Professors Berenson, Hinlicky, McDermott, Peterson, Wisnefske, Zorn; Visiting Assistant Professors Sherwood, Valco, Valcova
The major in Christian Studies focuses on the historical development of Christian beliefs and thought up to their contemporary elaboration and transmission. Designed to prepare students for diverse futures, the major emphasizes student choice within broad areas of competency.
A major in Christian Studies requires the completion of 10 units:
Area options (six courses total):
Four courses from among the following:
Scripture: (no more than one)
RELG 201 Israelite Patriarchs, Prophets, Priests, and Princes
RELG 202 New Testament Christianities
RELG 215 Pauline Christianity
RELG 216 The Life and Teachings of Jesus
Philosophy:(no more than one)
PHIL 221 Faith and Philosophy
PHIL 251 Early Western Philosophy
PHIL 253 Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 255 Modern Western Philosophy
Ethics and History (at least two)
RELG 220 Christian Ethics
RELG 282 Augustine and His Legacy
RELG 284 Luther and His Legacy
RELG 286 The Legacy of Modern Theology
Required courses (two):
RELG 312 Topics in Biblical Studies and Early Christianity
RELG 317 Systematic Theology
RELG 330 Christian Theology and the World Religions
RELG 340 Seminar in Contemporary Christian Studies
One Senior Thesis or Honors Project:
RELG 410, 411, 412 (1/2 , 1, 1/2) Senior Thesis
RELG 495, 496, 497 (1/2, 1, 1/2) Honors Project
Electives (at least three):
RELG 102 Introduction to Christian Theology or
RELG 105 Socrates, Jesus, and the Buddha
RELG 212 Early Christian Conflicts and Community Life
RELG 212 The Reformation
RELG 214 Religion in America
RELG 225 Religious Life of Young Adults
RELG 231 Religion, Philosophy, and Science
RELG 240 Religion Interpretation in Film
RELG 246 The Holocaust
RELG 250 New Religions in America
RELG 270 Explorations in Religion and Society (when the topic has to do with Christianity)
RELG 290 Feminist Readings of the Bible
In addition, students are encouraged to take at least one course in non-Christian Religion. They are also encouraged to take at least two semesters of Greek, Latin, or German, and an appropriate concentration and/or minor (such as classics, Peace and Justice Studies, Parish Youth Leadership or Philosophy).
Minor in Christian Studies
A minor in Christian Studies requires completion of six courses:
Any four of the following:
One of RELG 201, 215 or 216
One of PHIL 221, 251, 253 or 255
RELG 220, 282, 284, or 286
Any two of RELG 312, 317, 330, or 340.
Courses in other disciplines that focus on Christian thought and history may count towards the minor with the approval of the department.
Course descriptions can be viewed under the Religious Studies major.