Contemporary Practice in World Religions is a course introducing students to diverse religious traditions. Coursework will review various faith practices in their contemporary applications. Students will explore the academic study of religion, reviewing the theology of sacred texts, rituals and worship and experiences of major religious traditions. Lectures, site visits and prayer experiences with practicing members of various faith traditions offer an additional point of conversation and discussion of current issues between religions and culture. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342.
This course considers the origins and developments of, as well as the current theological issues concerning Christian rites and symbols. Students will engage with the shape and practice of worship and rituals as they impact human experience. Religious rites have celebrated initiation, adulthood, guilt and reconciliation, ministry and committment, sickness and death. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
This course delves into the processes of moral interpretation and moral decision making in the fast-changing contemporary world. Students will learn the foundations for a moral decision-making process and the various ways in which the moral decision-making process can be utilized. They will look critically at various church documents which speak to specific moral issues of the day, while recognizing the values inherent in competing approaches to the moral issue.
This two semester course requires the student to work closely with two religious studies professors writing a major research paper that integrates historical, practical, exegetical, and systematic theology in a paper presented in a public arena. Student will enroll for one credit in the first semester and two credits in the second semester. This course is designed for religious studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. May berepeated for credit.
Courses on topics of interest to religious studies students offered on the basis of need, interest, or timeliness. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May be repeated for credit. For specific section description, click to the Section Details in VitNet.
This course uses films (and similar media) to help participants develop an ability to recognize theological and religious themes and pratice methods for theological reflection. A variety of films will be shown, rated G-R, on themes of sacrifice, vocation, leadership, forgiveness, love, family, faith, and Catholic tradition. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
This course delves into foundational materials for developing a personal spirituality based on Christian principles for spiritual development. It will promote an understanding of the influence that spirituality, beliefs, and values have on human health and healing. The student will apply course content in developing a personal holistic approach in the care of self, patients, clients, families, and communities. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
A survey of the history of the Christian Church: its leaders, conflicts and development from the age of the Apostles to contemporary times. A study of the impact of church history for todays religious experience. Application of historical themes to the modern world. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. IFP
This class is designed to familiarize students with Christian tradition-its scripture, history, and doctrines-and its application and misapplication to the contemporary world. Banking on the adult learners experience and wisdom, students will be given additional tools to be critical thinkers about religion and religious experience in the public square. Students will have the opportunity to compare and contrast Christian thought with other monotheistic traditions, namely Islam and Judaism. Restricted to students with junior standing or higher. May not also take RLST-160 or 305. TI
This course will review the history and writings of the Old Testament and New Testament of Christian sacred scriptures. A brief overview of the history and content of each book of the Bible and a general outline of each will be presented. Major narratives in both testaments are critically analyzed as to their application to the contemporary world. Prerequisite: 160, 305, or 342. WCII, IFP