33 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 110Introduction to Religion (3.0 CH) To introduce students to the study of religion, the language of
religion, the person of religion and the community of religion. REL 120 – Interpreting Jewish/Christian Scriptures (3.0 CH) An introduction to the scriptures of the Jewish and Christian traditions. The course surveys the Old and New Testaments and familiarizes students with a variety of methods for interpreting these writings and with how these texts have shaped and still shape cultural and religious discourses and lives of meaning and purpose.
REL 135Intro to Theology (3.0 CH) An introductory course to Christian theology. Various systematic
presentations of Christian beliefs are examined in order to appreciate the plurality of approaches to reinterpreting Christian doctrine in the modern world. No prerequisites required but students who have not taken REL 12x are encouraged to speak with the course instructor before the term starts. REL 140 – History of Christianity (3.0 CH) An historical study of Christianity concentrating on its major teachings, practices, and institutional forms from its origin to the present day. (P: REL 120, 121, 122, or 123.)
REL 150Introduction to Greek Language Skills I (3.0 CH) A course designed to give students a knowledge of
the structure of the Greek language and begin preparing them for the reading of Greek literature. The primary emphasis is on Koine (New Testament) Greek. REL 151 – Introduction to Greek Language Skills II (3.0 CH) A continuation of REL 150 designed to give students a knowledge of the structure of the Greek language and begin preparing them for the reading of Greek literature. The primary emphasis is on Koine (New Testament) Greek.
REL 153Intro to Biblical Hebrew I (3.0 CH) An introductory course in classical Hebrew. This course equips
students to read the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and consequently much subsequent Jewish literature and liturgy in the original language. The course meets 3 hours per week. REL 154 – Intro to Biblical Hebrew II (3.0 CH) A continuation of REL 153. An introductory course in classical Hebrew. This course equips students to read the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and consequently much subsequent Jewish literature and liturgy in the original language. The course meets 3 hours per week. REL 160 – Religion in the United States (3.0 CH) A topical study of the historical phenomena of religions in the U.S. with primary emphasis on Christianity, and some attention to other U.S. religions especially Judaism. The study includes general background of each religion with subsequent U.S. developments presented through such phenomena as revivalism, immigration, liberal theories, and social emphases.
REL 170African Religion (3.0 CH) This introductory course of African religion will examine the theology of
indigenous African tribes to ascertain the core of their belief systems. Learning about African traditional religion through Africa’s rich cultural heritage, the writings of African and African-American theologians, and interactive experiences, students will be helped to bridge the historical and theological gap between the African and African- American experience.
REL 210Religion & Science (3.0 CH) This interdisciplinary seminar will investigate how religion and science
have related and should relate to one another. The aim of the course is to present a comprehensive survey, comprehending both the historical developments of the relation and the current prospects for interaction and dialogue. The course will emphasize the relation between the natural sciences (especially the physical and biological sciences) and Western religion (especially Christianity) while at the same time recognizing diversity, especially at the level of philosophical and religious commitment.
REL 215Intermediate Greek I (3.0 CH) In this course students will read selections from the New Testament
Septuagint or extra-canonical Greek writings in their original language. Questions about the transmission of the text and its theological implications will be discussed. Along the way, we will review the basic vocabulary, grammar and syntax learned in REL/GREK 150 and 151.
REL 220Women in Religion (3.0 CH) This course introduces women and religion as a discipline within the
academic study of religion. Students engage in review, analysis, and discussion of representative literature in the history, theology, and spirituality of women, with special focus on the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. (P: REL 120/121/122/123 or HONS 128.)
REL 225Sex, Sexuality & Religion (3.0 CH) This discussion-based course describes, compares, explains, and
assesses understandings of sex and sexuality found in religious traditions. In doing so, it equips students to think critically and constructively about sex and spirituality. (P: REL 120, 121, 122, or 123 recommended but not required.) REL 230 – Philosophy of Religion (3.0 CH) Deals with philosophical reflection upon such questions as the nature of religion, the concept of God, the problem of evil, the religious dimension of human experience, the justification of religious claims, and the character of religious language. Explored in relation to these matters are the thoughts of representative figures from skepticism, existentialism, and pragmatism. (P: REL 120, 121, 122, or 123.)
REL 275Krishna to Hindutva: Intro to Hinduism (3.0 CH) The third largest religion in the world today is a
religion of about 1,000,000,000 adherents and 330,000,000 gods, which are really 3 gods, which are really 1 God, which is really 3 gods, which are really 330,000,000 gods. This course explores the beliefs and practices of the family of religions indigenous to the Indian subcontinent that in the West are collectively labelled “Hinduism”. The course balances analysis of classical Hindu texts and worldviews with consideration of challenges and opportunities facing practitioners of Hinduism in the modern world. (P: SEMS 250 World Religions or REL 110.) 314
REL 330Readings in Religious Studies (2.0 CH) A reading program based on a bibliography which includes
material in the area of the history of religious studies deemed essential to supplement and integrate the normal course work in order to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding in the field of religion. Required of religion majors and open to all students. (P: REL 120, 121, 122, or 123.)
REL 352Currents in Late Modern Theology (3.0 CH) Contemporary currents in theology from the death of God
movement and process theism of the 1960s to hermeneutical and deconstructionist theologies of the 1980s are investigated. The investigation proceeds through an analysis of various attempts to articulate the meaning and truth of God in the postmodern situation of relativism and pluralism. (P: REL 120, 121, 122, or 123.)
REL 400Meaning Making: Practicum in Ministry and Social Change 3 CH
Any two additional Religion courses: REL _____ REL Elective 1 3CH REL _____ REL Elective 2 3 CH Any two courses in Psychology or Sociology, chosen in consultation with advisor: _________ PSY/SOC Elective 1 3 CH _________ PSY/SOC Elective 2 3 CH One Philosophy course, Business or Accounting course, or INDS 202 (Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies): _________ __________________________________________ 3 CH TOTAL: 35 CH Pre-Ministry - Minor Requirements A final grade of C- or better is required in all courses for the minor. Foundations (3 CH)
REL 413Selected Topics: Bible Studies (3.0 CH) In this course a selected topic in the field of religion or
theology is taught. Courses previously have been offered such as The Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, female images of the divine, Augustine and Aquinas. Prerequisites will be included in the course announcements.
