101. Introduction to the Old Testament: Three hours
A survey course examining the historical, theological, and literary nature of the Old Testament.
102. Introduction to the New Testament: Three hours
A survey course examining the historical, theological, and literary nature of the New Testament.
210. Introduction to Philosophy: Three hours
A survey of ancient to modern critical thought about life and its many dimensions.
315. Renaissance and Reformation (See HIS 315): Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 or REL 102, HIS 103 and HIS 104 (HIS 201 and 202 recommended)
An advanced survey of European history, 1300-1648, with attention to the powerful religious currents.
319. The Bible as Literature (See ENG 319): Three hours
Prerequisite: HIS 103
This course examines texts of the Bible. Students will apply techniques of literary criticism and scholarship to the exploration of the texts. Students will approach the texts of the Bible through the lenses of poetry, epics, dramas, narratives, parables, the apocalyptic genre, feminist criticism, epistolary forms, etc.
320. History of Christianity (See HIS 320): Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 ofREL 102
A survey of the major developments of Christianity from Pentecost to the present era, with attention to the emergence and development of Baptists.
321. Mythology (See ENG 320): Three hours
A study of the myths and legends of ancient and modern peoples as they are present in British and American literature.
325. Women in Christian History: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 or REL 102
An exploration of the life, roles, and contributions of women in the history of Christianity, with attention to roots in Judaism.
330. Christian Theology: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 or REL 102
An examination of the biblical, philosophical, and systematic aspects of Christian theology.
331.Theological Ethics: 3 hours
An examination of the role of Scripture, the Christian tradition, and other intellectual resources in the formation of character, as well as the integration of these texts into discussions about contemporary ethical issues.
335. Religious History of the United States (See HIS 335): Three hours
Prerequisites: REL 101 or REL 102; HIS 103 and HIS 104 (HIS 201 and HIS 202 recommended)
A survey of the origins, development, and life of the varied religions, denominations, and sects throughout the history of the United States.
340. World Religions: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 and REL 102 - specific for the concentration in Missiology
Exploration of religion itself and the varied ways of devotion in the major living religions of the world.
341. Introduction to Missiology: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101 and REL 102
This course focuses upon the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the Christian church's self-understood vocation of embodying the core aspects of the Christian faith for others. Students will discuss at length the challenges of communicating the faith to, and caring for, persons in non-Western contexts, but will also address the benefits and challenges of being on mission in the Western World.
350. The Life and Teachings of Jesus: Three hours
Prerequisites: REL 102
A study of the person and message of Jesus based primarily on the Synoptic Gospels but also drawing on other sources.
355. The Letters of Paul: Three hours
Prerequisites: REL 102
An in-depth study of Paul, his times, apostleship, and message, based primarily on his letters but also drawing on subsequent writings about Paul.
391. The Pentateuch: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101
An intensive study of the first five books of the Old Testament. Emphasis will be given to the primary texts, although secondary texts will be incorporated as well.
392. Old Testament Historical Books: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101
An intensive study of the Old Testament historical books, encompassing Israelite history from the conquest of Canaan to the postexilic period. Emphasis will be given to the primary texts, although secondary texts will be incorporated as well.
393. Old Testament Prophets: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 101
An intensive study of the Old Testament prophets and their writings. Emphasis will be given to the primary texts, although secondary texts will be incorporated as well.
394. Hebrews and the General Epistles: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 102
An intensive study of the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Epistles of James, Peter, and Jude. Emphasis will be given to the primary texts, although secondary texts will be incorporated as well.
395. Johannine Literature: Three hours
Prerequisite: REL 102
An intensive study of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Revelation of John. Emphasis will be given to the primary texts, although secondary texts will be incorporated as well.
411. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head
A course for upperclass students. Subjects will be selected by the professor to provide variety to the religious studies program or to assist a student get the courses she needs.
412. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head
A course for upperclass students. Subjects will be selected by the professor to provide variety to the religious studies program or to assist a student get the courses she needs.
413. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head
A course for upperclass students. Subjects will be selected by the professor to provide variety to the religious studies program or to assist a student get the courses she needs.
414. Special Studies: Three hours
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head
A course for upperclass students. Subjects will be selected by the professor to provide variety to the religious studies program or to assist a student get the courses she needs.
449, 450. Independent Study: Three hours per course
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head and Academic Dean
Supervised study in an area mutually agreed upon in religious studies and designed to meet the student's need.
460. Capstone Course in Religious Studies: Three hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing and fifteen (15) hours of Religious Studies
This is a senior-level capstone course designed to assist as well as measure the student's integration of the various aspects of religious thought and experience. The student is expected to demonstrate high levels of religious knowledge, reasoning capacities, research skills, and writing.
471, 472. Internship: Three hours each
Prerequisite: Approval of the Department Head
Supervised field work in a church or church-related agency. This course is designed to challenge the student to learn while involved in the practice of ministry. Ministry placement must have prior approval.