concepts, practices and beliefs are articulated creatively in artistic, as well as doctrinal forms. In studying film a genre is introduced that does not necessarily identify itself as a religious medium and an attempt is made to understand indirectly what religious truth claims say directly. To do this, basic principles of film criticism and theological reflection will be used as tools for understanding assorted religious concepts and practices. REL 352—Currents in Late Modern Theology (3 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) (WIC) REL 370—Foundations of Youth Ministry (4 CH) This course is designed to introduce students to the theological and practical dimensions of youth ministry. It explores the promises and challenges of contemporary American youth culture in considering recent research on the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers, examining current models of youth ministry within and across various Christian denominations, analyzing issues related to ministry in general, demonstrating and practicing a model of spiritual formation, and helping future youth ministers to think theologically about the role of youth ministry in the formation of Christian character.
REL 380—Cooperative Education (CH Variable) REL 382—Foundations of Parish Education (4 CH) This course is designed to introduce students to the basic theory of parish education. It also has a field work component that provides practical experience and fulfills the required supervised field training for parish education majors. (P: REL 152) REL 390—Independent Study (1-4 CH) Independent study will enable students to work individually on a project or a reading program designed for their specific interests. Students of senior standing who meet the qualifications outlined elsewhere in the catalog may, with the consent of the instructor, register for this course. REL 392—Liberation Theology in a Latin American Context (1-6 CH) The writings, ideas and dynamics of liberation theology are explored with an eye on the Peruvian situation in a seminar which culminates in a three-week immersion experience during which students and faculty encounter the lived praxis of liberation theology among the people of Peru. (WIC) REL 413—Selected Topics (3 CH) In this course a selected topic in the field or religion or theology is taught. Courses previously have been offered on such selected topics as Jesus, female images of the divine, the spirit of life and Augustine and Aquinas. Prerequisites, if any, will be included in the course announcements.
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