Religion Courses

REL 1030 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION (3) (GP)
This introductory course will explore a variety of topics: How do we define the word “religion”? Why did human beings come to believe in a supreme being? What are some of the logical arguments for and against the existence of a deity. What are the typical stages in the development of religions. What are the common, fundamental questions that religions address? How do we study religion, e.g., philosophical, psychological, literary, sociological, and phenomenological approaches? And finally, what is the relationship between religion and the physical sciences?
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall

REL 1050 RELIGION IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE (3)
Examination of science’s questions, methods, history, and results in their relationship to and as a supplement to the enduring religious issues.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall and spring

REL 1070 RELIGION AND FILM (3) (GP)
An introduction to religion’s material and intellectual elements through an examination of film’s interpretation of religion and of the human condition as well as film’s tendency to fulfill certain religious functions.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: as needed

REL 1500 RELIGIONS OF ASIA (3) (GP)
This course will survey the historical, sociological, and philosophical development of religious traditions of India, Southeast Asia, and China. This course will cover Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist thought, among others.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall

REL 1510 MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS (3) (GP)
This course will introduce students to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, focusing on their commitment to ethical monotheism.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: every other year

REL 2010 SURVEY OF HEBREW BIBLE (3) (GP)
Old Testament writings with emphasis on Hebrew history and faith from the perspective of historical and literary criticism.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall (odd years)

REL 2020 SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT (3) (GP)
New Testament writings with emphasis on the faith of the early Christian community and the cultural milieu (social, political, cultural, and religious) out of which Christianity arose.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: spring

REL 3020 JESUS AND THE GOSPELS (3) (GP)
The modern quest for the historical Jesus, a detailed study of the Gospel accounts, and the cultural significance of Jesus.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall (even years)

REL 3220 RELIGIOUS LITERATURE (3)
A study of the theological significance of selected religious works, as grouped around particular themes. This course can be repeated for credits as the topic varies. Depending upon the topic, may be cross-listed as PHI 3220. Examples of possible foci include Spiritual Autobiography, How to See God in Literature, the “Inklings” (the works of Lewis and Tolkien), Creation Narratives, Eastern Religious Myth, and the Philosophy and Theology of Horror. In addition to examining the theology of the selective texts, time will be spent exploring the relationship between theology and literature – that is, why did these authors choose these particular forms to relate their religious convictions and theological insights?
Prerequisite: none

REL 4040 MYTH AND CULTURE (3) (GP)
An examination of myth and culture through a reading of scholarly literature and myth.
Prerequisite: none
Cross-listed: ENG 4040. If taken as a religion course (REL), can count for the religion major. If taken as an English course (ENG), it can count toward the English major. It cannot count for both majors at the same time.
Offered: spring (even years)

REL 4050 EARLY CHRISTIANITY (3) (GP)
This course explores the development of Christianity from Pentecost to the High Middle Ages. It examines the emergence of Christianity and its unique understanding of God and salvation, as well as its later dominance as it became intertwined with the Roman Empire and lived out in Medieval Europe.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall (odd years)

REL 4060 REFORMATION EUROPE (3) (GP)
This course explores the cultural, intellectual, and institutional developments that took place in Europe from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century. Emphasis is placed on the impact of those developments for subsequent history and theology.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: spring (even years)

REL 4850 SEMINAR IN RELIGION (1-3)
Significant works, problems, and thinkers in the field of religion. Topics vary. Can be repeated for credits.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
Cross-listed: PHI 4850 when the topic is applicable.
Offered: as needed.

REL 4990 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN RELIGION (TBA)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Prerequisite: approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, the division head, and the college dean before approval by Provost. Credits to be determined.