Religious Studies Courses

REL 101 - The Old Testament

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the writings of the Hebrew Bible as products of their original historical and religious setting. Using historical-critical methods, the texts are studied as responses to the life situations of the ancient Israelites. While many faith communities understand these writings as a source of divine guidance, the primary focus of this course is the academic study of the text as it was intended for its original audience.

REL 102 - Religious Experience in America

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is designed to do two things: 1) introduce students to the historical developments that produced the diverse religious landscape of today's United States of America and 2) to help them to identify and critically assess the various beliefs and practices that define these religions, including their own. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Early Childhood Education program.

REL 112 - Psychology of Religion

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the psychological implications of religious experience with ideas provided by Abraham Maslow, William James, and Carl Jung. It helps students understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy religious experience and mature and immature religious faith.

REL 201 - The New Testament

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces the student to the writings of the New Testament as products of their original historical and religious setting. Using historical-critical methods, the various texts are studied as interpretive responses to the life situations of early Christians. While many faith communities understand these writings as a source of divine guidance, the primary focus of this course is the academic study of the text as it was intended for its original audience.

REL 202 - Modern Science, Living Faith

(Credits: 3.00)

This course will introduce students to some of the central themes and issues that mark the contemporary interaction between Modern Science and Religious Faith (primarily, Christian Faith) by helping them to reflect critically and appreciatively on that interaction. It will include: 1) examining select historical engagements between Science and Faith; 2) investigating the way Modern Science and Contemporary Theology establish and relate their respective claims; 3) probing the questions that the contemporary study of biology, physics and astronomy present for theology; and 4) surveying the thought of select, influential scientists and theologians on the interaction of Science and Faith. Prerequisite: First course in religious studies.

REL 208 - Church and State

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a study of 20 centuries of interaction among Church, State and civil society. Emphasis will be given 1) to understanding the complex history of the changing relationship among these "institutions" from Biblical times to the present and 2) to exploring categories for systematically interpreting and evaluating their interaction that respects the historically contingent nature of their relationship. This is also listed under HS 208. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 210 - Religions of Asia

(Credits: 3.00)

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the major religions of India, China and Japan. It acquaints the student with the original writings of these religions and focuses on the basic teachings and rites as well as developments of these religious traditions. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 212 - Religious Culture of Islam

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces the student to Islam. It covers readings from the Koran (in translation), the faith and practices of the devout Muslim, and some contemporary movements within Islam. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 220 - Religion and Environment

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an introduction to the role of religious traditions in addressing key issues created by the ecological impact of humans on their environment and the need for an integrated ethic of stewardship. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 223 - Renaissance and Reformation

(Credits: 3.00)

This period marked a crucial transition between the medieval and modern worlds in Christendom from 1300-1648. This course focuses on the political, social, intellectual, cultural, and religious movements of the era. Cross-listed with HS 223. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 230 - Religious Dimensions of Sexuality

(Credits: 3.00)

The experience of sexuality directly or indirectly touches every aspect of people's lives. From ancient times to the present, human sexuality has carried religious connotations. At times religion has enriched the meaning of sexuality; at times it has limited the appreciation of sexuality. In short, sexuality is so basic to human experience that it profoundly influences spiritual and religious experience, and vice versa. Prerequisite: First course in religious studies and at least sophomore standing.

REL 235 - Religious/Ethical Principles for Health Science

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is a study of the religious and ethical dimensions of health care, specifically of the nursing profession. Students consider bioethical principles insofar as they apply to practical, concrete cases. They have an opportunity to reflect upon the dignity of human life and the human person as foundational for decision-making in both clinical and research settings. Philosophical treatments of bioethical principles and issues will be supplemented with a Christian understanding of humanity, community, freedom, the body, suffering, and healing. Prerequisite: Nursing students or consent of department.

REL 250 - Faith Development

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the relationship of faith, religion and theology and provides educational processes that foster faith development.

REL 301 - The Letters of Paul

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the figure of Paul of Tarsus, the communities he founded, and the letters he wrote. Using some contemporary methods of study, select letters are examined. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 302 - The Gospel of John

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the Fourth Gospel and the community that produced it. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 303 - Contemporary Judaism

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an investigation of contemporary Jewish life and practice dealing with foundations and developments within Judaism. Current challenges and responses are examined. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 304 - Contemporary Protestantism

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the social, religious and political conditions underlying the Protestant Reformation and examines current theological issues in Protestantism. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 306 - Contemporary Church

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the emergence of the Church from the New Testament communities, provides a variety of models for understanding the Church and explores the role of the laity in the life and the development of the Church. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 308 - Contemporary Catholicism

(Credits: 3.00)

This course examines the evolution of the life and teachings of the Roman Catholic tradition from the modern period to the present. In particular the course focuses on the documents of Vatican Council II (1962-1965) and the subsequent developments in the life of the Church. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 310 - Franciscan Tradition: Yesterday/Today

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introductory course which examines the life and values of Francis and Clare of Assisi, the expression of those values in history and the significance of the Franciscan lifestyle in current times. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 313 - Sacramental Theology

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an historical, anthropological and theological investigation of the constitutive elements of Christian worship and sacrament (time, space, word, and ritual/symbolic act), with special attention to the sacraments of baptism and eucharist. The course includes an overview of liturgical practices, texts, and theology from Jewish and scriptural origins to the 20th-century Vatican II reforms; basic principles of liturgical and sacramental theology; and groundwork for interpreting liturgical documents and ritual texts with a view to pastoral practice, multi-/inter-cultural concerns, and ecumenical considerations. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 315 - The Prophets

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the writings of the prophets of ancient Israel as interpreted by contemporary biblical scholarship. The nature, origin, and evolution of the prophetic movement within ancient Israel is considered, and key passages from the prophets are examined. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 318 - The Acts of the Apostles

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to the contemporary study of the history of early Christianity preserved in The Acts of the Apostles. The entire book is read and analyzed in the light of contemporary scholarship. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 320 - Women and Religion

(Credits: 3.00)

This course examines the historical beliefs about the nature, place and role of women as understood in Christianity and the major world religions as well as an overview of the goddess and wiccan traditions. Topics include a study of contemporary women theologians, women's spirituality and women in ministry. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 335 - Foundations for Ministry

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an interactive course which utilizes the principles of adult learning. This course examines the theologies of ordered ministry; summarizes theories foundational to formation of children, youth and adults in religious settings; outlines ministry as a leadership function; and explores significant issues which influence and impact ministry in the local faith community. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

REL 336 - Pastoral Dimensions of Ministry

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an interactive course which utilizes the principles of adult learning. This course examines ministry as a vocation, the theological roots of ministry and what it means to have a pastoral perspective in specific situations in the faith community. Students will focus on resources and choose assignments pertinent to their ministry area while becoming aware of common ministry issues.

REL 350 - Christian Moral Theology

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an introduction to the Biblical/theological foundations of morality in the Christian tradition. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 360 - Discovering One's Path in Life

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the factors, especially the places and people in one's life, that shape a person's identity and higher calling in life. Prerequisite: Junior standing, first Religious Studies course.

REL 400 - Independent Study

(Credits: 1.00)

This is an independent study course, with topics and materials to be decided in consultation with the instructor.

REL 401 - Research Seminar

(Credits: 2.00 - 3.00)

This research seminar includes the senior culminating experiences, i.e., a research study designed to demonstrate the student's grasp of research techniques, methodology and resources. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

REL 402 - Synthesis Seminar

(Credits: 2.00 - 3.00)

This seminar provides an integration of findings from the history and sociology of religion. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

REL 403 - Religious Studies Practicum

(Credits: 1.00 - 3.00)

Utilizing the resources of theology, psychology, sociology and experience, the course is designed to assist the student toward competency in a religious leadership role.

REL 404 - The Gospel of Mark

(Credits: 3.00)

This course introduces students to contemporary developments in the study of Mark's Gospel. Special attention is given to Mark's unique way of dealing with Jesus' identity (Messianic Secret) and the way it permeates his entire Gospel. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 405 - Christology

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a study of the person and mission of Jesus as presented in the Scriptures, in ecclesiastical tradition and in religious classics. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 410 - Selected Topics

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a study of particular topics in theology and/or Christian ministry formation. Prerequisite: Will be determined for each course.

REL 416 - Relational Ministry

(Credits: 1.00)

This course enables participants to realize the importance of building relationships with volunteers through the use of human resource skills, volunteer management techniques and an understanding of peer ministry. It distinguishes between developing relational goals and managing programs. Topics covered benefit those who work in youth and young adult ministry, in adult and family ministry, or as coordinators of other parish ministries.

REL 443 - Theology of Justice and Peace

(Credits: 3.00)

This course examines the historical settings and the biblical and theological foundations for the Christian commitment to a just and peaceful world. Employing a process of social analysis, the latter part of the course explores the ethical challenges facing the Christian community, especially the urban church. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 444 - Specialized Ministries in the Church

(Credits: 2.00)

This course identifies and describes the barriers to integration into church life experienced by persons with disabilities. Students examine strategies and programs which promote integration, and they design a ministry plan for a specific marginalized group. Prerequisite: Ministry student or consent of department.

REL 445 - Spirituality and Human Growth

(Credits: 3.00)

The spiritual journey moves people toward wholeness as integral human persons. The goals of this course are to explore the dynamics of Christian spirituality, to examine several psychological-theological views of the integration process, and to pursue the implications of the process for pastoral ministry. Prerequisite: First core course.

REL 465 - Introduction to Urban Ministry

(Credits: 1.00)

This course introduces students to the theology and practice of urban ministry. Students will examine the biblical foundations and analytical skills necessary to plan effective strategies in urban ministry. Students will assess the needs of their own professional and spiritual formation for this ministry. The course is the initial learning experience for students seeking certification in urban ministry.

REL 468 - The Bible and the City

(Credits: 2.00)

The course explores the biblical authors' viewpoints about the city as a social and theological reality. Students also will review contemporary approaches to biblical interpretation, applying these skills to the uses of the Bible in an urban pastoral setting.