Religious Studies live on that campus with other seminarians, and fully immerse themselves in the life of the community. Upon application and acceptance by both Elmhurst College and the host institution, selected students will live in seminary housing for one term of their junior or senior year, attend courses as a full-time student at the seminary, and explore a number of different ministries. Academic credit for courses in CSP may be counted as electives or as requirements in the student’s major in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and the chair of the department. For more information and application forms, contact the chair of the Department of Religious Studies.
translating simple prose texts in the Hebrew Bible. The course will also include an overview of the origins and history of the Hebrew language, the history of biblical Hebrew texts, and the importance of the language for biblical scholarship in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. Brief attention will be given to similarities with and differences from Modern Hebrew. Upon request.
REL 230 Christian Social Ethics A study of selected contemporary moral problems such as racism, poverty and hunger, war and peace, and sexual and familial relationships. An examination of the moral adequacies of fundamental Christian convictions. REL 240 World Religions: General Introduction An exploration of the major religious traditions of East and West, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
January Term January Term courses offered by the Department of Religious Studies provide students with an opportunity to study special topics through innovative pedagogical methods not easily replicated in the regular semester. These may include courses in India, Turkey, Israel, Palestine or South Africa. Some January Term courses may fulfill the requirements for the religious studies major or minor, or for the Integrated Curriculum.
REL 241 Introduction to Judaism This course is an introduction to Judaism, beginning with the origins of early Hebrew and Israelite religion in the ancient Near Eastern context, moving to post-exilic Judaism and concluding with the contemporary period. Primary texts will be studied, as well as key events and figures in the history of Judaism. Attention will be given to contemporary segments of Judaism in the United States, such as Orthodox, Conservative and Reform traditions. January Term and upon request.
Course Offerings One unit of credit equals four semester hours. REL 200 Introduction to Biblical Studies The Bible is studied in the light of modern scholarship with an eye toward its relationship to the contemporary world and the issues arising out of modern culture. The department recommends, but does not require, that students complete REL 200 prior to REL 302, 305, 306, 307, 314 or 319.
REL 242 Issues in Islam: Gender, Politics and Human Rights Through compelling contemporary issues this course will trace the development of Islam from its early days as a small struggling community to a religious and cultural superpower. It will feature a variety of practices of Muslim communities and explore Islamic law, theology, and spirituality. Special attention will be given to the contemporary expressions and contributions of Islam.
REL 211 Biblical Hebrew I The course will introduce biblical Hebrew grammar, syntax and vocabulary to students through listening, speaking, and written exercises. From elementary forms and constructions, students will move into reading and
REL 243 The Religions of India India is the birthplace of four of the world’s 291