Nancy M. Martin, Ph.D., Chair
Professors: Harran;
Associate Professors: Hughes, Luevano, Martin, Stearns;
Assistant Professors: Bidmead, Peters.
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
The department of religious studies offers a major designed to address some of the most interesting and compelling issues in human life. Courses in religious studies explore such themes as the meaning of life and death, questions of faith and reason, the problem of evil, global ethics, and the beliefs and practices of the religions of the world. The department is committed to the interdisciplinary study of religion. Courses in the religious studies program have an international scope, and they approach religion by addressing the relationship of religion to history, sociology, psychology, economics, science, philosophy, literature, and culture.
One of the advantages of the major in religious studies is its flexibility. Students are encouraged to develop a program that meets their own personal and professional goals and to pursue areas of particular interest in a more concentrated way. Students are also encouraged to consider the possibility of a second major in addition to religious studies. Many religious studies majors go on to obtain graduate degrees in religion from universities or theological schools, and embark on careers in teaching, research, or ministry. Others use the program as preparation for graduate work and successful careers in such fields as medicine, law, government, business, and journalism. The department can advise students concerning preparation for graduate work in religion and other fields.
For the bachelor of arts in religious studies, a minimum of 21 credits must be upper-division.
All courses in the major and the minor in religious studies must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of "C" or higher.
Departmental Honors
The faculty of the department of religious studies awards departmental honors to graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic work in religious studies. To be considered for departmental honors, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.500 in the major, complete a senior capstone project of significance, and be nominated by a faculty member in the department.
21 credits of upper-division (300-400 level) course work are required for the BA.
foundations of religious studies (6 credits)
Living Religions of the World |
3 |
|
The Study of Religion |
3 |
scriptures and traditions
Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions
one of the following (3 credits)
Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures |
3 |
|
Introduction to the New Testament |
3 |
|
Introduction to Islam |
3 |
|
Mesopotamian Myths and Rituals |
3 |
|
Judaism: The History and Religion |
3 |
|
Introduction to Christianity |
3 |
|
Readings of Qur'an and Hadith |
3 |
|
Archaeology of Ancient Israel |
3 |
|
Genesis and Gender |
3 |
|
Interpretation of Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) |
3 |
|
Interpretation of the New Testament |
3 |
|
The Bible as Literature: The Hebrew Scriptures |
3 |
|
The Bible as Literature: The Christian Scriptures |
3 |
Asian traditions
one of the following (3 credits)
Hinduism and the Religions of India |
3 |
|
Buddhism |
3 |
philosophy of religion and theology
one of the following (3 credits)
Philosophy of Religion |
3 |
|
The Holocaust and Religious Faith |
3 |
|
Religion, Knowledge, and Evil |
3 |
|
From Socrates to Aquinas |
3 |
|
Descartes to Kierkegaard |
3 |
|
Images of Jesus |
3 |
|
Topics in Theology |
3 |
|
Philosophical Theology |
3 |
religion, ethics, and society
two of the following (6 credits)
Global Ethics and Religion |
3 |
|
Germany and the Holocaust |
3 |
|
Religious Experience in Film and Fiction |
3 |
|
Fiction, Film, and the Catholic Contemplative Tradition |
3 |
|
Albert Schweitzer: His Life and Thought |
3 |
|
Women and Religion |
3 |
|
Topics in the Holocaust |
3 |
|
Perpetrators, Witnesses, and Rescuers |
3 |
|
Law and Religion |
3 |
|
Independent Internship |
3 |
|
Travel Courses |
(to be approved by the chair of the department) |
|
area of study (9 credits)
Three courses in an area of interest, to be chosen in discussion with a departmental advisor |
9 |
required courses (6 credits)
Junior-Senior Seminar |
3 |
|
Senior Capstone Project |
3 |
total credits |
|
36 |
Program Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plans for BA Religious Studies.
The minor is offered for students who have a significant interest in religious studies which they wish to combine with their major course of study. The total number of credits required for a minor in religious studies is 21. A minimum of 12 credits must be upper-division.
foundations of religious studies (6 credits)
Living Religions of the World |
3 |
|
The Study of Religion |
3 |
scriptures and traditions
Judeo-Christian-Islamic traditions
one of the following (3 credits)
Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures |
3 |
|
Introduction to the New Testament |
3 |
|
Introduction to Islam |
3 |
|
Mesopotamian Myths and Rituals |
3 |
|
Judaism: The History and Religion |
3 |
|
Introduction to Christianity |
3 |
|
Readings of Qur'an and Hadith |
3 |
|
Archaeology of Ancient Israel |
3 |
|
Genesis and Gender |
3 |
|
Interpretation of Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) |
3 |
|
Interpretation of the New Testament |
3 |
|
The Bible as Literature: The Hebrew Scriptures |
3 |
|
The Bible as Literature: The Christian Scriptures |
3 |
Asian traditions
one of the following (3 credits)
Hinduism and the Religions of India |
3 |
|
Buddhism |
3 |
philosophy of religion and theology
one of the following (3 credits)
Philosophy of Religion |
3 |
|
The Holocaust and Religious Faith |
3 |
|
Religion, Knowledge, and Evil |
3 |
|
From Socrates to Aquinas |
3 |
|
Descartes to Kierkegaard |
3 |
|
Images of Jesus |
3 |
|
Topics in Theology |
3 |
|
Philosophical Theology |
3 |
religion, ethics, and society
one of the following (3 credits)
Global Ethics and Religion |
3 |
|
Germany and the Holocaust |
3 |
|
Religious Experience in Film and Fiction |
3 |
|
Fiction, Film, and the Catholic Contemplative Tradition |
3 |
|
Albert Schweitzer: His Life and Thought |
3 |
|
Women and Religion |
3 |
|
Topics in the Holocaust |
3 |
|
Perpetrators, Witnesses, and Rescuers |
3 |
|
Law and Religion |
3 |
|
Independent Internship |
3 |
|
Travel Courses |
(to be approved by the chair of the department) |
|
required course (3 credits)
Junior-Senior Seminar |
3 |
total credits |
|
21 |
A survey of religious traditions of the world including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: basic beliefs and practices and their relevance to human problems today. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Same as PHIL 120.)
(Same as PHIL 125.)
The focus of the course is not on the study of any particular mode of religious expression, but on the shape and development of the discipline of comparative religion as a field of inquiry. The major issues covered in this course concentrate on the nature of religion and the methods used to study religious phenomena. Some of the methodologies introduced are cultural, historical, sociological, psychological, artistic, phenomenological, theological and feminist theories. Readings include primary texts from the major theorists on the nature of religion, manifestations of the sacred or holy, religious symbolism, myths, ritual, religious language, sacred texts, religious communities, concepts of fate, afterlife, destiny and gender relations in religion and society. Through case studies in several world religions students analyze the religion's history of interpretations and how these interpretations have impacted societal, cultural, and theological ideologies in a global context. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Tradition, history, and literature in Israel: the development of the Hebrew scriptures in their various genres within the context of evolving ideas, values, and social concerns from Hebrew beginnings through the prophets to post–exilic times. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Students examine the Jesus of the gospels, gospel tradition, rise of the Christian community, life and letters of Paul, and later books of the New Testament. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
An introduction to the faith and practices of Islam. The course will include an overview of the life of Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an, Hadith, Islamic beliefs, acts of worship, moral and ethical codes, history, and culture. (Offered every fall.) 3 credits.
This class surveys ancient Mesopotamian mythological and religious texts, exploring themes such as creation, death, afterlife, birth, magic, divination, witchcraft, liturgy, sacrifices, kingship, metaphor and symbolism, sexuality and gender roles. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Same as HIST 213.)
This course introduces the origins of Christianity and provides a general understanding of its doctrines and history. In this class, we will consider divides among Western Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions and explore various theological methods and schools, including modern Christian theological movements. Developing critical thinking and writing skills are also an essential part of this course of study. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
This course explores Judeo-Christian beliefs and values in relation to the events of the Holocaust. Central topics include the role of religious faith in survival, rescue, and resistance during the Holocaust and major Jewish and Christian theological interpretations of the Holocaust. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
A study of the selected basic texts of Islam: the Qur’an and Hadith. The course will also include an introduction to the history and compilation of the Qur’an and Hadith, various methods of interpretations, classical and modern critical analysis as well as the issues related to the authenticity of these texts. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as HIST 304.)
(Same as HIST 306.)
(Same as HIST 307.)
(Same as PHIL 309.)
(Same as PHIL 310.)
(Same as PHIL 311.)
This course introduces the relationship of the religious and spiritual experience and the arts. After setting down fundamental theological principles of spirituality, this course surveys the nature of religious experience through two accessible fonts: film and contemporary American fiction. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
Both the contemplative and artist share a profound inner encounter with the self in a creative and transformative experience. This course aligns these two encounters. The student will be introduced to the scholarly field of Spirituality and the praxis of the classic methods of meditation and contemplation. The course targets artistic expression in 20th century films and literature. A priority is also placed on critical thinking and writing. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Same as HIST 315.)
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim interpretations of Genesis have shaped and defined gender roles and society hierarchies throughout history. This course examines the Genesis texts, through a variety of methodologies to understand gender roles, power, authority, sexuality, narrative, and cultural representations of the women. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
Students examine the events and ideas of the sixteenth–century Reformation. This course analyzes the transition from a medieval to a modern world view and the impact of the Reformation on education, politics, science, art, and the roles of men and women in society. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Jesus Christ has been the dominant religious and cultural figure in Western civilization for two-thousand years. In the past several years a great deal of popular attention has been directed to Jesus and his followers through the publication of The Da Vinci Code and The Gospel of Judas. In this course, we will critically evaluate recent historical conceptions of Jesus, including themes about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Judas Iscariot, and explore important implications those viewpoints bring to Christology and theology. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
This course examines major topics in modern theology, focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries. Students consider theological understandings of God, the natural world, human nature and human community, and issues such as the relationship of revelation and reason, the relevance of God in the modern scientific world, the impact of inter-religious encounter, gender and sexual orientation on theological reflection, and the emergence of theologies of liberation and the call for social and ecological justice and care. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Same as PHIL 322a.)
An intensive study of selected materials in the Hebrew scriptures: the prophets, the wisdom literature, the Deuteronomistic history, and the Pentateuch. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
An intensive study of selected materials in the New Testament and early Christian literature, including images of Jesus, the gospel of John, the life and letters of Paul, and the gnostic gospels. Other topics on demand. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Students examine women's roles in religious traditions, including ways of being religious and religious leadership, as well as the recovery of women's voices from the past and the transformation of these traditions today. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
A study of the historical development of Hinduism; the texts, practices, and world views that characterize its various paths to liberation; other religious traditions arising in India (Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism); and the impact of Islam in this region. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. A study of the historical development of Hinduism and other religions in India; the texts, practices, and worldviews that characterize the various paths to liberation and salvation; and the dynamic interrelationships between followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism in this region. Fee: TBD (Offered interterm.) 3 credits.
This course presents a study of the Buddha and the historical and philosophical development of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism, exploring their understanding of the human predicament and the solutions they offer. Students consider ritual and meditative practices, and the interaction between Buddhism and existing traditions in the cultures in which it thrives. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Same as ENG 340.)
(Same as ENG 341.)
(Same as HIST 365.)3 credits.
REL 365a Perpetrators, Witnesses, and Rescuers
(Same as HIST 365a.)
Prerequisite, nine credits in religion, at least three of which are upper-division in the general area of the research topic. Guided individual investigation on a specific topic beyond regular curricular offerings. May be repeated for credit. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.
Students examine the religious, philosophic, economic, and biological roots of aggression, violence, and nonviolence among individuals and social groups. The approach is interdisciplinary, and the methods employed range from the study of religious texts through the exploration of cultural tradition. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.
This course explores the place and nature of law within a wide range of major religious traditions and cultures around the world, as well as laws about religion, including the First Amendment religion clauses and religious issues in American case law. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, junior standing, or major, or minor, or consent of instructor. In the junior or senior year, religious studies majors and minors must enroll at least once in the Junior-Senior Seminar. May be repeated for credit as the theme of the seminar changes. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.
(Same as POSC 408.)
(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.
Prerequisite, senior, or major, or minor. In the senior year, all religious studies majors must enroll in a Senior Capstone Project, which is to be taken with a faculty member in the department. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisites, completion of lower–division requirements and four upper–division courses in religion with a 3.300 GPA. Normally taken in final semester at the university. (Offered as needed.) 1–3 credits.