Department of Religious Studies

Marvin Meyer, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Harran, Meyer, Runzo;

Associate Professors: Bidmead, Farmer, Hughes, Luevano, Martin.

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 nature of the Judeo–Christian–Islamic tradition, and the beliefs and practices of other religions of the world. In this way, the department reflects the broad ecumenical and pluralistic interests of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the founding denomination of the university.

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. Majors plan their curriculum within the context of the broad liberal arts interests of the university, and thus they often take, in addition to their classes in religion, a wide range of courses in the humanities and social sciences.

In addition to pre-ministerial preparation, the study of religion offers excellent preparation for graduate work and successful careers in such fields as medicine, law, government, business, or journalism. 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. The department maintains a file of catalogs of major seminaries and graduate schools, and can advise students concerning preparation for graduate work in religion.

Departmental Honors

To be considered for departmental honors, students must complete six credits in REL 370 or 499 with a grade of "A" and maintain a grade point average of 3.300 in all other coursework in the department.

Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

lower–division requirements (15 credits)

upper–division requirements (15 credits)

electives (9 upper–division credits)

Emphasis in philosophy and religion

(See department of philosophy.)

Minor in 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. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper--division.

requirements (18 credits)

Recognizing that many students who are considering a career in the ministry choose to major in a field other than religion, we suggest the following courses for those who wish to gain a foundation for seminary study.

Course Descriptions – Religious Studies

REL 110 Religion and Values

A Thematic study of religious values as they come to expression particularly within the Judeo-Christian-Islamic heritage: Basic beliefs and practices, and their relevance to human problems today. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

REL 115 Living Religions of the World

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.

REL 120 Global Ethics and Religion

(Same as PHIL 120.) An introduction to ethical issues from the perspective of the world religions: What is the relationship between religion and ethics? Why do people suffer? How do the religions differ on ethics? Are there universal religious ethical values? (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

REL 125 Philosophy of Religion

(Same as PHIL 125.)

REL 199 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 200 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

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.

REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

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.

REL 202 Introduction to Islam

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.

REL 203 The Disciples of Christ: A Case Study

In the context of American society and its religious history, students explore the backgrounds, origins, religious ideas, and historical development of the Disciples of Christ. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 204 Mesopotamian Myths and Rituals

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 every year.) 3 credits.

REL 229 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 299 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 302 Practical Aspects of Ministry

Prerequisite, consent of instructor. A practical course designed to enable students to experience and discuss the ministry as a vocation. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 303 Readings in Qur'an and Hadith

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.

REL 304 The Ancient World

(Same as HIST 304.)

REL 305 Interpretation of the New Testament

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.

REL 306 The Middle Ages

(Same as HIST 306.)

REL 307 Germany and the Holocaust: From Anti–Semitism to Final Solution

(Same as HIST 307.) The Holocaust within the context of the history of World War II. The origins of the Holocaust, the implementation of the Final Solution, resistance to the Nazis, survivor experiences, and the legacy of the Holocaust will be studied. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

REL 308 God, the Good Life, and Sex

(Same as PHIL 308.)

REL 309 Religion, Knowledge, and Evil

(Same as PHIL 309.)

REL 310 From Socrates to Aquinas

(Same as PHIL 310.)

REL 311 Descartes to Kierkegaard

(Same as PHIL 311.)

REL 312 Religious Experience in Film and Fiction

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.

REL 313 Great Issues of Hebrew Scripture

This course presents studies in the great themes of the Hebrew Bible, from G-d's nature, creation, and holiness, to human freedom and will, to compelling issues of justice and war, to Scripture's vision of death and what will be in the world to come. We will address the Hebrew Bible's age–old responses to our confusions and certainties, our disappointments and triumphs. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 314 Fiction, Film and the Catholic Contemplative Tradition

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.

REL 315 Archaeology of Ancient Israel

This course explores the archaeology, history, geography, and religions of ancient Israel during the biblical period (2000 BCE -70 CE). Settlement patterns, material culture, ethnic and religious identity as well as the pivotal relationship between archaeology and the Bible will be discussed. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits

REL 316 Genesis and Gender

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.

REL 317 Interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

An intensive study of selected materials in the Hebrew scriptures: the prophets, the wisdom literature, the Deuteronomistic history, and the Pentateuch. (Offered alternate years.) 3 credits.

REL 318 The Reformation

(Same as HIST 318.) 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.

REL 319 Images of Jesus

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 spring semester.) 3 credits.

REL 320 The History of Judaism: From Biblical Origins to the Rabbinic Period

(Same as HIST 320.) This course examines Judaism from its Biblical origins through the Hellenistic/rabbinic period within the context of world history. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

REL 321 The History of Judaism: From the Medieval Period to Modernity

(Same as HIST 321.) This course examines Judaism from the Medieval Period to Modernity. Topics covered include Judaism in the Christian and Islamic Empires: mysticism and philosophy; Enlightenment and Emancipation; Jews in Western Europe and the origins of the movements of Judaism (Reform, Orthodox, Wissenschaft Judentum/Conservative); Haskalah; responses to anti–Semitism in the 19th Century; Zionism; Shoah (Holocaust); Judaism as it is practiced today. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

REL 322 Topics in Theology

This course examines major issues in modern theology, focusing on the 20th century. Students consider issues such as whether God can be understood by human reason, whether there is only one correct understanding of God, the relevance of talking about God in the modern scientific world, and how the religious person should view contrary faiths of other religions. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 325 Albert Schweitzer: His Life and Thought

(Same as PHIL/PCST 325.)

REL 329 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

REL 330 Women and Religion

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.

REL 335 Hinduism and the Religions of India

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.

REL 336 Buddhism

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.

REL 340 The Bible as Literature: The Hebrew Scriptures

(Same as ENG 340.)

REL 341 The Bible as Literature: The Christian Scriptures

(Same as ENG 341.)

REL 365 Topics in the Holocaust

(Same as HIST 365.) Students examine selected topics within the study of Holocaust history, such as the roles of doctors, theologians and religion under Hitler, the persecution of non–Jewish groups (including homosexuals and gypsies), and the experiences and choices of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

REL 365a Perpetrators, Witnesses, and Rescuers

Within the context of Nazi Germany, World War II and the Holocaust, students examine the choices that individuals faced and the decisions that defined them as perpetrators or rescuers. Includes the stories of those who survived the Holocaust to become witnesses to the truth. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.

REL 370 Research in Religion

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.

REL 375 Violence and Nonviolence in Society and Religion

(Same as PCST 375.)

REL 399 Individual Study

(Offered as needed.) 1-6 credits.

REL 490 Intern Program

(Offered as needed.) 1–6 credits.

REL 499 Individual Study

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.