Religion Degrees Online

The Theology Department offers students a faithful but critical consideration of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The program provides a forum for considering the transcendent and ultimate questions of human existence and prepares men and women for a variety of ministries within the Church. The major and minor programs both require specific liberal education courses in history and philosophy.

Philosophy Minor
The Philosophy minor program gives students an opportunity to examine the fundamental questions of human existence through courses on great philosophical thinkers and important philosophical issues. The program places special emphasis on a knowledge of the historical origins of the Western philosophical tradition and on the development of skills of philosophical analysis.

Religion courses at Smith are critical and comparative, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural. They examine the nature and function of religious phenomena in the past and present of many cultures. They provide opportunities to analyze systems of belief and patterns of religious behavior, the history of religious traditions, the functions of religion in society, and various forms of religious expression such as myth, ritual, sacred story, sacred texts, liturgy, and theological and philosophical reflection.

In the department’s view, a student’s personal religious perspective is not a consideration for entering or for successfully completing a course in the department. It is not unusual, however, for a student’s interest in religion studies to be motivated by personal, existential questions–the perennial questions of human existence. There is no better way for a person to work out her own answers than by studying the distillations of insight found in the world’s religious traditions.

Philosophy and Religious Studies are two different ways of approaching the most fundamental questions about human existence: How do we relate to the world around us? What can we be sure of? Is there some basic truth that holds all other truths together?

Philosophy has traditionally sought answers to these and other questions through the proper use of rational thought, the application of human intellect to the mysteries of the world around us. Religions have looked for the answers in human connection with the divine, the power that creates and directs the human world and interacts with human beings in community. The field of Religious Studies is concerned with all forms and manifestations of religious faith in world culture, past and present. Both Philosophy and Religious Studies give students the opportunity to examine some of the most fundamental issues in a liberal education, and so provide a basis for life-long learning.

Religion Course Descriptions

50:840:103. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS (R) (3)
A general introduction to the basic religious concerns of humanity, and the ways in which religions have developed in Eastern and Western history, giving intellectual, moral, and institutional expression to the meaning of human existence.

50:840:108. INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION AND CONTEMPORARY CULTURE (3)
A study of the ways that religion may or may not have significance for our world today, examining issues such as the meaning of religious experience, evil and goodness, the purposes of ritual, roles of religion in society and culture, the impact of science and technology on religion, and issues in ethics.

50:840:110. INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (R) (3)
Historical and literary exploration of portions of the Tanach (Old Testament) and New Testament that have had the most lasting influence on Western culture. Focus on the meaning of key terms like covenant and evil, biblical authorship, and different ways the text may be interpreted today.

50:840:211. EASTERN RELIGIONS (3)
A historical and comparative study of the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto and their expressions in the cultures of India, China, and Japan. [cross-listed with 730:???]

50:840:212 JEWS, CHRISTIANS, AND MUSLIMS (3)
The historical development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam from the earliest roots in the myths and rituals of the ancient world to their modern forms. The interaction between each tradition and the cultural context in which it emerges and develops. The popular expression of each religion’s beliefs in its holidays, rituals, and legends.

50:840:216. AFRICAN-AMERICAN RELIGION (3)
The effects of American enslavement on the religious and social institutions of the African people and the development of religious beliefs and institutions within the African-American community. The relationship between black and white religious institutions and the role of religion in the development of black political consciousness.

50:840:225. RELIGION IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA (3)
An investigation of some of the major religious issues which have emerged in recent years in American culture. Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and black representatives studied; the influence of Eastern religions and extra-denominational manifestations of religious concern examined.

50:840:230 CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS THOUGHT (3)
Major trends in current Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant theology as related to developments in modem thought. Questions of God’s existence, evil, morality, and meaning.

50:840:325. MYTH AND SYMBOL (3)
Comparative studies of the creation myths and hero myths of selected Eastern, Middle Eastern, European, Native American, and African cultures. Attention given to the religious worldview, the psychological and social implications, and the symbolic forms of expression of each. Various methodologies for the study of myth investigated.

50:840:330. WOMEN AND RELIGION (3)
An examination of the image of women and the feminine in the myths, symbols, and theology of major religious traditions. Consideration given to the status and role of women in relation to the issues of religious practice, participation in rituals, and ordination. Finally, a look at feminist options for women’s changing image and role in religion.

50:840:332 ANTI-SEMITISM AND THE HOLOCAUST (3)
An investigation into the nature and historical development of anti-Semitism in general and Nazism in particular. Examination of specific stages of Nazi genocide as well as implications for modem religion, theories of human nature, and situations we may confront in the future. Integrates material from history, psychology, ethics, theology, and literature in order to evaluate possible responses.

50:840:333 EVIL (3)
An examination of the phenomenon of evil, particularly moral evil, through close readings of ancient and modern philosophical, religious, political, and literary texts. Questions include whether humanity is vil, how evil could be explained, whether it is compatible with belief in God, and if it sheds useful lighton contemporary issues like terrorism, genocide, racism, and poverty.

50:840:334 RELIGION AND SCIENCE (3)
This course explores the historic tension between science and religion and analyzes areas of conflict and compatibility. Issues such as cosmology and creation, evolution and human nature, neurology and spirituality are discussed.

50:840:335. COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS ETHICS (3)
The value systems embodied in the major world religions examined in light of their influence on the formation of moral life. Specific contemporary issues analyzed, such as racism, sex, abortion, gender discrimination, divorce, pacifism, civil disobedience, ecological destruction, and genetic manipulation.

50:840:336 RELIGION AND FILM (3)
This course examines the use of mythical and religious images and symbols in contemporary films. The cinematic representation of issues of ultimate meaning and ethical values, spiritual quests, hopelessness and despair are analyzed.

50:840:337. RELIGION AND PSYCHOLOGY (3)
Survey of different approaches to the psychological interpretation of religious phenomena, such as images of God, myths and legends, rituals, mysticism, faith healing, meditation, and conversion experiences. The works of Freud, Jung, and others considered.

50:840:340. FAMILY ETHICS (3)
An examination of the complex issues facing families in today’s world. Such issues include home versus work life, divorce, gay and lesbian marriage, marriage’s changing meaning, domestic violence, and raising children. Approaches are ethical, religious, historical, legal, psychological, and sociological.

50:840:349. BIOMEDICAL ETHICS (3)
An examination of ethical theories and their application to such issues as abortion, cloning, physician-patient relations, genetic manipulation, and health-care justice. [cross-listed with 730:349]

50:840:373. CONTEMPORARY JUDAISM (3)
A study of the development of Judaism in America and an analysis of the major religious issues of modem Judaism as expressed by major Jewish thinkers. Topics include contemporary attitudes toward God and Torah, Israel and Zionism, the Holocaust and the death of God, the dialogue of Judaism and Christianity, the challenge of secularism, and the Jew in modem literature.

50:840:389,390. INDEPENDENT STUDY (3,3
Advanced students pursue a research topic under the direction of a faculty member, culminating in a paper.

50:840:393. SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGION (3)

The underlying rationale for each joint honours programme is that the key elements of the war studies curriculum (and the modules which reflect them) can be augmented and reinforced by the study of other subject areas and disciplines, given the way in which war touches every aspect of human existence.

A joint honours degree is comprised of a total 360 credits studied over three years. Usually students complete half of their modules in the Department of War Studies and half in the Theology & Religious Studies Department. Joint honours students must choose their modules for each year with the guidance of their personal tutor, taking into account timetabling factors for each department (eg avoiding clashes in timetables) and the requirements of each programme.

In War Studies, it is compulsory to take the courses in ‘The Art of War Studies’ and ‘Contemporary Security Issues’ in year one, and the ‘Intelligence in War Studies’ module in year two, unless equivalent modules are taken in the other department. The final year dissertation is compulsory, but may be written with either department. The remainder of the modules may be chosen from the core or optional modules offered within that programme by each department.

The War Studies elements provide students with a sophisticated understanding of war, both as a subject worthy of study and as an intellectual preparation for the widest possible range of career choices. These skills include the ability to handle a wide range of evidence, analyse complex issues and present conclusions in a clear and effective manner.

The Theology and Religious Studies elements of the programme consider doctrinal, cultural and historical aspects of the Christian, Islamic and Jewish traditions. Options are also available in the Philosophy of Religion, the Anthropology of Religion and the Sociology of Religion.

The discipline of religion investigates the religious dimension of human existence throughout history and across cultures. Courses in religion acquaint students with the world’s major religious traditions, texts, and figures. Students learn the many ways of studying religion and engage in critical discussion of diverse themes and issues. The small size of the religion program permits personal attention. The major in religion offers a high degree of flexibility, and individual interests are encouraged. A degree in religion equips students with the tools of a liberal education necessary for many careers. Religion graduates enter the world beyond college with a broad cultural awareness and an ability to engage in dialogue discerningly. They are trained to conduct research, to think critically, and to write and express ideas persuasively. Religion majors have pursued careers in such fields as public relations, journalism, teaching, library science, service organizations, business, and the arts. The B.A. in religion also prepares students for graduate school or seminary study in religion, as well as for graduate study in other fields such as law and social work.

Honors are awarded in religion on the basis of excellence in religion major course work and in writing a senior thesis in Religion 401 – Guided Research. Internships are available to qualified students. Various courses in other disciplines are accepted towards the religion major which allows students to have an interdisciplinary approach in the formation of their major. Various religion offerings also complement work in American studies, anthropology, classics, drama, English, history, international affairs, philosophy, and psychology, among other disciplines.

The Religious Studies department focuses on the role which religion has played and continues to play in the life of the individual and society. Religion addresses itself to fundamental questions relating to the meaning of human existence. Religious answers to these questions reflect the encounter between human beings and the transcendent. The courses which the department offers examine the relationship among religion, the individual, and society, recognizing that the answers provided by religions are both shaped by and shape the society of which they are a part. The department offers a wide range of courses dealing with both Western and Eastern religious traditions and cultures. Contemporary life issues are also examined in various courses in connection with religions and students are encouraged to become familiar with the primary texts (in translation) of various religions.

The department’s courses are intended for a broad range of undergraduate students who may complete a major, advanced major, or honours in religious studies. Students in other disciplines can expect their appreciation of these disciplines to be enriched through a study of religion. Courses will be of interest both to students who are associated with a particular religious tradition as well as to students who have no formal religious affiliation.

The curriculum aims at deepening the insights obtained during the bachelor’s programme, with the focus on an interdisciplinary study of the Christian traditions in the context of a multicultural and multi-religious society and world. The programme aims to prepare the student for independent research in theology and religious studies and equip him/her with the tools to act as an expert in both church and society. This programme places additional emphasis on the international character of theological research and on the international context of religion and theology through familiarisation with the diverse cultural backgrounds of fellow students.

At the end of the programme the participants should have acquired the following abilities:
- the capacity to evaluate the primary themes of the various approaches to theology and religious studies;
- more profound knowledge of the contents and methods of theology and religious studies;
- knowledge of problems and insights of the various distinct theological disciplines;
- insight into the relationship between religious studies and the social context;
- the capacity to assimilate the study material independently and to propose creative solutions to problems raised by theology;
- the capacity to employ theoretical insights in a practical manner in education and in the public forum;
- knowledge of and insight into questions concerning the meaning of human existence;
- the capacity to write independently an academically sound paper on a topic related to theology or religious studies.

Religion is an integral dimension of human existence and touches some of people’s strongest emotions. It appeals to people’s higher selves; it also is the cause of wars and oppression. It is expressed in art, literature, music, thought, emotion, text, ritual, drama, and dance. Students enjoy learning about cultures and religions that are different from their own and understanding more about their own beliefs at the same time.

Why Study Religion at Iowa?
This undergraduate major introduces a variety of religious traditions both past and present, East and West. It encourages comparative study and critical thought. It does not seek to impose religious beliefs on students but intends to provide an understanding of the ultimate values of people who differ from us, whoever we are.

The study of religion is a study of diversity of thought. Iowa’s students are diverse in national origin and religious and moral beliefs. Religious studies classes include people with widely varying backgrounds and convictions, leading to interesting discussions. Learning to understand diversity is vital in a global economy.

Each year, thousands of Iowa students enroll in courses in the department. Courses such as Judeo-Christian Tradition, Introduction to Islam, Religion and Society, Introduction to Buddhism, and Quest for Human Destiny are popular every semester. Some courses fulfill requirements of the General Education Program. After taking a course to fulfill a General Education requirement, many students choose religious studies as their major. Other students decide to add it as a second major or a minor.

The discipline of religion investigates the religious dimension of human existence throughout history and across cultures. Courses in religion acquaint students with the world’s major religious traditions, texts, and figures. Students learn the many ways of studying religion and engage in critical discussion of diverse themes and issues. The small size of the religion program permits personal attention. The major in religion offers a high degree of flexibility, and individual interests are encouraged. A degree in religion equips students with the tools of a liberal education necessary for many careers. Religion graduates enter the world beyond college with a broad cultural awareness and an ability to engage in dialogue discerningly. They are trained to conduct research, to think critically, and to write and express ideas persuasively. Religion majors have pursued careers in such fields as public relations, journalism, teaching, library science, service organizations, business, and the arts. The B.A. in religion also prepares students for graduate school or seminary study in religion, as well as for graduate study in other fields such as law and social work.

Honors are awarded in religion on the basis of excellence in religion major course work and in writing a senior thesis in Religion 401 – Guided Research. Internships are available to qualified students. Various courses in other disciplines are accepted towards the religion major which allows students to have an interdisciplinary approach in the formation of their major. Various religion offerings also complement work in American studies, anthropology, classics, drama, English, history, international affairs, philosophy, and psychology, among other disciplines.