THEOLOGYProfessors Hinlicky, McDermott, Wisnefske, Zorn; Associate Professors Maclean; Lecturers Baas, Benne, Brumberg, Delaney, Gunsten, Henrickson, Kelly, Lee The Theology major focuses on the Christian tradition, its history, the development of its thought, and its transmission. It is designed to prepare students for seminary, graduate studies, and other church vocations. A major in Theology requires the completion of 12 units (at least one of which must be non-Christian*) These include: Surveys (none required, and only one may count toward the major)
Scripture (at least two)
History (at least two)
Theology (at least two)
Advanced (at least two)
Philosophy (at least two)
Senior Thesis (one unit)
POLI 342, 343, SOCI 327, or some IL courses may be considered electives with approval of the department. Minor in Theology A minor in Theology requires the completion of seven units. These include: Surveys (none required, and only one may count toward the minor) RELG 102, 105, 130; PHIL 101, 251, 252 Scripture (at least one) RELG 111, 112, 215, 216, 217 History and Theology (at least two) RELG 210, 211, 212, 214, 220, 230, 246, 250, 270, 280 Advanced (at least one) RELG 312, 317, 320, 330 Other units from among those listed above (with no more than one survey course) to meet the seven units required for the minor. POLI 342, SOCI 327 and some IL courses may be considered electives with the approval of the Department. CONCENTRATION IN PARISH YOUTH LEADERSHIP The concentration in Parish Youth Leadership requires seven units:
102 Christian Faith and Life An examination of the basis tenets of Christian belief, its moral teachings,
and way of life. (1) 103 The Jewish Tradition An overview of the history of Judaism, its teachings, and its traditions.
(1) 104 The World of Islam An introduction to the Qur’an, the Muslim faith, and the fabric
of Islamic societies, starting with the life of Muhammad.(1) 105 Socrates, Jesus, and the Buddha A survey of the main figures in the religious and philosophical traditions
of the Western world, as well as major figures in Eastern religion and
philosophy. (1) 111 Hebrew Scriptures An historical and critical study of the Pentateuch, Prophets, and Writings
in the Hebrew Scriptures. Particular attention will be given to various
ways of interpreting these texts. (1) 112 New Testament This course studies the early Christian communities: their literature,
their history, their social context, and especially the life choices
made by members of those communities. (1) 130 Living Religions of the World The major living religions of the world; their sources, nature, and
attempt to deal with certain human problems. (1) 210 The Development of Christianity The development of Christianity from the first century A.D. through
the 15th century A.D. (Religion 210 and History 231 may not both be taken
for credit.) (1) 211 Religions of the Hellenistic World An examination of the diversity of religions in the Greco- Roman world
following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The course will examine
individual, familial, and civic religious expression as well as the rise
of the mystery religions and the new communities of Judaism, Christianity,
and Gnosticism. (1) 212 The Reformation The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and the Roman Catholic
reaction. (Religion 212 and History 231 may not both be taken for credit.)
(1) 213 Religions and Philosophies of India An interdisciplinary examination of the philosophical and religious
traditions of South Asia. Topics include the central ideas and practices
of these traditions, their historical development, their styles of reasoning,
and the relationship between religion and philosophy. (1) 214 Religion in America An investigation and examination of the distinctive beliefs and practices
of mainstream religious groups and their influence upon the development
of America. (1) 215 The Life and Teachings of Jesus Examination of the life and teachings of Jesus in the light of recent
Biblical scholarship. (1) 216 The Life and Teachings of Paul The life and teachings of the Apostle Paul in the light of his writings
and other sources with particular reference to his influence on the early
church. (1) 217 Topics in Israelite and Early Jewish Religion An examination of a major subfield within the Hebrew scriptures and
early Judaism. Designed to provide students with the opportunity to study
a single aspect of Israelite or Jewish religion. (1) 218 Religions and Philosophies of China An interdisciplinary examination of the philosophical and religious
traditions of East Asia. Topics include the central ideas and practices
of these traditions, their historical development, their styles of reasoning,
and the relationship between religion and philosophy. (1) 220 Christian Ethics An examination of Christian moral values and their relation to the issues
of contemporary personal and social life. (1) 225 The Religious Life of Young Adults An introduction to the faith development of young adults and their psychological
and social characteristics. This course will identify and foster communication
skills for effectively communicating with adolescents. The role of adult
leadership in youth groups will be examined. Finally, the course will
consider resources for developing and implementing youth ministry programs
in congregations. (1) 230 Introduction to the Theology of Martin Luther A critical reading of the major theological texts of Martin Luther,
considering historical context and the texts’ significance for church
and society. (1) 240 Religious Interpretation of Films This course aims at probing the meaning of contemporary films from several
perspectives-social, political, artistic-but especially from a theological
point of view. (1) 246 The Holocaust An historical account and a religious analysis of the Holocaust, including
an examination of theological reactions to this event. (1) 250 New Religions in America A study of non-traditional religious communities in America, such as
the Mormons, New Age, Scientology, and Branch Davidians. (1) 270 Explorations in Religion and Society A study of the interaction between religion and society in a selected
country or region. (1) 280 History of Christian Thought An intellectual encounter with classic Christian thinkers, a study of
the development of Christian doctrine, and a reflection on the state
of the Christian intellectual tradition today. (1) 312 Topics in Biblical Studies and Early Christianity An examination of issues of current significance to the study of the
Hebrew scriptures, the New Testament or early Christianity. Topics for
any given semester will be chosen by the professor in consultation with
students interested in taking the course. (1) 317 Systematic Theology A study of the interrelationships between the main Christian articles
of faith in the thought of major 19th and 20th century theologians. (1) 320 The Theology of Jonathan Edwards An exploration of the religious thought of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758),
one of the most influential theologians in North America. (1) 330 Christian Theology and the World Religions An examination of religious pluralism, with special attention to three
problems: the truth status of competing religious claims, salvation of
religious others, and whether God has been revealed in other religions.
(1) 405, 406, 407 Independent Study and Research Selected topics in religion carried out under the supervision of the department staff. (1/2, 1, 1/2) 410, 411, 412 Senior Thesis At the end of the junior year every major will register with a member
of the department to study and write a major paper in the final year.
Guidelines, requirements and dates are explained in "The Senior
Thesis." (1/2, 1, 1/2) 416, 417 Internship A supervised placement in a local church, clinical setting, or social
service agency, in which the student would be required to make a practical
application of theological and ethical insights. (1, 1) 495, 496, 497 Honors Project A program of independent study culminating in a paper. |
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