Religion (Undergraduate)

Religion

B.A. Degree — Religion

In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Religion must complete a concentration of 45 or more semester hours including the following:

Religious Traditions and Thought

PHIL/RELG3100 World Philosophies & Religions: Great Texts 3 s.h.
RELG4200 Senior Religion Thesis/Project 3 s.h.
Two courses from the following: 6 s.h.

And two courses from the following*: 6 s.h.

Ministry Courses

Restoration Studies**

Philosophy

Two philosophy courses, including PHIL/RELG3450 Philosophy of Religion. 6 s.h.

* Students may use RELG3530 Theology of the Community of Christ, for this requirement, but must then take a second course in Restoration scripture or history.
**Students may substitute individual studies in other religious heritages.

Religion Minor

A minor in Religion consists of 18 semester hours or more of courses in Religion, including RELG1200.

Church Leadership Minor

A minor in Church Leadership requires 21 or more semester hours to include the following:

I. CORE
Required Courses: Choose at least three. If you take all four, RELG3550 Ministries of the Church may be applied to area III, Practical Theology.: RELG1310 Introduction to Old Testament; RELG1320 Introduction to New Testament; RELG2320 Introduction to Christian Theology; RELG3550 Ministries of the Church
II. THEOLOGY & WORLD RELIGIONS
Pick one from:: PHIL/RELG3100 World Philosophies and Religion: Great Texts; RELG3340 Ecological Theology; PHIL/RELG3440 Process Philosophy and Theology; RELG3490 Christian Feminist Theologies; RELG3500 Contemporary Theology
III. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
Pick two: Either two from group A, or one from each group (not two from group B)
Group A: RELG2030 Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling; COMM/RELG3470 Preaching; PEAC**** Any Peace Studies Course
Group B: HUMN/MUSC/RELG2310 Music in the Church; RECR2330 Camp Administration and Leadership Counseling; RECR/RELG2350 Recreational Leadership in the Church
IV. COMMUNITY OF CHRIST & LDS TRADITIONS
Pick one from: (Students from other traditions may petition for alternatives to these courses.): HIST/RELG1280 History of Latter Day Saintism; RELG3430 Restoration Scriptures; RELG3530 Theology of the Community of Christ

Students may graduate with only one of the following courses of study offered in Religion: a Religion major, a Religion minor, or a Church Leadership minor. However, Religion majors may participate in the Church Leadership Program.

Courses in Religion

RELG1200 Introduction to Religion 3 s.h.
An inquiry into the fundamental issues involved in an understanding of the place and meaning of religion in human experience. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG1280 History of Latter Day Saintism (Also HIST1280) 3 s.h.
The background and rise of the movement, the migrations to the Midwest, the disruption at Nauvoo, the development of the Reorganization, and a survey of the conditions, trends, and problems in the contemporary church. Goal 2b, 2c

RELG1300 Seminar in Biblical Studies 1 s.h.
An exploration of the pastoral, theological, and personal implications of biblical studies. Focuses on the contemporary value of the Bible through various exercises which employ both scholarly methods and personal insight and experience. Designed for, but not limited to, students with interests in Christian ministry. Co-requisites: RELG1310, RELG1320, or consent of instructor. Goal 2b

RELG1310 Introduction to Old Testament 3 s.h.
A study of the community of Israel and the literature that it produced. The history, literature, and theology involved is combined into one unified approach. The course aims to discover the meaning of the Old Testament in its time and for our present day. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG1320 Introduction to New Testament 3 s.h.
A study of the early Christian community and the literature that it produced. It seeks to enable the student to discern the contemporary relevance of the New Testament faith. History, literature, and theology are unified into one approach. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2000 Individual Study Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.

RELG2030 Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling 3 s.h.
An introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of pastoral care with brief exposure to pastoral counseling. Includes an historical overview of aims and methods as well as a connection of pastoral care to the modern culture. Emphasis will be upon the practice of pastoral care. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2310 Music in the Church (Also HUMN/MUSC2310) 3 s.h.
The historical and present role of music in worship, and methods of improving music ministry in the congregation. Orientation to the philosophy, psychology and practice of church music. Hymnology, ordering worship, and practical aspects such as service playing, choir organization, and leadership. Goal 2b, 3, 10 (Goal 3A or 3C or 10 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2320 Introduction to Christian Theology 3 s.h.
An introductory overview of the contents of the Christian faith, including interpretations of the major symbols of that tradition for today. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2340 Ecological Theology 3 s.h.
An introduction to theology as it addresses and is informed by ecological concerns. How is global climate change a religious problem? What does religious faith have to do with the environment? Do religious beliefs address questions of species conservation and extinction? Students will explore beliefs regarding the natural world from the perspectives of several major world religions. (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2350 Recreational Leadership in the Church (Also RECR2350) 3 s.h.
Examines the purpose of church recreation and its contribution to Christian mission. The wide spectrum of recreational tools employed in church settings will be surveyed and appraised for their potential utilization in ministry. Goal 2b, 6

RELG2360 Religions of the World 3 s.h.
An introduction to the thought, practice, and history of the major religions of the world. Goal 2b, 7 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2400 Science and Religion (also PHIL2400) 3 s.h.
A survey of historical and contemporary relationships between science and religion (mainly in Western culture) from ancient mythology and the pre-Socratic philosophers, through medieval scholasticism, the rise of modern science and theological responses to it, and an examination of selected contemporary perspectives. Students will also examine the nature of faith and the role of faithfulness in scientific inquiry. Goal 2b, 10

RELG2490 Suffering and Meaning (also HUMN2490) 3 s.h.
The first Noble Truth of Buddhism is that all life involves suffering. Much of human life, religion, and the arts is an effort to create meaningful responses to our suffering. This course will examine some of those responses. Goal 2b, 5, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2510 Faith in a Secular Age (also HUMN2510) 3 s.h.
An exploration of the quest for spiritual meaning in the context of a “secular world.” The course focuses on contemporary challenges to the faith journey as well as new forms of faith expression in today’s theological enterprise. Goal 2b, 10 (Goal 10 Catalog 0809+)

RELG2700 Internship in Church Leadership 0-6 s.h.
An internship designed to give practical experience in a field setting where ministry is taking place in the Community of Christ or related institution, and where effective church leadership skills are being modeled. The student will play an active role in identifying potential field sponsors. (Graded on a pass/fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor's consent.

RELG2900 Topics in Religion Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.

RELG3000 Individual Study 1-3 s.h.

RELG3100 World Philosophies & Religion: Great Texts (Also PHIL3100) 3 s.h.
A reading of great texts in world philosophies and religions; E.g., The Qu'ran (Islam), The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita (Hinduism), The Dhammapada (Buddhism), The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching (Confucianism), the Bible, and other works by important religious/philosophical thinkers, old and new. Goal 2b, 5, 7 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

+ RELG3250 Ethics (Also PHIL3250) 3 s.h.
What makes an action be right or wrong? What is a good life? An examination of classical and contemporary ethical visions and their application to vital issues. Goal 2b, 4ab, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG3340 Ecological Theology 3 s.h.
An introduction to theology as it addresses and is informed by ecological concerns. How is global climate change a religious problem? What does religious faith have to do with the environment? Do religious beliefs address questions of species conservation and extinction? Students will explore beliefs regarding the natural world from the perspectives of several major world religions. (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

+ RELG3400 History of Religion in America (Also HIST3400) 3 s.h.
A survey of significant periods, prevailing motifs, pivotal figures, major thought systems, and primary movements in the American religious heritage. Goal 2b, 2c

RELG3430 Restoration Scriptures 3 s.h.
A study of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and Joseph Smith's "New Translation" of the Bible, considered in light of their historical setting, literary qualities, and theology. Goal 2b

RELG3440 Process Philosophy and Theology (Also PHIL3440) 3 s.h.
An examination of a major modern movement in Christian theology which responds to the challenges of science and human sufferings by arguing that God’s power is persuasive rather than coercive, and the supporting view of reality as a web of relationships in process. Special attention will be given to the problems of God, freedom, power, creativity and suffering, and the interpretation of process theology in terms of Christian symbols. Goal 2b, 5 (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

+ RELG3450 Philosophy of Religion (Also PHIL3450) 3 s.h.
This course is designed to investigate the nature of religious beliefs by applying the philosophical attitude to the practice of religion. The investigation will apply the principles of inquiry; clarity in the meaning of words and assumptions; consistency in statements about the subject; respect for all discoverable facts that bear upon the issues under investigation; and impartiality to interpretation of pertinent facts. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG3470 Preaching (Also COMM3470) 3 s.h.
A study of the theoretical foundations of preaching and the history of Christian homiletic practice. The principles which characterize good preaching will be identified and examined. Students will have opportunity to present sermons for practice and criticism. An analysis of pulpit literature will be made. Prerequisite: COMM1200 and RELG1310 or RELG1320. Goal 1a, 2b (Goal 1A Catalog 0809+)

RELG3490 Christian Feminist Theologies 3 s.h.
An introduction to a variety of feminist liberation theologies informed by the experience of African, African-American, Asian, Asian-American, Euro-American, and Latina women. Attention given to both the content and methodology for doing theology from a liberation perspective. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

+ RELG3500 Contemporary Theology 3 s.h.
An exploration of major issues, approaches and problems receiving special attention in theological discussion today. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

+ RELG3520 History of Christianity - The Last 1000 Years (Also HIST3520) 3 s.h.
An advanced study of the history of Christianity as it developed from the Crusades into the 20th Century. Topics will include the Crusades, the Avignon Papacy and Great Schism, the push for unity, early reform groups, the Reformation, wars of religion, religious imperialism, modern challenges to Christianity, and the Church to Vatican II. Aspects of both continuity and change within the doctrine, popular belief and structure of Christianity will be emphasized. Goal 2b, 2c, 7

RELG3530 Theology of the Community of Christ 3 s.h.
An examination of major themes and issues in Restoration thought. Particular attention will be paid to the development of theology in the Reorganization. Non-RLDS students will participate in this course by exploring how the basic issues addressed are related to their own religious communities. Goal 2b

RELG3550 Ministries of the Church 3 s.h.
An examination of the nature and purpose of the church as an important institution in society. The study of major functions such as worship, education, outreach, and administration will be included. Goal 2b (Goal 5 Catalog 0809+)

RELG3900 Topics in Religion 1-3 s.h.
Study of selected topics of interest in religion, to be announced prior to the semester when the course is offered. May be repeated for credit as topics change. Goal 2b

RELG4000 Individual Study Goal 2b 1-3 s.h.

RELG4200 Senior Religion Thesis/Project 3 s.h.
A capstone thesis or project for Religion majors in which students demonstrate the ability to conduct research in the academic field of religion, to articulate in writing their own, well reasoned position on a significant religious question, to integrate the ideas of other people into their own intellectual and spiritual journey, and, through the thesis preparation and oral presentation, engage with peers, faculty, and written texts in well reasoned dialogue which reflects an ability to treat other people and ideas with both fairness and thoughtful criticism. Prerequisite: Religion majors. Goal 2b

+Denotes an alternate year course.