At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.SM 268 && Philosophy 268 Religion Religion Philosophy human experience: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Shinto, Jainism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Four credits. [R] REL 1004. Introduction to Judaism. This course provides a survey of Jewish history with a view toward understanding the diverse collection of practices and beliefs that comprise contemporary Judaism. Jewish literature and art, as well as the various social conditions in which Judaism was formed and to which it has adapted throughout the centuries, will be considered as they shed light on the experience of modern Jewish religion and culture. Four credits. [R] REL 1005. Introduction to Christianity. Designed for beginners, this course introduces students to the Christian religion through a study of its texts, history, and central doctrines. Students should come to appreciate both the beliefs and practices of the Christian churches as well as cultivate an understanding for what theology is and how it develops. Major topics may include (but are not limited to) the notions of canon, trinity, incarnation, Christology, soteriology, creed, prayer, authority and church. Four credits. [R] REL 1006. Introduction to Islam. This introductory course will provide a basic, yet systematic overview of the intellectual and spiritual experience of Islam. Beginning with a look at pre-Islamic Arabia, we will then examine the life of the prophet Muhammad, the development of the Qur’an and the hadiths, the split between Sunni and Shia Islam, and the mystical Sufi Way. We will then examine more contemporary issues such as the place of Islam in America, the role of women, and the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism. Four credits. [R] REL 1007. Introduction to Hinduism. This introductory course will provide a basic, yet systematic overview of the myriad of Hindu religious traditions. We will progress historically from the Indus Valley civilization, to the Vedic Period, through the rise of the epic traditions and yoga philosophies, right up to present day Hindu nationalist movements. Topics that will be covered include creation myths, gods and goddesses, cycles of rebirth and paths of liberation, Indian literature and philosophy, yogas and devotionalism, and temples and pilgrimage sites. Four credits. [R] REL 1008. Introduction to Buddhism. This introductory course will provide a basic, yet systematic overview of the Buddhist religious tradition. Topics that will be covered include the life of the Buddha, the origins of Buddhism in India, the development of major doctrines and institutions, monastic and lay life, the tradition’s growth and gradual spread throughout Asia, as well as contemporary expressions of Buddhism. Four credits. [R]
REL 1009. Introduction to Biblical Themes. An introductory course in religion offering the student opportunities to understand and reflect upon the place of Biblical images of creation, fall, redemption, and sojourner in shaping human self-understanding. The course will include historical, literary, and interpretative responses to the Biblical images. Four credits. [R] REL 1019. Christian Worship and Personal Reflection. A practicum using the chapel worship services to enable the student to understand and reflect upon the meanings of corporate hymns, prayers, readings, scripture lessons, and sermons and the beginning, retention or loss of those elements in their life to date. One credit. REL 1020. Christian Worship and Personal Development. A practicum using the chapel worship services to enable the student to reflect upon the importance of worship attendance in the future plans of the student. Prerequisite: REL 1019. One credit. REL 1021. Christian Worship and Church Leadership. A practicum using the chapel worship services, field visits, interviews, and a reflection paper to understand the role of leadership within a community of faith. Prerequisite: REL 1020. Must be taken for a letter grade to receive credit toward the major or minor in Religion. Two credits. REL 2001. The Pentateuch. This course interprets the developing institutions and traditions of Israel and examines the varying ways in which the Hebrew people understood the critical events of their history as acts of God. Attention is given to the earliest covenants, life of the patriarchs, the Exodus, law codes and comparisons of the life, literature, customs and institutions of Israel with those of the ancient Near East. Four credits. [R] REL 2003. Hebrew Prophets. This course studies the prophetic literature in the Hebrew Bible, with special attention given to its background, theology, and emphases on corporate and individual responsibility, and concepts of social justice, ancient and modern. Four credits. [R] REL 2004. Jesus in the Gospels. This course studies the ministry and teachings of Jesus as presented in the Gospels of the New Testament in light of modern biblical scholarship. Four credits. [R] REL 2006. Life and Letters of Paul. A study of one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity — Paul of Tarsus. This course will consist of an examination of his life,