Religion Department
- Course Descriptions
REL 100 Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning IThis introductory course will explore some of the biblical and theological resources that the Christian tradition, seen through the lens of vocation, brings to the search for meaning. Not accepted for credit for students who have taken REL 300 or 331.
REL 100 or 300 is a prerequisite for all religion and youth and family ministry courses.
REL 120 Religion and Science in Popular Culture
This course explores the relationship between religion and science through issues that emerge in public discussion through news and popular media. Examples of topics include evolution and intelligent design, genetic engineering and stem cell research, and the social role of science and science as vocation, along with historical and philosophical development of science in its relationship to religion.
REL 200 Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning II
This course focuses on articulating students’ own theological questions and positions and on recognizing and evaluating religious claims in the areas of biblical interpretation and the historical, cultural, and global contexts of Christianity and other world religions. (Prereq.: REL 100)
REL 205 Exploring Topics in Religion
This course introduces students to various topics within the field of religion. Students will explore primary texts on topics such as gender, economics, and politics and investigate and analyze the contemporary debates involving these complex issues. Students will develop their own perspectives on the topic under investigation. (Prereq.: REL 100, 111, 221, 300, or 331; also ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
REL 206 Apostles of Hope
This course will explore how Israel adapted, resisted, fractured into sects, and was crushed in revolt (70-73 AD/CE) in the crucible of the Greek and Roman empires. Why was Jesus of Nazareth seen both as a sign of Israel’s hope and a threat in Roman Judea? How did the apostolic movement bring its irrepressible hope in God into the nations, religions, philosophies, and languages of the Roman order?
REL 210 Research Methods in Religion
An introduction to the study of the main disciplines within the academic study of Christianity (Bible, theology, and church history), including methods and research skills. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
REL 300 Bible, Christian Theology, and Vocation
This foundational course for advanced transfer students explores the Bible, Christian tradition, and vocation. Students will articulate their own theological questions and positions and begin to recognize and evaluate religious claims in a world of many religions. Open only to advanced transfer students. Not accepted for credit for students who have taken REL 100, 111, 221, or 331.
REL 301 Interpreting the Old Testament
An investigation of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings, including forms, genres, historical contexts, portrayal of God, and interpretation of these texts by ancient and modern Jewish and Christian communities. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and critical thinking entry level skill pass or GST 100)
REL 302 Interpreting the New Testament
Historical, literary, and theological interpretation of Paul’s letters, the gospels, and other New Testament writings as persuasive literature for ancient and modern communities.
REL 306 Non-Western Christianity
A study of Christian belief and practice in a variety of cultural settings different from those of Western Europe and North America. In addition to introductions to forms of this faith on other continents, the course will explore the deep questions of the relationship of culture and religion, and the ethnic and cultural location of Christianity.
REL 309 Religion at the Movies
Religious themes such as good and evil, morality and ethics, human nature, holiness, faith and belief, salvation and redemption, and forgiveness and mercy will be explored through the medium of popular film.
REL 313 Environmental Theology and Ethics
An overview of contemporary theology and theologically-based approaches to environmental ethics using studies of environmental problems in South, Central, and North America. Taught in Mexico during spring semester program.
REL 320 Buddhism and Christianity in Thailand
An examination of Buddhism and the interface of Buddhism and Christianity in Thailand, with attention to the plurality of religions, the role of Christian mission, and religious responses to some of Thailand’s contemporary problems such as AIDS and the sex industry. Short-term travel seminar.
REL 343 Theology of Marriage and Family
An examination of the nature of modern marriage and family relationships within the context of the faith and practice of the Christian church.
REL 346 Religion and Social Change in Southern Africa
This course examines the changing role of the church in the midst of political transformations of Southern Africa. Students will meet with people representing a variety of religious perspectives and roles within churches and religious organizations. Taught in Namibia.
REL 353 Denominations and Religious Groups in America
A study of the beliefs and worship practices of the major Christian denominations and of the world religions as practised in America. Some controversial religious movements will also be considered.
REL 356 World Religions
An introductory survey of some of the major living religions of the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and Islam.
REL 357 Giants of Christian Faith
Christian history is examined through the lives and theology of notable figures. Thinkers who may be studied include Augustine, Martin Luther, Dorothy Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
REL 362 Theology of the Reformers
An introduction to the theological thought of the Protestant reformers of the 16th century. Special attention to the writings of Martin Luther and other representative figures. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
REL 363 Religion in America
A study of the history of religion in America. Special attention to the rise of religious liberty, revivalism, denominations, and the responses of religion to the challenges of its environing culture.
REL 366 Latin American Liberation Theologies
A study of the dominant theological perspectives that have shaped Latin American culture and politics. Focuses on the relationship between theology and social/political transformation.
REL 370 American Indian Spirituality and Philosophical Thought
Religious beliefs, spiritual customs, and philosophy of North American Indians are studied. Tribal similarities and differences are explored as are tribal relationships with nature, religious oversight of life cycles, sacred ritual ceremonies, and beliefs in an afterlife. (Prereq.: ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111, junior standing, and REL 100 or 300)
REL 378 Medieval Church (See description under HIS 378)
REL 383 Process Theology
Influences of the relational world view of process philosophy on Christian faith and ethical deliberations (including killing, abortion, human sexuality, and euthanasia).
REL 386 Speaking of Genesis
An investigation of scholarship on Genesis and the role of interpretation through study of the characters and values portrayed in Genesis and related biblical texts.
REL 390 Theology of Death and Dying
A study of death and dying from the viewpoint of Christian theology and ethics, taking into account also what other religions and the biological, psychological, and social sciences have had to say on the subject. Special emphasis on medical ethics brought on by modern medical technology.
REL 405 Lilly Scholar Seminar I (.5 course)
This course will study the Bible and Christian tradition in order to help participants discern a call in Christian ministry. This course is open to participants in the Lilly Scholar program only.
REL 406 Lilly Scholar Seminar II (.5 course)
This course will study the Bible and Christian tradition in order to help participants discern a call in Christian ministry. This course is open to participants in the Lilly Scholar program only.
REL 425 Christian Spiritual Practices
A practical forum on “habits of the heart” that sustain Christian service. Students explore and critically reflect on the value and practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, journaling, and service to the poor.
REL 441 Feminism and Christianity
Attention will be given to religious influences on societal roles for women and men, feminist interpretation of the Bible, and the impact of feminism on Christian theology, especially in terms of language and metaphor.
REL 471 Jesus and His Interpreters
Consideration of the New Testament documents, particularly the Gospels, dealing with their context, literary structure, and relationships. Attention to the variety of interpretations given the person of Jesus.
REL 472 Paul the Apostle
A study of the apostle Paul including his historical background, his relationship to the early church, and some of the themes found in his writings. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and critical thinking entry level skill pass or GST 100)
REL 475 Judaism
An introduction to the Jewish faith as the tradition has developed, as well as attention to current issues facing the Jewish community.
REL 480 Vocation and the Christian Faith
This course will examine vocation in the Bible, the Christian tradition, and contemporary culture. Students will be challenged to make vocation the lens through which they view their lives and communities. This course satisfies the Keystone requirement.
REL 481 Contemporary Theology
An introduction to some representative trends in Christian theological thought today, as seen from the systematic perspective, in the light of the continuing theological task of the Christian church. (Prereq.: REL 100 or 300 and ENL 111 or 112 or HON 111)
REL 483 Christian Ethics
The bases of Christian social responsibility, in terms of theological and sociological dynamics. Emphasis on developing a constructive perspective for critical reflection upon moral action.
REL 490 Topics in Religion
Selected topics in religion.
REL 495 Religion Keystone
This course is required for the major, and enrollment is normally restricted to students who have nearly finished their coursework. Selected topics vary by instructor. Students will improve writing abilities through writing a major research paper. (Prereq.: REL 210)
Internships and Independent Study Courses:
REL 199 Internship
Limited to special cases.
REL 299 Directed Study
REL 399 Internship
REL 499 Independent Study/Research
For religion majors only.
See department listing for a description of the following approved electives:
PHI 350 Philosophy of Religion
SOC 260 Religion and Society