REL

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

A literary-critical introduction to the sacred scriptures of Israel, Judaism, and Christianity, focused on key narrative and literary complexes in the Bible. Students consider how the narratives, images, and themes of Biblical literature emerged from their ancient context and continue to shape our world. Fulfills the general

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Topics in Religious and Philosophical Studies 21 Take any two additional courses in REL or PHI at the 100 or 200 level (6) Take any three additional courses in REL or PHI at the 300 or 400 level (9) Take any two additional courses in REL or PHI at any level (6) Senior Thesis Project 3 Take REL/PHI 450 or REL/PHI 460 in consultation with the program coordinator. III. Electives 40-41 credit hours Students may choose to meet the elective hours required by completing a second major, a minor, or selected courses of personal interest. 128 Mars Hill University Academic Catalog 2026-27

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

This course introduces the distinctive history, literature, thought, beliefs and practices of Judaism. It presents the wide diversity of faithful Jewish expression, from earliest times depicted in the Old Testament, through the faith’s modern expressions. 224 Mars Hill University Academic Catalog 2026-27

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

In this course, students investigate the many themes and influences that have shaped American religions, surveying a variety of religious movements that originated in and contributed to American culture. In our studies we pay special attention the role of race, gender and other critical perspectives. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Human Experience.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Political Context (Choose 2): BA 220 OR CJ 220 OR PSY 220 OR DA 210 OR MTH 116

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

64 Mars Hill University Undergraduate Academic Catalog 20

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

An introduction to two globe-spanning religious traditions that were born in India: Hinduism and Buddhism. Students investigate the beliefs, philosophies, and historical and cultural contexts of Hindus and Buddhists around the world. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Cultural Contexts.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

An exploration of the philosophies and wisdom teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism, three global traditions that were born or shaped in China. Students will investigate the historical and cultural contexts of these philosophies and examine how these traditions keep on influencing the larger world today. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Cultural Contexts.Cross-listed as PHI 242.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Alias

PHI 242

A first-time student/agency-originated and departmentally approved field-learning experience which

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Students and the professor will conduct critical historical inquiries into the societies, religions, and cultures of the major civilizations of the Ancient Mesopotamian, Near Eastern, and Mediterranean worlds, beginning with ancient Sumer and continuing as far as the birth of Islamic civilization in Late Antiquity. This course is cross-listed as HIS 320. Mars Hill University Academic Catalog 2026-27 225

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Alias

HIS 320

This interdisciplinary course explores, from a global perspective, the religious imaginations’ depictions and ideas of the agency of non-material or earthly forces which the world’s religions depict. This course will examine a wide variety of depictions and concepts as found in material artifact and cultural practice, from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross-disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Character in Our World.

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Prerequisite

ENG 111, 112, and junior or senior standing.

What’s your plan for the apocalypse? From ancient times, people have dreamt of the end of the world, imagining world ending events from A (Asteroids) to Z (Zombies). This interdisciplinary course investigates “apocalyptic eschatology” (radical ideas about how the world might end), examining the problems it presents to us socially and politically, and searching for solutions to those problems. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross-disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Character In Our World. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status, ENG 111&112.

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

Options for students to study, according to student and faculty interests. Courses will explore a variety of topics not covered in regular courses. Topic announced in advance by the department. Offered as announced by the department.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

This course explores the roles of women in the texts, histories, and theologies of the Christian tradition, and of the traditions of Judaism, Islam, and goddess religions. Topics include women’s experience, religious language, ideas of human and divine nature, diversity, and sexuality. Meets Women’s Studies requirements. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross-disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. This course fulfills the Ideas and Innovations CAPS-World requirement of the Foundations and Perspectives general education curriculum. Prerequisites: FYS 111, FYS 112, ENG 111, 112, and junior or senior standing.

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

The nature, development, and practice of religion in its theological, ethical, and institutional dimensions within the context of Southern and Appalachian society and culture. Meets Appalachian Studies and Women’s Studies requirements. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross- disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. Fulfills the Ideas & Innovations CAPS: U.S. requirement of the Foundations and Perspectives general education curriculum. Prerequisites: FYS 111, FYS

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

How do believers, skeptics and atheists form and rationalize belief and disbelief? How have they formed the diverse worldviews that help them flourish? In this interdisciplinary course students investigate matters of faith, belief, skepticism, agnosticism and atheism, as these ideas are expressed in a variety of media by different types of thinkers from around the world. Students study perspectives on belief and skepticism from philosophers, theologians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, feminist and critical race theorists, and more. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross-disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Character in Our World. Prerequisites: Junior Standing, ENG 111, 112. 226 Mars Hill University Academic Catalog 2026-27

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

www.mhu.edu

This interdisciplinary course examines the ways that various academic disciplines conceptualize “religion.” Students study the definitions and theories of religion that are used in anthropology, sociology, psychology, theology, and religious studies. This course is intended to develop students’ capacities to do rigorous qualitative research and writing in the study of religion.

Subject

REL

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

This course explores the intersection of incarcerated populations, corrections staff, and the practice of global religious traditions in U.S. prison settings. Looking at major western and eastern sacred identities and traditions, as well as indigenous and new religious movements, the course will provide students with a working knowledge and professional vocabulary. In this culminating and collaborative general education experience, students will work in a professional manner with students from other disciplines to create a cross-disciplinary solution to a problem specific to the course content. This course meets the requirement of the “Cultivating Character for a Fulfilling Life” general education curriculum for Character in Our World.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Prerequisite

ENG 111, 112, and junior or senior standing. Cross-listed as CJ 360.

The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the development of modern states under absolution. Cross-listed as HIS 437.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Alias

HIS 437

Research and writing with the focus on textual or biblical, historical, and philosophical or theological studies. Cross-listed as PHI 450. Prerequisite: senior status. Offered every other year. Fulfills the general education Capstone requirement for majors.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Alias

PHI 450

Independent readings directed by a member of the program faculty.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

An individual program of reading and research directed by a member of the program faculty and approved by the program coordinator and the college curriculum committee. Fulfills the general education Capstone requirement for majors.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu

Advanced internship possibilities. Work with the Center for Community Engagement and with Religion and Philosophy Program.

Subject

REL

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

www.mhu.edu