Religion and Philosophy

PSY 499: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY The Religion and Philosophy Department implements the general aims of the College by developing analytic, critical, and synthetic skills; offering guidance in discovery and choice of values; and furnishing a foundation for a mature religious life. The study of religion and philosophy continues to provide the broad intellectual foundation essential to assuming leadership and service roles in a quickly changing society. It provides appropriate preparation for theological seminary, law school, and various programs in management and human services as well as graduate academic programs in religion and philosophy.

PROGRAM GOALS • Students will be inspired to embrace the best values of faith and the human spirit. • Students will be encouraged to develop an examined faith. • Students will master the basic methods and theories associated with the academic study of religion. • Students will be prepared for graduate and/or theological education. • Students will be prepared students for immediate employment in a number of careers for which a religion and/or philosophy background is valuable.

BACHELOR OF ARTS WITH A MAJOR IN RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY (36 HOURS) Core Courses (21 hours)

PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy (3)

PHI: 206: Logic (3)

PHI 304: Ethics (3)

REL 102: New Testament (3)

REL 103: Religion in America (3)

REL 120: World Religions (3)

REL 490: Senior Seminar (3)

Elective Courses (15 hours of religion electives with a maximum of 3 hours in internships)

Additional work in other academic fields such as languages, literature, history, psychology, sociology and speech, is highly reommended to supplement this major.

MINOR IN RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY (18 HOURS) 12 hours of religion courses 6 hours of philosophy courses (A maximum of 3 hours in internships is allowed.)

RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY COURSES BIBLICAL STUDIES

REL 101: Hebrew Bible (3)

This introduction to the Bible will adopt historical, critical methods to explain the Old Testament. Students will explore each text in its original setting and examine its influence on the later Judeo-Christian traditions. Offered every spring.

REL 102: New Testament (3)

This introduction to the Bible will adopt historical, critical methods to explain the New Testament. Students will explore each text in its original setting and examine its influence on later Christian traditions. Offered every semester.

REL 315: Life and Teachings of Jesus Drawing upon the Bible and historical, critical scholarship, students will participate in the quest for the historical Jesus. Prerequisite: REL 102. (3)

RELIGION IN AMERICA

REL 103: Religion in America (3) A study of the central themes and issues in the history of religious movements in America from the Colonial Period to the present. This course will map the religious landscape in the United States and explore the relationships between religion and American culture. This course will include field trips that highlight the diversity of religion in America. Offered every semester.

REL 322: Disciples of Christ in American Culture (3) A study of the origins, history, beliefs, and practices of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), viewed in the theological, social, and political context of American culture. Prerequisite: REL 103 or consent of instructor.

REL 325: Religion and American Popular Culture (3) This course will examine the relationships between religion and American popular culture with particular attention to music, film, television, and the news media. Special emphasis will be placed upon the representations of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. Offered spring of odd-numbered years.

REL 335: Religion and Contemporary (3)

American Politics This course will examine the intersection of the religious and political landscapes in the United States. The official resolutions of religious institutions will be compared to actual beliefs, practices, and voting patterns of religious Americans. Offered spring of even-numbered years. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RELIGION

REL 120: World Religions (3)

A study of the great religions of the world, including their history, beliefs, and practices. Special emphasis is placed on those religions that still exist. Offered every spring.

REL 320: Peace and Violence in (3)

the World Religions A study of world religions as both a resource for legitimizing violence and as a source for promoting peace and justice. Special emphasis is placed on the role of religious actors in contemporary conflicts. Offered fall of even-numbered years. REL 340: Philosophy of Religion (3)

An exploration of diverse conceptualizations about ultimate reality, evil, morality, life after death, and religious experience in relation to reason, language, faith, and science. Offered fall of even-numbered years.

TOPICS IN RELIGION

REL 288/488: Mission Trip (1–3) Affirming the relationship between love of God and love of neighbor, this course will offer students an opportunity to serve others in need. The destinations will vary, and they will be posted at least one semester in advance. Additional costs may apply. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered every spring during the three-week term or during spring break.

REL 289: Selected Topics in Religion (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

REL 299: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.

REL 319: Hymnology and Repertoire (2)

A survey of the historical developments of Western hymnology and of current American liturgical practices. Offered as needed.

REL 476: Internship (1–3)

The student will receive supervised practical experience in ministry within an institutional setting such as a hospital, senior citizen facility, private school, or church. May be repeated, but no more than 3 hours may count toward the religion/philosophy major. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. ExL

REL 480: Independent Study (1–3)

Individual or group projects in religion under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor and six hours in the field or consent of instructor, academic advisor, division chair, and VPAA/ Provost.

REL 489: Selected Topics in Religion (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

REL 490: Senior Seminar (3) (DW & CE) The capstone course for Religion and Philosophy majors includes a study of research methodology, a senior thesis, oral exams, and an e-portfolio.

REL 498: Global Studies (1)

This course will focus on materials that will enable students to fully engage with the academic content of the immediately following 3-week travel course. This course will also enable travel course leaders to monitor passports, visas, payments, and application document completion. Offered each 12-week session in conjunction with an international travel class being offered in the 3-week session

REL 499: Study Abroad (1–3) Students will study a variety of topics by combining college classroom activities with travel. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.

PHILOSOPHY COURSES

PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy An introduction to the issues, ideas, movements, methods, and practices of philosophy. Offered every fall. (3)

PHI 206: Logic (3) Logic is the study of methods for evaluating arguments. Topics addressed in this course include inductive and deductive methods of argument evaluation. The course includes analysis of logical fallacies, set theory basics, and introductory mathematical logic (symbolic propositional logic and predicate logic, including both truth tables and natural deduction proofs). Offered every fall. PHI 245: Literary Theory See ENG 245. (3)

PHI 289: Selected Topics in Philosophy (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses. May involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PHI 304: Ethics (3)

A course designed to provide opportunity for the student to grow in sensitivity to ethical issues in contemporary life and to develop the student’s ability to engage in ethical reflection and decision making. The major ethical theories and the moral problems of both the individual and society are studied. Offered every semester.

PHI 340: Philosophy of Religion (3)

An exploration of diverse conceptualizations about ultimate reality, evil, morality, life after death, and religious experience in relation to reason, language, faith, and science. Offered fall of even-numbered years.

PHI 480: Independent Study (1–3) Individual or group project in religion and philosophy under the supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and six hours in the field or consent of instructor, academic advisor, division chairperson, and VPAA/Provost. PHI 489: Selected Topics in Philosophy (1–3) A study of selected issues not covered in other courses, which may involve field trips and/or travel. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered as needed.

PHI 490: Senior Seminar

(3) This capstone course for the religion and philosophy major includes a study of research methodology, a senior thesis, and an e-portfolio. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Offered every fall.