371: Philosophy of Religion. Goal: To introduce students to the philosophical issues implied by the nature of religious language, institutions, and symbols. Content: Philosophical analyses of religious institutions and symbols. Possible topics include the variety of theistic and nontheistic religious positions, the problem of evil, and the relationship between reason and faith. Taught: Alternate years. Prerequisite: One course in PHI or REL or permission of instructor. Credit: 3 hours; cross-listed as PHI 371; S-course. 396, 397: Special Topics in Religion.
Goal: To introduce students to the in-depth study of a special area of religion. Content: Primary and secondary texts appropriate to the topic. Examples of special topics include a focus on a particular religious thinker or religious thought or broader topics like psychology and religion or apocalyptic literature. Taught: Alternate years. Prerequisite: Any 300-level REL course or permission of instructor. Credit: 3; 3 hours. 451: Directed Independent Study.
Goal: To encourage students to develop skills for independent and creative research into selected problems in religious studies. Content: To be selected in consultation between student and instructor. Taught: Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and program director. Credit: 1-6 hours. 452/199: Field Study.
Goal: To introduce students to on-site experience of specific vocations in religion. Content: Actual work experience. Taught: Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and program director. Credit: 1-9 hours. 499: Honors Thesis. (Fee required)
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