. It will also investigate the debate over its spirit and teaching as they continue to impact Roman Catholics, Christians, and members of other religions.
This is an interdisciplinary, faculty-led study abroad course designed to foster within students a deep first-hand understanding of Roman Catholic art located within Rome and Vatican City. Students will also gain first-hand knowledge of the history of pre-Christian Rome as well as the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
This course is designed as a one-time course. It will deal with special topics in religion, theology, church history, morality, or scripture according to the research agenda and interests of a particular professor.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk with their adviser.
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk with their adviser.
Student development of a research project under the guidance of a mentor, and with permission of the chairperson of the department and dean of the college. Research paper required.
Majors will complete an individually tailored research project which will apply the department's holistic approach to the study of religion to a specific topic determined by the majors and their advisers and approved by the chairperson. Research paper required.
