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REL 102 Old Testament Literature
An introduction to the literature and theology of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. Some attention will be paid to the cultural and historical contexts in which the books of the Old Testament were written, as well as to some of the methods which have been used to interpret and understand these texts. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 103 New Testament Literature
A survey of the inter-testamental period, the life of Christ, the establishment of the church, the life and letters of Paul, and the remaining letters of the New Testament. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 200 Introduction to Hermeneutics and Method
An introduction to hermeneutical theory and critical methods, especially as applied to biblical texts. Prerequisites: REL 102 and 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 211 Biblical World
A study of the social, literary, and material culture of the biblical world from pre-biblical times to the period of the early church. Prerequisites: REL 102 or REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 212 Ancient Near Eastern Religions
A study of the nature of ancient religion, focusing on the beliefs, practices and mythology of the ancient Near East. Prerequisites: REL 102. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 220 The Pentateuch
A study of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, with attention to their historical origins and foundational religious significance; some critical issues are addressed. Prerequisite: REL 102. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 221 Book of Genesis
An in-depth study of the book of Genesis in English translation, with a focus on the themes, structure, literary artistry, and message of this foundational book of the Bible. Attention will also be paid to critical issues and methods, ancient Near Eastern parallels, and the history of scholarship on the book of
Genesis. Prerequisite: REL 102. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 230 Wisdom Literature
A study of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament concentrating on the historical setting, content and messages of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. Prerequisite: REL 102. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 235 Prophetic Books
A study of the nature and history of Hebrew prophecy and the message of select prophetic books. Prerequisite: REL 102. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 240 Jesus in the Gospels
A study of the four gospels’ portrayals of the life and teachings of Jesus. The course will introduce students to modern treatments of the gospels as historical sources for the life and teachings of Jesus and to essential features of his work and message. Prerequisite: REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 246 Luke-Acts
A detailed study of Luke-Acts in the context of ancient historiography. Prerequisite: REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 251 Paul & His Writings
An intensive study of the life and work of the Apostle Paul and a contextual study of his epistles. Prerequisite: REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 255 General Epistles
An introduction to 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, James and Jude, including their themes and relationship to the rest of the New Testament, as well as various critical issues. Prerequisite: REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 262 Christian Spirituality
A study of the biblical and historical traditions of Christian spirituality, with a focus on the development of an authentic and meaningful relationship with God. Principles and disciplines of the spiritual life are discussed. Includes a spiritual retreat. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 265 Christian Ethics
Following a brief overview of ethical systems, this course examines various Christian approaches to ethical reasoning and action. It then seeks to apply these Christian approaches to such areas of contemporary ethical debate as sports, leadership, sex and reproduction, biomedicine, politics, business, media, poverty
and the environment. Prerequisites: Not open to first year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 266 Christian Theology I
A review of the nature and task of theology in the light of biblical foundations, Christian history and current discussions, and a study of thedoctrines of revelation, the Trinity, and creation. Prerequisites: Not open to students with credit in REL 260 or 261. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 267 Christian Theology II
A review of the nature and task of theology in the light of biblical foundations, Christian history and current discussions, and a study of thedoctrines of humanity, salvation, the church and last things. Prerequisites:
Not open to students with credit in REL 260 or 261. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 276 Religion & Popular Culture
An examination of the presentation of religion and religious topics in popular culture, including literature, film, television, and the media. Prerequisites: Not open for first year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 280A/B The Religions of the World
A study of the methods and history of the academic study of religion and the major non-Christian religious traditions of the past and present. Prerequisite: REL 280B requires 280A. 3 credits per semester. (3-0-0)
REL 281 Understanding Judaism
A study of Jewish history, practice and thought, including Jewish-Christian relations.
Prerequisites: REL 280A/B. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 282 Understanding Islam
A study of Muslim history, practice and thought, including Christian-Muslim relations. Prerequisites: REL 280A/B. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 283 Understanding Eastern Religions
A study of the major eastern religious traditions and their influence in modern culture. Prerequisites: REL 280A/B. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 315 The Dead Sea Scrolls
An examination of the manuscripts discovered in the Judean desert near Khirbet Qumran, popularly known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The course will focus on the content, message, and historical setting of the scrolls (in English translation), as well as their significance for understanding the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, Second Temple Judaism, and Christian origins. Prerequisite: REL 102 or 103; REL 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 325 Reading the Historical Books
A study of select historical books of the Old Testament, with a focus on the ways in which they recount and interpret the traditions of Israel. Prerequisites: REL 102; 200 recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 331 The Book of Psalms
An historical and exegetical introduction to the book of Psalms, including discussions of Hebrew poetry, form-critical and cult-functional approaches to the psalms (i.e., genres and their use in Israelite worship), and history of interpretation. Prerequisite: REL 102; 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 335 Isaiah
An in-depth study of the book of Isaiah in its historical, social and religious contexts. Attention will also be given to key passages and important literary, historical, and critical issues. Prerequisites: REL 102; 200 and 235 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 343 Synoptic Gospels
An introduction to the synoptic gospels, discussing the background and critical issues involved in synoptic studies. Prerequisite: REL 103; 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 344 Gospel of John
An introduction to the Gospel of John, discussing the background and critical issues involved in Johannine studies. Prerequisite: REL 103. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 351 Romans
A close reading of Paul’s epistle to the Romans. In addition, the course will introduce students to critical
issues concerning the study of Romans, including the purpose of Romans, Paul and Greco-Roman rhetoric, the importance of grace in Paul, and the meaning of “righteousness” in Paul. Prerequisite: REL
103; 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 352 The Corinthian Correspondence
A study of Paul’s Corinthian correspondence, including a study of the historical and literary background of 1 & 2 Corinthians. Prerequisite: REL 103; 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 356 Book of Hebrews
A study of the book of Hebrews. In addition to a study of the historical and literary background of Hebrews, the course will provide an analysis of the world view and ideology of this document. Prerequisite: REL 103; 200 highlyrecommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 358 Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature & the Book of Revelation
An introduction to apocalyptic literature and its interpretation. The course will focus on the nature of apocalyptic literature, and its interpretation. This will include an examination of the biblical book of Revelation. Prerequisite: REL 103; 200 highly recommended. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 360 Christian World View
Following an examination of the social and cultural roots of world view development, attention will be given to the variety of world views present in current society with special emphasis paid to the religious component of such views. Theological analysis will include: the nature of apologetics, the role of personal spirituality, and consideration of contemporary cultural movements. Restricted to 3rd or 4th year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 363 Contemporary Theology
A study of the major theological trends and movements of the twentieth century, including their historical and theological precursors. Prerequisites: REL 260, 261, 266, or 267. 3 credits (3-0-0) Formerly REL 263.
REL 377 Science and Religion
A study of the relationship between science and religion, with special attention to the Christian faith. Prerequisites: Not open to first year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 385 Contemporary Religious Movements
A study of the dynamics of contemporary religious movements in North America, with special attention to the histories, belief systems and activities of major religious groups. Prerequisites: Not open to first year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 400 Advanced Hermeneutics and Religion
An advanced study in hermeneutics and interpretation theory from pre-modern times to the present, with a focus on the interpretation and method of reading texts with reference to biblical studies and religious texts. Prerequisites: REL 200. Restricted to third and fourth year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 465 Biblical Theology
An exploration of the theology/theologies of the Old and New Testaments. While some attention will be given to the history and crucial issues of the discipline of biblical theology itself, the focus of the course will be on the message of the Old Testament, and how it relates to the message of the New Testament, and how Scripture — OT and NT together — can be interpreted theologically for the community of faith. Includes a research methods component. Prerequisites: REL 200. Restricted to third and fourth year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 490 Topics in Religion & Theology
A seminar-style course that allows specialized study on selected topics in Religion & Theology. Topics will vary from year to year, students may receive credit for REL 490 more than once if different topics are taken.
Includes a research methods component. Prerequisites: REL 200. Restricted to third and fourth year students. 3 credits (3-0-0)
REL 495 Directed Study in Religion & Theology
An in-depth exploration of a selected area or topic in religion or theology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and Academic Committee. Restricted to third- and fourth year students. See “Directed Study Courses” in Academics Section. 1-3 credits
REL 496/497 Teaching & Research Internship
A guided internship providing select students experience in academic research and teaching in Religion & Theology. Restricted to fourth year Religion & Theology majors with permission of the instructor and Academic Committee approval. 3 credits.
REL 498B Senior Paper in Religion & Theology I
In consultation with an approved faculty member, students develop a research proposal for their senior paper. The research proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member, course coordinator, and department chair before the student is allowed to register for REL 498B. Restricted to fourth-year Religion & Theology majors. 1 cr (0-1-0)
REL 498A Senior Paper in Religion & Theology II
A summative research paper completed under the close supervision of an approved faculty member and participation in seminar meetings. Restricted to fourth-year Religion & Theology majors. Prerequisite: REL 498A. 2 cr (0-2-0)
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