Religion Degrees Online

Programme Structure

1. Common Course

2. Compulsory Courses. Each students chooses 3 courses from the following:
Foundations of early Christian tradition (Jesus and Paul),
Judaism in the Graeco-Roman world,
The archaelogy of the biblical world,
Literature and religion of ancient Israel,
Hebrew bible and its reception in the Hellenistic and Roman periods,
Hellenistic religions

3. Elective Courses. Choice out of a wide selection of thematic courses (e.g. Classics, Epigraphy, Archeology, Near Eastern cultures and languages), languages (apart from Latin, Greek and Hebrew, other Semitic languages and Coptic are offered), field work or independent literature study

4. MA thesis

Entry Requirements
In addition to the general rules set for admission to the master’s programme students are expected to possess a basic knowledge of Classical Hebrew, Koine Greek and the history and development of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Core Courses:

BTS 500: Introduction to Biblical Studies (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on foundational issues in the field of Biblical Studies. Seminar topics include inspiration, origin, authority, canonicity, transmission, and translation. Students will be exposed to the assumptions of critical scholarship related to the Bible and an evangelical response to those assumptions. Issues of special introduction to selected portions of the Old and New Testaments will be treated with particular attention to the conclusions of modern “higher criticism.”

BTS 501: Hermeneutics (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on hermeneutical theory and practice related to the Biblical text. Attention is given to the philosophical and literary foundations that describe relationship between author, text and reader; the interpretative methodologies that are applied to various Scriptural genres; and the application of interpretative theory to specific passages of Scripture.

BTS 511: Creation and Covenant (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the biblical-theological study of the Pentateuch. Emphasis will be given to the foundational themes of creation and covenant as essential to biblical theology; the exploration of critical issues of authorship and composition; the discussion of interpretive options for crucial passages; and the formative influence of creation on the current public debate on origins and age of the earth.

BTS 512: History of Covenant People (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the history of Israel from the period of the patriarchs through the Babylonian exile. Emphasis will be given to placing the history of Israel against the backdrop of the ancient Near East, from the perspective that God used the nations surrounding her to accomplish His purposes for her and orchestrated world history around her. Further attention will be given to the historical method and historiography concerning ancient Israel. The current public debate on the status and legitimacy of modern Israel will also be considered.

BTS 513: Prophecy and Prophets in Context (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the Old Testament prophetical literature with attention given to historical backgrounds and context; internal message; theological themes; and issues of criticism.

BTS 515: Worship and Wisdom (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the practical application of the worship and wisdom literature of the Old Testament and its application to the contemporary church and the sanctification of every believer. Issues like the problem of pain, the value of worship and why do the wicked prosper will all be addressed. The student will learn to seek the answers for life in the true worship of God and in the wisdom of God provided in these books.

BTS 521: Historical Background of the New Testament (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the history, literature, and culture of the Inter-testamental period through the first century A.D.

BTS 522: Life, Ministry, and Theology of Christ (2 units)
A graduate-level study of the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ, including his role as Messiah and as Son of God. Special attention will be given to the Jewish historical and cultural background of his life, to the implications of his true humanity, and to the modern alternative theories about the facts and meaning of his life.

BTS 523: Life, Ministry, and Theology of Paul (2 units)
A graduate-level seminar focusing on the writings of Paul. Attention is given to historical and cultural settings; messages, theological themes, and analysis of selected passages.

BTS 524: General Epistles and Revelation (2 units)
A graduate seminar focusing on the General Epistles and the Revelation. Emphasis will be placed on critical issues relating to authorship, acceptance into the canon, historic settings, messages, theological themes, and interpretive problems. Special emphasis will be placed on the eschatology of 2 Peter 3 and the Book of Revelation.

BTS 571: Contemporary Issues in Theology (2 units)
A culmination seminar that seeks to integrate biblical studies with Christian faith and ministry. Students will use an evangelical theological method to address contemporary trends and emphases in theology confronting the contemporary Christian church: Students will be exposed to a wide diversity of theological literature and perspectives within and beyond the evangelical spectrum.

BTS 572: Seminar in Applied Biblical Studies (2 unit)
A graduate seminar focusing on the application of biblical studies to the life of the believer. Attention will be given to the priority of Christ-likeness; the process by which this occurs in the life of the believer; and the role of discipling towards this objective. The uniqueness of the biblical process of change will addressed.

Religion Major with an emphasis in Christian Ministry (36 hours): Students must complete all the requirements for the Christian Ministry Minor, plus three additional 300 level classes, including one course from the biblical field (REL 320 through REL 339), one from the historical field (REL 340 through REL 369), and one from the theological field (REL 371 through REL 389). In addition, a non-credit senior project is also required.

REL 203 Religion, Peace, and Non-Violent Alternatives – 1 hour
In this course students use the disciplinary tools of religion to explore and meaningfully construct theories of religious approaches to non-violence in communities. Course must be taken in conjunction with SOC203. Counts toward LAP religion requirement.

REL 225 Hebrew Bible — 4 hours
A survey of the literature of the Hebrew Bible from the perspective of contemporary biblical scholarship: its genres, its sources, and its importance as reflecting the history and developing beliefs of ancient Israel. Every fall.

REL 235 New Testament — 4 hours
A survey of New Testament literature from the perspective of contemporary biblical scholarship: its genres, its sources and authors, its importance as reflecting the history and beliefs of early Christian faith. Every spring.

REL 245 Introduction to the Christian Tradition — 4 hours
An analysis of Christian faith through an historical overview of theological developments in the Christian encounter with the world, this course looks at critical “turning points” in the Christian tradition from the spread of Christianity after the 1st century destruction of the Jerusalem temple, through early debates about the nature of the trinity, the 16th century Protestant Reformations, to 20th century developments such as Vatican II and the rise of feminist theology. Every year.

REL 274 Philosophy of Religion — 4 hours (Also PHL 274)
An analysis of arguments for and against traditional Jewish or Christian beliefs, such as those relating to immortality, the existence of God, miracles, and the validity of faith; also, a consideration of non-Western religious beliefs and philosophical methods. Every year.

REL 293/393 Introduction to Judaism — 4 hours
This course explores the theological and historical development of Rabbinic Judaism from the fall of the Second Temple in 70CE to the present. Such issues as Jewish belief and ritual, mysticism, Jewish literature, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be covered. Students taking the course at the 393 level will be expected to write a research paper. Alternate years.

REL 296/396 Introduction to World Religions: The East — 4 hours
A survey of the beliefs and rituals, as well as the historical and cultural contexts, of the major religious/philosophical traditions of the East: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Reflection on how these religions differ from, or are similar to, the Judeo-Christian tradition will also be central to the course. Students taking the course at the 396 level will be expected to write a research paper. Alternate years.

REL 309 Death and Dying — 4 hours
This class uses novels, field trips, videos, interviews, and readings to survey world religious perspectives on death and dying, including aspects of care for the dying, grief and bereavement, and funeral services. Every fall.

REL 311 The Bible as Literature — 4 hours (Also ENG311).
A close reading of the major books of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament with special attention paid to both their literary qualities and theological content. Alternate years.

REL 315 Psychology of Religion — 4 hours (Also PSY 315)
A course on the exploration of the interaction of psychological dynamics and religious behavior. This includes the study of the biological foundations of religion, behavior change, religious orientation, belief systems, faith, locus of control, lifestyles and personality. Every year.

REL 325 Hebrew Prophets Then and Now — 4 hours
An examination of the message and impact of the minor and major Hebrew prophets, with particular attention paid to the socio-political issues with which they were concerned. The course concludes with a consideration of some of the men and women who have kept the Hebrew prophetic tradition alive in the 20th and 21st centuries. Suggested prerequisite: REL 225. Alternate years.

REL 335 Jesus in History and Tradition — 4 hours
A study of the figure of Jesus in the literature of the New Testament, in historical research of 1st-century Judaism and Hellenism, and in the theological and cultural traditions of Christianity. Alternate years.

REL 336 The Apostle Paul — 4 hours
A consideration of the life, conversion, mission and theology of the Apostle Paul with particular attention paid to the effect that his Epistle to the Romans had on the Fathers of the early church. Suggested prerequisite: REL 235. Alternate years.

REL 343 Islamic World — 4 hours (Also HIS 243/343)
A survey of the development of the Islamic faith, its spread to the people of the Arabian peninsula, North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, Asia, and of Islam’s subsequent relationship with the West. As permitted. Does not fulfill Religion LAP requirement.

REL 345 Women and Religion — 4 hours
Using autobiographies, films, first-hand accounts, and secondary sources by and about women, this course uses comparative sociological and historical approaches to study the many and varied roles of women in religion, including the practices, experiences, leadership, and participation of women in religion. We will consider the role of women in religion cross-culturally as well as in American culture. Alternate years.

REL 349 Apocalyptic Then and Now — 4 hours
This course uses videos, novels, biblical texts, and secondary sources to survey the themes of apocalyptic thought, from the roots of apocalypticism in classical Hebrew prophecy, through New Testament apocalypses, to medieval examples of millennialism, to contemporary understandings of the “end times.” Suggested prerequisite: REL 225 or REL 235. As permitted.

REL 354 Religion in Culture and Society — 4 hours
This course addresses the relationships between religion and society. We will examine how religion is defined across many different cultures. The course also considers the roles of myths, rituals, symbols, and religious experiences as they are expressed in different societies. What role does religion play in replicating social norms and what role does it play in bringing about social change? We will look at large scale religious belief systems such as Buddhism and Christianity as well as small-scale societies where shamans are the traditional religious leaders. We also examine the development of global movements toward secularization and fundamentalism. As permitted.

REL 357 Medieval Christianity — 4 hours (Also HIS 357)
A history of Christianity from its development during the Roman Empire to the eve of the Reformation, emphasizing spiritual, intellectual, and institutional aspects of the Christian experience in the Middle Ages. Spring, alternate years.

REL 365 Religion in America — 4 hours (Also HIS 265/365)
An historical analysis of the role played by religion in the United States, especially by the major Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish denominations and movements, as well as by Native American traditions. Alternate years.

REL 366 Religion and the “Culture Wars” — 4 hours
Using the framework of sociologist James Davison Hunter’s Culture Wars, this class seeks to understand how Christians differ on a broad range of issues, including family, education, arts, law and politics. Alternate years.

REL 368 Alternative Religions in America — 4 hours
Through films, firsthand accounts, and secondary sources, this course surveys some of America’s “alternative” versions of Christianity and other religions, including such movements as the Shakers, Mormons, and the Branch Davidians of Waco. Throughout the semester, we will consider sociological theories of New Religious Movements. Students will visit and report on local meetings of alternative religions. As permitted.

REL 375 Theology and the Arts — 4 hours (Also AHT 375)
An examination of artistic expression as a form of religious self-transcendence and the role that theology has played in this expression throughout the centuries. Particular attention will be paid to theological themes in Western art, from frescoes in the second-century catacombs to examples of the avant-garde in the twentieth century. Music and the performing arts will also be considered. Alternate years.

REL 384 Theological Seminar — 4 hours
A focused study of one aspect of biblical theology (such as the family, sacrifice, death and the afterlife), of systematic theology (such as the nature of revelation, God and angels, sin and salvation, eschatology), of historical theology (such as the thought of a major theologian), or of contemporary theology (such as the dialogue between science and religion). Prerequisite: REL 235 or REL 245. As permitted.

REL 385 Contemporary Christian Theology — 4 hours
A study of major theological movements in the 20th century, such as liberal Protestantism, neo-orthodoxy, process theology, the various liberation theologies, and their representative thinkers. Suggested prerequisite: REL 245. Alternate years.

REL 386 Christianity and Social Justice — 4 hours
A study of the use of biblical and theological arguments to construct ethical standards of personal and social behavior. Particular attention is paid to examining the Christian’s role in addressing such contemporary social problems as sexism, ecological destruction, globalization, and government sanctioned violence. Suggested prerequisite: REL 235 or REL 245. Alternate years.

REL 387 The Roman Catholic Tradition — 4 hours
An investigation of the current doctrines and practices of Roman Catholicism in the context of its theological and philosophical heritage. The course will focus on careful readings of foundational thinkers such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas in order to understand contemporary positions of the Roman Catholic Church. Alternate years.

REL 395 Native American Religious Traditions – 4 hours
This course explores the Native American religious traditions of North America, covering issues such as the definition of religion in non-Western traditions and how religion can be seen as a part of one’s identity. Comparisons are made between American Indian religions and other cultural traditions in the global context. Ethnographic descriptions focus on specific groups such as the Lakota (Sioux); the Apache; the Native American Church; and the Anishinabe (or Objiway/Chippewa) with a focus on Plains groups. Alternate years.

REL 400 Growth and Learning: Faith Development — 1 hour
Students examine concepts and issues regarding development and learning for P-12 children and youth. Instruction and related field activities assist candidates to connect concepts and theories to teaching practice. This course requires participation in field activities and helps to prepare candidates for methods courses, and Clinical and Candidate Teaching. Must be taken in conjunction with EDU 300; students taking this class will be expected to do extra work in faith development. Prerequisite: sophomore level status, ED 100/140, one 200 level Religion course, and permission of the instructor. Every year.

REL 403 Counseling Theories and Process — 1 hour
A course designed to acquaint the student with the major counseling theories, their theoretical roots and application. Emphasis is placed on the use of these strategies and techniques in the clinical setting. Taken in conjunction with PSY 333; students taking this class will be expected to do extra work in pastoral counseling. Prerequisites: One 200 level Religion course and permission of the instructor. Offered each Spring semester.

REL 405 Church Leadership: Preaching, Worship, Polity and Program — 4 hours
A study of preaching, worship, lectionary use, hymnody, polity/church government, and interpersonal and organizational skills. The polity segment will be taught ecumenically and comparatively, incorporating special projects so students can develop an understanding of their particular denomination. Prerequisites: One 200 level Religion course and permission of the instructor. Alternate years.

REL 406 Christian Education and Youth Ministry — 4 hours
An introductory course in the theologies, methods, and models of Christian Education in faith communities. Particular attention will be paid to issues of gender, race, and class in ministry to youth. Prerequisites: One 200 level Religion course and permission of the instructor. Alternate years.

REL 407 Social Justice, Mission, and Ministry — 1 hour
A reflective study of the theories and practice of social justice and mission work in the context of lay and ordained ministry. Must be taken following HUM 392. Offered every spring semester.

REL 450 Student Ministry Practicum — 3 hours
A ministry practicum in an approved church or Christian organization for 10 to 12 hours per week during the fall or spring semester, or 20 hours per week for eight weeks in the summer, preferably during the junior or senior year. Students will be required to attend a seminar every other week to discuss and reflect on their service. The practicum will focus on church leadership in pastoral ministry, Christian education, music ministry, mission, or another area of religious service. Students will receive a stipend. May not count towards a Religion Major or Religion Minor. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. Every year.

REL 480 Seminar on the Nature of Christian Ministry — 1 hour
A capstone course, to be taken in the junior or senior year, that involves written and oral reflection on the nature of Christian Ministry, as well as an assessment component to help us evaluate our overall program. Intended for students who minor in Christian Ministry. May not count towards a Religion Major or Minor. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. Every year.

Course Descriptions
RLGS 3001 Judaism
Basic concepts, documents, movements and practices of classic Judaism as manifested in literature and festivals of Jewish people from antiquity to present. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3040 Rabbinic Judaism
Survey of basic texts and methods of rabbinic Judaism. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3050 Islam
The history, development, concepts and practices of Islam in broad perspective. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3062 Israel in the Ancient World
Social, political, economic and religious history of Jews in biblical times, and their relations with contemporary states, empires and religions. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3101 Bible History and Archeology
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3114 Women in the Bible
The place of women in biblical narratives, legal position of women in Israelite society and use of feminine imagery in the Bible. 2 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3130 Prophets of Israel
Survey of development of prophecy in ancient Israel, beginning with early forms of mantic divination and continuing to classical prophecy within Israel and its role in Israelite thought. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3151 Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea Scrolls in their historical, literary, religious context in English translation, together with relevant scholarly research. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3165 Life and Teachings of Jesus
Intensive review of the Gospels in recent research and examination of current attempts to reconstruct events behind them. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3170 Life and Letters of Paul
Intensive review of Paul’s letters and an examination of modern attempts to reconstruct events and thoughts behind them, especially Paul’s understanding of the Law. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3192 Christian Classics
Reading and discussion of early and medieval books pertaining to Christian life and devotion. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3203 Christianity
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3204 Christianity in the British Isles
A study of Christianity in the British Isles—its origins, earliest forms of expression, reformation, and subsequent development—approached as a distinct chapter in the history of religion. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3212 Development of the New Testament
Using a variety of critical methods, this course explores the social, political and religious influences that shaped the New Testament as it was written, copied, edited, canonized and translated into its current forms. Students will perform a variety of exercises in class to illustrate the complicated process by which the New Testament was formed. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3300 Psychology of Religion
Beliefs, feelings, actions representing human religious response or experience; function of religion in individual life. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3302 Islamic Fundamentalism
This course examines the rise and appeal of Islamic Fundamentalism. Why and when did the fundamentalist movements begin? Why do many Muslims find the fundamentalist movements appealing? In documenting the growth and appeal of fundamentalist religious tenets among segments of the Islamic community, it becomes apparent that the fundamentalist enterprise has become or seeks to be a potent force on the geo-political stage. The course also compares and contrasts the diverse movements. It will be argued that there are more differences than similarities between the fundamentalist movements. No prior knowledge of Islam is required. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3315 Religion and Moral Psychology
Philosophical foundations and research strategies of psychological studies on moral thought, including Aristotelian, Kantian and utilitarian thought; religious dimensions of morality. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3318 Jesus on the Silver Screen
Cinematic transformations of the Jesus myth, viewed in light of historical and technical perspectives. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3350 Culture, Psyche, and Religion
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3381 Religion and Psychobiography
A variety of psychological interpretations of lives of famous religious leaders; systematic investigation of subjects’ lives through psychological analysis of their writings. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3400 Great Religious Thinkers
Inquiries into nature of religion, religious experience, language and methods of thinking. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3405 God
Exploration of the symbol and concept of God in a variety of cultural and theoretical contexts. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3460 Nietzsche and the Death of God
Exegesis of the philosophy of Nietzsche, Hegel and Heidegger in relation to “God’s death;” responses in modern philosophical and religious thought. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3465 Derrida and Postmodernism
The origin and development of “postmodernism” with special attention to the writings of the French philosopher Jacques Derrida. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3565 Religious Ethics
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3570 Religion and Morality in the American Public Square
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3604 Faith and Ethics in Religious Biography
Modes of reconciling private faith and public ethic in the thoughts and careers of selected individuals. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3641 Religion and Race in America
Explores the relationship between racism and religious activism by focusing on the biographies of activists. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3680 American Religious Experience
Explores the development of American religious pluralism with a focus on “experiential” religion. Examines how American cultural trends shape the forms of American religious identity and vice versa. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3693 Religion and the Media
Philosophical and theoretical dimensions of contemporary media, with particular attention to postmodernism and its impact on religion. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3701 Topics in Religious Studies
Selected topics covered in different quarters. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3731 Women and Religion
Specific topics and approaches vary. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3740 Bodies and Souls
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3760 Globalization and Religion: Theory and Methods
This course explores how religious movements around the world both affect, and are affected by, the process of globalization. A major segment in the course is devoted to various theories of globalization and how they account for the increasingly important role of religion. Focus is largely on the relationship between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3770 Religion and Violence
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3750 Food and Religion
Examination of the relationship between food and religion from various religious and theoretical perspectives. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3813 Ritual
Nature and function of ritual and its relationship to religion, analyzed from various scholarly perspectives. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3814 Modern Hinduism
Doctrines and practices of Hindu traditions in modern India; emphasis on contemporary ritual practice. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3816 Hinduism Through Sacred Texts
History of ancient and medieval Hindu traditions, viewed through the lens of religious texts. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3820 Buddhism
Buddhist life and thought from origins to present in India, Tibet, China and Japan. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3880 Islam in Modern Times
Islam’s encounter with the West through dialogue and confrontation; topics include fundamentalism, modernization, assimilation and isolationism. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3881 Islam in America
Traces the genesis of the Muslim presence in America, the reasons for its expansion and how extraneous factors impinge on the Muslim community here. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3885 Islamic Mysticism
The origins and development of Islamic mysticism, including asceticism and the Sufi orders. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 3887 Qur’an and Hadith
An examination of major themes of the Qur’an, the origins and development of the tafsir (commentary) and the canonization of Islamic hadith literature. Also discusses how different groups sough to impose their interpretive voices on the Qur’anic exegetical literature. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 4000 Theory & Methods in the Study of Religion
4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 4100 Hebrew Bible Backgrounds
This course is designed to train the student in the method and means of engaging in archeo-historical study of the Hebrew Bible. The content of this course focuses on ancient Israelite religion in Iron Age Palestine, particularly on emergent ideas about God (‘El) and the development and evolution of the priesthood. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 4676 Latino Religious Cultures
A survey of the freshest texts, methods and theories for the study of religiosity among Latinos in the United States. 4 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 4991 Independent Study
1–5 qtr. hrs.

RLGS 4995 Thesis Research
1–5 qtr. hrs.

Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 degree in Biblical Studies or Theology, or equivalent professional qualification or experience. Applicants must have successfully undertaken study of at least one of the biblical languages at level one or above.

Programme structure
Total credits required: 180
Compulsory modules
Research methodology 1 (15)
Research methodology 2 or a biblical language (15)
Dissertation (60)

Option modules
You will choose three option modules from a constantly changing menu. Recent modules have included:
Ecological Hermeneutics (30)
Experiencing the Divine in Ancient Israel: Ritual, Practice, and Cult (30)
Perspectives on Prophetic Texts (30)
The Social Sciences and New Testament Interpretation: Contemporary Approaches (30)
New Approaches to the Study of Paul (30)
Reading the First Letter of Peter (30)
Theology and Approaches to Biblical Interpretation (30)

Assessment
The assessment in most modules is by coursework and a 20,000-word dissertation. There are no formal examinations except in the Biblical Hebrew and New Testament Greek modules.

Entry requirements
A 2:1 Honours degree in Theology or a related arts or social science subject. Professional qualifications or experience are also considered.

Programme structure
Total credits required: 180

Compulsory modules
Ethical Theory (30)
Research methodology 1 (15)
Research methodology 2 (15)
Dissertation (60)

Option modules
You will choose two option modules from a continuely updated selection. Recent modules have included:
Theology, Ethics and Economics (30)
Greek and Roman Ethics (30)
Gender and Theology (30)
Sexuality, Marriage and the Churches (30)
Philosophical Questions about Religion (30)
Experiencing the Divine in Ancient Israel: Ritual. Practice and Cult (30)
The Social Sciences and New Testament Interpretation: Contemporary Approaches (30)
New Approaches to the Study of Paul (30)
The Rise of Christian Rome (30)
Science and Theology: Duet or Duel? (30)

The division of Ancient Civilizations and Biblical Studies offers instruction at the introductory to advanced levels in the languages, literatures, histories, cultures, and religions of the ancient Near East (Anatolia, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Jordan and Syria). The concentrator can select one of four programs in the division: Ancient Mesopotamia, Hebrew Bible/Ancient Israel, Ancient Egypt and New Testament/Early Christianity.

The course ACABS 100, Peoples of the Middle East, is a prerequisite to the ACABS concentration. The ACABS concentrator is required to complete four semesters of language. The languages for which four semesters of instruction are offered include Akkadian, Classical Hebrew, and Classical Greek (through Classical Studies). Fourth term proficiency in Classical Hebrew or Classical Greek satisfies the language requirement of the College of LS&A. In place of the four semesters of one language, the concentrator can select one of the following language options: one year of Akkadian followed by one year of Sumerian; or one year of Classical Hebrew followed by one semester of Aramaic and one semester of Ugaritic; or one year of Classical Hebrew followed by a year of Classical Greek; or one year of Middle Egyptian and a year of one of the following languages: Classical Greek, Classical Hebrew or Akkadian.

In addition to the four semesters of language, the ACABS concentrator must elect six additional courses in the languages, literatures, histories, cultures, and religions of the ancient Near East. These six divisional elective courses are to be selected from the four course levels: no more than one each at the 100 level, 200 level, and 300 level, and at least three at the 400-500 level. The concentrator must also complete two elective cognate courses outside the division of concentration Students are strongly encouraged to take ACABS 425/ AAPTIS 425/ HJCS 425: Near Eastern Studies Capstone Seminar as a cognate. The cognate courses must be approved by the concentration advisor.

Courses and Requirements

Major Prerequisites:
Religion 200, 201 or 202, and 203.

Major Co-requisites:
English 388

Major Requirements:
Twenty-seven semester hours in courses selected from groups II-V, including Religion 474, 475 and at least one course from each of those four groups, II-V. Satisfactory completion of Greek 201 and/or Philosophy 342 may each be counted as three hours toward fulfillment of the Religion major requirements.

Minor Prerequisites:
Religion 200, 201 or 202, and 203.

Minor Requirements:
Twelve semester hours in courses selected from groups II-V, including courses from at least two of the groups.

I. Introductory Courses
200. Religions of the World
An introduction to the major living religions found throughout the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

201. The Old Testament
The life and thought of ancient Israel as seen in a literary, historical, and theological analysis of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha.

202. The New Testament
The emergence of Christianity in the world as seen from an analysis of New Testament writings.

203. The Christian Faith
The major convictions of the Christian faith examined historically and in relation to their relevancy for modern life.

280. Selected Topics in Religion
Selected topics in Religion at the introductory or intermediate level.

II. The Bible
301. The Historical Jesus
An historical examination of Jesus of Nazareth, with special attention to the problems posed by the literary sources. Current historical and archaeological scholarship will be explored, in order to determine what can and cannot be affirmed about Jesus in history.

302. In Search of Paul
An investigation of Paul the apostle, including the content of his letters, the history of his life, and the normative assertions of his theology. Paul’s long-term influence on religion and culture will be evaluated.

303. The Johannine Literature
A critical study of the Gospel, the Apocalypse, and the Letters traditionally ascribed to “John” in the light of the religious, historical, and literary issues which they raise.

310. Lost Christianities
An exploration of the alternative forms of Christianity which emerged during the first several Christian centuries. Particular attention will be devoted to Gnosticism, non-orthodox scriptures, and the process by which the New Testament canon was selected.

311. Prophecy and Apocalyptic
A study of messengers from God in ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity, with particular attention to the contributions of these messengers to society, culture, ethics, and theology. The remarkable persistence of apocalyptic ideas in global culture will be a topic of special interest.

312. Israel’s Poetry and Wisdom Literature
The religious and philosophical thought of Israel’s Wisdom Movement as found in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and portions of the Apocrypha. Also, a study of the forms of Hebrew poetry analyzed with reference to the Psalter as the vehicle of ancient Israel’s devotional life in a community of worship.

315. Archaeology and the Bible
A field course in archaeological excavation of a site related to the Bible. Students will learn techniques of field excavation, archaeological interpretation, and biblical interpretation by participating in the excavation of a site from the biblical world. Summer only.

III. Theology and Ethics
322. Conceptions of Christ
Proceeding from the assumption that Christians see in Christ both a major clue to the meaning of reality as a whole and the normative embodiment of the biblical covenant between God and humankind, an investigation of historic situations in which Christology, or the Christian concept of Christ, underwent reformulation.

323. Twentieth Century Theology: 1918-1965
Beginning with the events which preceded the aftermath of the first World War, a study of the key Western theological positions that emerged during the next half-century. Attention is given to different Christian responses to the Nazi regime, particular writers’ viewpoints on the relationship between Christianity and culture, theology in the United States, and major shifts in Catholic thinking which helped lead to the Second Vatican Council.

324. Contemporary Theology: 1965-Present
An attempt to review the proliferation of theological schools of thought which have emerged in the past 40 years, focusing on black theology, feminist theology, the interaction between theology and science, the dialogue between Christianity and other religions, and liberation theology. The course also considers religious themes which are exhibited in major artistic works from this period.

325. Christian Ethics
A careful consideration of a variety of theological, philosophical, literary, and cinematic resources, providing a close analysis of the three central Christian virtues: faith, hope, and love.

326. History of Christian Theology: The Ecclesial/Political Relationship
Study of major theologians’ lectures, from the early church up to the end of the 19th century, on the appropriate or recommended relationship between the Christian community and the governmental realm. The class includes weekly analysis of major Supreme Court cases on church-state issues, and, through readings and discussion, a consideration of the nature and limits of patriotism.

327. The Writings of Soren Kierkegaard
A careful analysis of key texts by this 19th century Danish author, as well as of related artistic works (e.g., Mozart’s Don Giovanni). The course deals with topics such as the nature of love, fidelity, and commitment; various ways in which individuals seek satisfaction and happiness in their lives; and the identity and importance of Christ. Prerequisite: Introductory courses in religion and philosophy, or permission of instructor.

IV. Religious Traditions
340. Religion in America
Studies in the role played by the Judaeo-Christian tradition in the formation of American mores, thought, and culture, with due attention to the reciprocal impact of environment on faith. Prerequisite: One course in American history or permission of instructor.

355. Religion in the Middle East
An investigation of the rituals, doctrines, and histories of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), with particular focus on the contributions of these religions to the history, culture, society, and politics of the Middle East.

356. Religions of Asia
A cultural analysis (continuing Religion 355) of major Asian religions focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism, but including also Jainism, Sikhism, and modern religious movements in Asia. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

357. Buddhism
An examination of Buddhism in India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Tibet, with attention to its historical, anthropological, sociopolitical, and philosophical development and to narratives which reflect the various Buddhist traditions. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

358. Hinduism
An examination of Hindusim as a culture of great diversity and complexity.The course explores textual, narrative, historical, and anthropological information about Hinduism, as well as the different roles and practices of Hindu men and women. Prerequisite: An introductory course in Religion or permission of instructor. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.

V. Advanced Studies
425. The Problem of Evil
The course considers representations of human suffering from a variety of disciplines, including cinematic and literary. It analyzes some of the major Christian theodicies from the past 40 years, and concludes with focus on the practical issue of how to care for individuals who are dealing with pain and loss. Prerequisite: Open to seniors majoring in Religion; to others by permission of the instructor.

426. Religion and Film
This one-hour course, for graduating seniors only, will be offered each spring. The class will meet weekly to discuss films that deal with a variety of topics involving religion, ethics and values.

470. Independent Study in Religion
A course in which the student independently explores, under the guidance of a member of the department, a specific topic of interest in the academic study of religion.

474. Theories of Religion
An intensive exploration of critical theories currently employed by scholars in the academic study of religion, based upon readings of the classic works in which those theories have been expounded. Required of majors in the spring of the junior year. At the conclusion of the junior seminar, students will identify the topic for their senior directed study.

475. Junior Seminar
An extensive exploration of the critical theories currently employed in the academic study of religion, based upon readings of the classic works in which those theories were first expounded. Required of religion majors in the spring of the junior year. At the end of this seminar the student will identify the topic of the senior directed study.

480. Senior Directed Study.
A course of individualized directed study in which the student researches, writes, and presents a paper on a topic of current interest in the academic study of religion. Required of religion majors in the fall of the senior year.

Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (OT/HB) is one of the ten subject fields in the Department of Religious Studies. The program in OT/HB is designed for students who wish to prepare for teaching and research in the literature, history, and religion, of ancient Israel from its origins through the Second Temple Period. Students normally do work in all of these areas before specializing in one of them and are also expected to do a significant amount of advanced work in Biblical Hebrew and cognate languages. While students are encouraged to take advantage of Yale’s resources in other relevant fields, such as Judaic Studies, New Testament, Comparative Literature, and Anthropology, the study of the OT/HB remains the focus of the program. Students wishing to concentrate solely on the study of the Hebrew language should investigate doctoral programs in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.

These guidelines are intended to provide information concerning the program in OT/HB and to assist students in developing a suitable program of study within the field. All students must work with the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies for OT/HB (Prof. Robert Wilson) and the Director of Graduate Studies (Prof. Phyllis Granoff) in order to define their own program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the OT/HB faculty early in their academic program in order to discuss prerequisites and requirements and to design a course of study which will best prepare them for their qualifying examinations and subsequent work.

Applying to the Program
The standard procedure for applying to Yale Graduate School must be followed. Applications and information about the application process may be requested from the Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 208323 Yale Station, New Haven, CT 06520-8323 (phone: 203-432-2770; FAX: 203-432-7765). Ancient language study should be described in full on page 2 of the application form. Applicants are strongly urged to insure that recommenders have mailed their letters of recommendations by the end of December at the latest in order for them to be taken into account, since admission decisions are normally made at the beginning of February. Prospective applicants may schedule a visit to Yale by contacting the Graduate Registrar of Religious Studies at 203-432-0830. They are also invited to discuss their application by telephone with the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies for OT/HB (Prof. Wilson) at 203-432-0828. (Please note that official letters of admission are not mailed until mid-March, and that the departmental offices will not be able to provide application results by telephone in advance of that date.)

Princeton University has long been committed to the idea that religion, like politics or art, is an important sphere of life and merits systematic attention within the curriculum. The primary responsibility for instruction in this area has, for more than half a century, been entrusted to the Department of Religion, which belongs to the Division of the Humanities. Our charge is to do our best to examine religious life, the diverse forms it has taken in different cultures and historical periods, and the questions it poses for theoretical, ethical, and political reflection. As a humanities department, we appeal to the same standards of historical and philosophical scholarship found in neighboring disciplines.

The major in Religion allows concentrators the opportunity to study diverse cultures, peoples, texts and ideologies. Some examples are African-American religions, the literature of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, the Gnostic gospels, ancient Israel, modern Jewish thought , history and contemporary American religion , philosophy of religion , religious and philosophical ethics, political thought, gender and the body in American religions, and the roles of women in contemporary Muslim societies. Department requirements are designed to introduce the students to at least four major world religious traditions of the past and present and to various approaches to the study of religion. The Religion Department differs from certain other contexts in which religion is studied, such as a seminary, where fellow inquirers might have reason to take more for granted. The Religion Department does not expect students to abandon their commitments or to pretend that they don’t have any while engaging in the academic study of religion. But we do expect students to reflect on those commitments critically–to become aware of what they are, how they might influence their findings, and why others might see fit to reject them.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Department and of its faculty, whose backgrounds and research interests in the study of religion include history, anthropology, philosophy, literature, politics and ethics, means that we tend to attract majors who are a diverse group. Despite a range of interests and approaches, the Department has a strong sense of community and collegiality that is actively fostered by faculty, staff and students, both undergraduate and graduate.