Major/Minor

 

 

"Metamorphosis"
John Maakestad (1928- )
Oil Pastel, 1988
LFAC#2003:05:02

 

DEPARTMENT of RELIGION

 

Requirements for the Major
9 four-credit courses distributed as follows:
1 introductory level course from:
  101: Introduction to the Bible
  111: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
  112: Introduction to the New Testament
 
4 core courses distributed as:
  2 courses from Christian traditions:
    221: History of Christian Thought
    232: Christian Theology
    241: Christian Ethics
     
  2 courses from at least one additional religious tradition:
    261: Religions of South Asia
    262: Religions of East Asia
    354: Judaism
    356: Islam
    362: Gender & Sexuality in Asian Religions
    366: Buddhism in Japan
    438: Topics in Asian Religions
 
1 seminar: REL 485
 
3 electives from departmental offerings in religion: one elective may be from philosophy listings; one elective may be from biblical languages (Greek 201, 375; Hebrew 101, 102, 201)
 

Religion majors will fulfill general education requirements in writing, speaking, and research by completing the seminar (485).

Because ethics is an important sub-discipline in the study of religion, religion majors will engage in the study of ethical perspectives in most of their courses. Religion majors, therefore, will fulfill this general education requirement by completing the major. Students interested in a special focus on ethics are encouraged to take one or more of the following courses: Religion 241: Christian Ethics, 334: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 337: God and Gender, 341: Environmental Ethics, 442: Hate Holocaust, Hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Requirements for the Minor
5 four-credit courses distributed as follows:
1 introductory level course from:
  101: Introduction to the Bible
  111: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
  112: Introduction to the New Testament
 
2 core courses distributed as:
  1 course from Christian traditions:
    221: History of Christian Thought
    232: Christian Theology
    241: Christian Ethics
     
  1 course from an additional religious tradition:
    261: Religions of South Asia
    262: Religions of East Asia
    354: Judaism
    356: Islam
    362: Gender & Sexuality in Asian Religions
    366: Buddhism in Japan
    438: Topics in Asian Religions
 
1 seminar: REL 485
 
1 elective from departmental offerings in religion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Each student must take REL 101, 111, or 112 as a prerequisite to all other religion courses and as partial fulfillment of the general graduation requirements. These courses focus on biblical literature and should be taken in the first or second year. Students planning to major or minor in religion should consult with faculty in the department; pre-seminary students should also consult with campus pastors.

Goals of a major or minor in religion:

  1. Exposure to religion as a vital element in the lives of individuals and communities in both contemporary and historical contexts
  2. Consideration of foundational texts, important literature, and significant ideas and questions in
    the study of religions
  3. Knowledge of, and critical reflection upon, the central teachings and the historical development of Christian traditions
  4. Knowledge of, and critical reflection upon, the central teachings and the historical development of additional religious traditions
  5. Consideration of the diversity of religious traditions in the world, and the intellectual and social opportunities and challenges posed by such diversity
  6. Development and application of critical thinking and communication skills, including: the ability to analyze and synthesize ideas, to make systematic judgments, and to communicate ideas with clarity and coherence
  7. Exposure to a variety of methodologies that are valuable for studying religion
  8. Reflection on the dialogue between faith and learning, in both historical and contemporary contexts
  9. Exposure to and engagement with the serious moral challenges confronting the global community, and the variety of ways that religious traditions and individuals seek to address these challenges
  10. Reflection on personal values, vocation, responsible citizenship, and service in the world
  11. Exploration of the tensions that arise when religiously committed individuals undertake the academic study of religious thought and practice

Career possibilities for religion majors include: