Religion Degrees Online

The religion major has two tracks: a religion track and a religion/philosophy track. The major is intended to give students a broad introduction to the theological enterprise, to relate that enterprise to the students� total educational experience, and to respond creatively to the world in which they live in terms of their religious and theological heritage. It aims to broaden students� moral responsibility, to develop their thinking, speaking, and writing skills while encouraging them to consider faith and ethical commitments as preparation for a life of responsible service in church and society.

The religion track is designed to acquaint students with the discipline of theology in both its historic and contemporary expressions and to see the connection between theology and various religious and philosophical traditions. The religion/philosophy track is designed to explore how the methods and concepts of philosophy can assist us in the examination and clarification of theological ideas.

Courses are offered in the areas of Tradition and Culture, Text and Context, Contemporary Issues, Seminar and Thesis; Topics courses, Internships, and Independent Studies are also available. Students may choose a religion major as a viable liberal arts major which encourages students to think more clearly, critically, and comprehensively about questions that matter. It is also a major that may be chosen as preparation for seminary and graduate study and church-oriented vocations.

Religion Track: 33 credit hours, 30 credit hours within the Religion Department offerings, including: Religion 110; Reli 261; one course from Tradition and Culture; one course from Text and Context; one course from Contemporary Issues; one additional course from either Tradition and Culture, Text and Context or Contemporary Issues; four courses from the Seminar and Thesis Courses. History 324 (The Reformation) is required as a supportive course.

Religion/Philosophy Track: 30 credit hours within the Religion and Philosophy Department offerings, including: Phil 110; Reli/Phil 200; Reli/Phil 24; Phil 220 and Phil 230; Reli/Phil 400; four courses to be selected (in consultation with the student’s advisor) from Reli/Phil 210, Reli 211, Reli 216, Reli 219, Reli 229, Reli 232, Reli 235, Reli 236, Reli 237, Reli/Phil 242, Reli/Phil 243, Religion 244, Phil 300, Reli/Phil 305, Reli/Phil 310, Religion 332, Phil 332.

Religion Minor: 18 credit hours within the department offerings, including Religion 110; Religion 261; one course from Tradition and Culture; one course from Text and Context; one course from Contemporary Issues; Religion 300.

What does it mean to be, or not to be? What makes life worth living? What values have stood the test of time? By studying the classics of various religious and philosophical traditions, Religious Studies students learn to think and question in ways that foster inner peace and contentment.

Marylhurst University provides an academic framework for religious insights and questions, examined in an atmosphere of acceptance. The bachelor’s degree program is designed to help students find meaning in life and service, now and in the future, as they seek personal enrichment and professional growth.

The Marylhurst Experience
Marylhurst’s interdisciplinary approach provides students with a solid background in ethical, philosophical and religious studies encompassed in a broader liberal arts education.

The program’s flexibility – 27 of the major’s 61 credits are electives – allow students to design a curriculum to meet personal goals. The Religious Studies department chair advises each student in choosing a minor, or coursework, in other academic disciplines to prepare for a chosen career.

Students combine life experience with classroom learning in lectures, readings and conferences, small group discussion, reflective writing, artistic expression, guided imagery, pastoral practice, spiritual guidance, internships, research papers and special projects.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
Comprehend the cultural foundations, literary expressions and ethical teachings of religious or philosophical systems;
Identify personal, individual spirituality in relation to historical spiritual traditions; and
Apply spiritual and philosophical values and knowledge to personal, social, political, international, economic or interfaith situations.

Consistent with ULV’s church-related origins and values orientation, the Religion/Philosophy Department offers bachelor of arts degrees in

Religion, Philosophy, and Religion/Philosophy. A minor is also available in Religion or Philosophy. Religion courses offer the opportunity to explore religion and religious values in a critical, Christian context. Philosophy courses challenge students to look seriously at the philosophical traditions which have helped to shape our world views. In all courses emphasis is upon clear thinking and evaluation of a broad range of views with the goal of refining one’s own perspectives.

Off-campus religion programs are also offered to enable students in African-American and Latino communities of Los Angeles to pursue degrees in Religion and Philosophy. These courses are offered in Pasadena and central Los Angeles in the evenings and on Saturdays.

Curriculum
Foundation Requirements

A total of 12 units of undergraduate study are required in these three areas of theology as prerequisites to the graduate courses:

Biblical/Early Christian Studies
Systematic/Historical Theology
Moral Theology/Christian Ethics

Those who lack undergraduate credit in these areas may receive conditional admission to the graduate program. The Foundation Requirements may then be fulfilled with completion of reading lists and passage of qualifying examinations in these three areas prior to the start of the first semester of graduate studies.

Required Graduate Courses
Biblical Interpretation
A critical mastering of exegesis and its application to Hebrew and Christian scriptures.

Theology and Ministry
Methods and practice of theological reflection, culminating in the student’s formulation of her or his own theological method.

Moral Theology
Catholic Christian approaches to contemporary moral concerns such as life-respect, medical ethics, religious dissent, social justice and liberation theology.

Historical Theology
Examination of the historical and contemporary understandings of Christological doctrine and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Church, Sacraments and Liturgy
Fundamentals of post-Vatican II Catholic life and worship: Christian worship, the nature of communal prayer and the Sacraments as historical and contemporary rituals of worship and celebration.

Spirituality
The study of various schools of spirituality, as well as prominent figures in spirituality and their major writings.

Religions in Dialogue
An in-depth comparative study of the dynamics and characteristics of different faith and philosophical traditions, in particular non-Judeo-Christian and non-European traditions.

Elective Courses
Elective course offerings are determined by the specific interests and needs of each cohort and/or the individual student. Recent elective courses have covered a range of topics, including Perspectives on Pastoral Ministry, Church History, Christian Community, Hebrew Prophets and The Letters of Paul. Students may also arrange with a faculty member for a directed study in a particular area of interest.

Comprehensive Seminar
The program culminates in a Comprehensive Seminar, where students interrelate the academic disciplines and theological subjects examined in the course of the program. The prerequisite for this final seminar is prior completion of 28 graduate units. The objective of the seminar is to synthesize the graduate coursework completed by the student and to apply this synthesis to the student’s area of emphasis.

Seminar Paper
The student demonstrates her or his skill in theological analysis and synthesis through critical analysis of a selected theological theme or issue. The results of this investigation are presented in a final seminar paper - a written project that discusses the student’s theology and its practical application to the student’s area of ministry or academic interest. The student consults with the instructor in the choice of a topic. The final manuscript may serve as a basis for further research and/or for publication.

Religion

RELIGION 102 A: CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE
Professor McDermott
Block 7A (MW 2:20-3:50)
This is an introduction to Christianity-not only its beliefs but also its practices and institutions. It will use its founding documents (the Old and New Testament Scriptures), explore its early history, and investigate contemporary concerns. Midterm, final and field visit/paper.

RELIGION 105 A: SOCRATES, JESUS, & THE BUDDHA
Professor Zorn
Block 5 (MWF 1:10-2:20)
This course is designed to introduce students to the central ideas, texts, and methods in Philosophy and Religion.We will explore fundamental questions about human nature, our place in the universe, and the best way to live as these issues have been addressed by the main figures in the religious and philosophical traditions of the Western and Eastern worlds.All members of the department will contribute lectures.CROSS-LISTED WITH PHILOSOPHY 105 A.

RELIGION 130 A:LIVING RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Professor Larson-Harris
Block 12 (TTh 2:40-4:20)
This course will examine the major religious traditions of both East and West.We will engage these religions in both their original forms and their modern practices, in addition to studying the lives of individuals who have shaped these traditions.The course will pay attention to the foundational texts of major world religion as well as their historical development, forms of spirituality, and articulation in theological systems.

RELIGION 201 A:ISRAELITE PATRIARCHS, PROPHETS, PRINCES, AND PRIESTS
Professor Berenson
(Formerly Religion 111: Hebrew Scriptures)
Block 3 (MWF 10:50-11:50)
In this course we will explore the history, religion, and literature of Israelite society from its origins up to the 2ndcentury B.C.E. We will examine representative and interesting texts from various portions of the Hebrew Scriptures. Our primary focus will be on interpreting these texts from a modern scholarly viewpoint in order to understand the development of Israelite society, worship, and their beliefs about God and about their relationship with him. However, central to this course is the recognition that one may interpret the Bible from a number of viewpoints and that the assumptions one brings to the text, along with the questions one asks of the text, determine greatly what one says about a text and its significance. In order to demonstrate this principle and offer alternative ways of reading the Bible, this course will contain a series of workshops called The Synagogue Project through which we will investigate the methods and goals of ancient biblical interpreters.

RELIGION 213 A: RELIGIONS AND PHILOSOPHIES OF INDIA
Professor Kelly
Block 4 (MWF 12:00-1:00)
This course will examine the movement of the religions and philosophies of India from the early Vedic Period to the Modern Period. Topics will include the Vedas, Brahmanism, the Upanishads, Buddhism, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Six Orthodox Philosophies (darsana), and Tantra. Course material will include readings from both primary and secondary literature. Religious experience and its philosophic elaboration will be emphasized. The themes of sacrifice (yajna), mantra, practice (sadhana), yoga, dharma, and karma will be discussed as essential ingredients of Indian spirituality and culture. CROSS-LISTED WITH PHILOSOPHY 213 A.

RELIGION 261 A: HISTORY OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY I: 325-1500
Professor McDermott
Block 8 (MW 4:00-5:30)
This is a survey of “world” Christianity from Nicaea and Constantine to the dawn of the Reformation. It highlights the expansion of the church outside Europe and North America.

RELIGION 270 B: EXPLORATIONS: CHRISTIAN SEXUAL ETHICS
Professor Benne
Block 10 (TTh 10:10-11:40)
This course aims at understanding and engaging normative Christian sexual ethics. It will examine historical and contemporary accounts of how Christians should lead lives in the areas of sex and marriage.

RELIGION 270 C: EXPLORATIONS:WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY AND CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Professors Henold and W. Larson-Harris
Block 10 (TTh 10:10-11:40)
This is a collaborative course taught by Wendy Larson-Harris from English and Mary Henold from History.The course will examine the experience and contributions of women as participants in the practice of Christianity with special emphasis on the Middle Ages and 20th Century.
CROSS-LISTED WITH ENGLISH 220 B AND HISTORY 290 B.

RELIGION 325 A: MODERN THEOLOGY
Professor Wisnefske
Block 11 (TTh 1:10-2:40)
The course will study major texts which shaped and influenced Christian theology in the Modern period, roughly 1650-1950.The course could be organized around key themes (such as the influence of scientific reasoning and discoveries on Christian thought, the problem of evil, etc.), major thinkers (Kant, Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard, Bultmann, Barth, Niebuhr, etc.), or central texts (Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone, On Religion, The Essence of Christianity, Commentary on Romans, Kerygma and Myth, The Nature and Destiny of Man, etc.).

GREEK 101 A: ELEMENTARY ANCIENT GREEK I
Professor Berenson
Block 2 (MWF 9:40-10:40)
A study of the fundamentals of ancient Greek with emphasis on grammar, syntax, and vocabulary building.This course will prepare students to read both Early Christian texts (New Testament, Apostolic Fathers, Justin Martyr, etc.) as well as Classical and Hellenistic Greek authors/texts (Plato, Herodotus, Josephus, etc.).Additional readings (in English) of the dialogue On Heroes will provide students with a broad introduction to the religion and culture of ancient Greece.
Philosophy

PHILOSOPHY 105 A: SOCRATES, JESUS, & THE BUDDHA
Professor Zorn
Block 5 (MWF 1:10-2:10)
This course is designed to introduce students to the central ideas, texts, and methods in Philosophy and Religion. We will explore fundamental questions about human nature, our place in the universe, and the best way to live as these issues have been addressed by the main figures in the religious and philosophical traditions of the Western and Eastern worlds. All members of the department will contribute lectures. CROSS-LISTED WITH RELIGION 105 A.

PHILOSOPHY 205 A: MORAL PHILOSOPHY
Professor Vilhauer
Block 11 (TTh 1:10-2:40)
An introduction to the most influential ethical thinkers of Western philosophy. The course follows the search for a common ethical standard from its beginnings in Ancient Greece with Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, to the modern period of Hume, Kant, and Mill, and finally into the overarching critique of this long tradition and attempt to rethink ethics with Friedrich Nietzsche. An excellent companion course to PHIL 206: Social Philosophy.

PHILOSOPHY 213 A: RELIGIONS AND PHILOSOPHIES OF INDIA
Professor Kelly
Block 4 (MWF 12:00-1:00)
This course will examine the movement of the religions and philosophies of India from the early Vedic Period to the Modern Period. Topics will include the Vedas, Brahmanism, the Upanishads, Buddhism, the Bhagavad-Gītā, the Six Orthodox Philosophies (darśana), and Tantra. Course material will include readings from both primary and secondary literature. Religious experience and its philosophic elaboration will be emphasized. The themes of sacrifice (yajňa), mantra, practice (sādhana), yoga, dharma, and karma will be discussed as essential ingredients of Indian spirituality and culture. CROSS-LISTED WITH RELIGION 213 A.

PHILOSOPHY 265 A: AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY
Professor Hinlicky
Block 12 (TTh 2:50-4:20)
From its origins in the transition from Puritanism to a secular Republic, American philosophy has been informed by contending traditions of religion and democracy riven by slavery, racism and the catastrophe of civil war. In the modern period this contention was complicated by the rise of evolutionary science. “Pragmatism,” aka “anti-foundationalism,” is the claim that ideas are not representations mirroring a so-called ‘real world’ but tools for coping in a world that is in constant flux. This stance emerged from earlier American forms of Calvinism and draughts of 19TH century German idealism to argue that, whether or not the world is the result of an idea (i.e., God), our ideas of it are at best probable and more often little more than socially interested responses to the ideas of other human beings. The need to act puts even the best-informed person in a position of faith or opinion rather than certitude as also in an ethical position of social responsibility. In this course we will examine representative texts from important chapters in this history of thought. Major texts from the past will include William James’ Varieties of Religious Experience and Josiah Royce’s response to it, The Problem of Christianity, John Dewey’s humanist manifesto, Experience and Nature and Reinhold Niebuhr’s Protestant rejoinder, The Nature and Destiny of Man, Richard Rorty’s critique of the foundationalism of the Analytic tradition, Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature and Alisdair MacIntyre’s “traditionalist” rejoinder, Whose Justice? Which Rationality?

PHILOSOPHY 340 A: TOPICS IN CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN PHILOSOPHY: HERMENEUTICS
Professor Vilhauer
Block 7A (MW 2:20-3:50)
An introduction to the philosophy of interpretation, or “Hermeneutics.” By focusing on the work of Hans-Georg Gadamer, father of contemporary hermeneutics, we will strive to grasp how understanding is fundamentally an interpretive process — whether we are aiming to understand an artwork, a text, historical tradition, or the spoken articulation of others in dialogue. Our guiding questions will include the following: What makes interpretation possible? What role do prejudices play in interpretation? What causes interpretation to be more or less “correct”? Is “objectivity” possible in interpretation? What ethical commitments must we make in our efforts to understand the meaning of others? Does interpretation always take place in language? These questions will lead us to even more fundamental philosophical questions about the character of human existence, such as whether or not we can understand ourselves as primordially interpretive beings.

In keeping with Georgetown College’s traditions, the religion department emphasizes the study of the Bible, but also offers courses in Christian history and theology, Christian ministry, and non-Western religious and philosophical traditions.

General education courses introduce all students to the biblical texts and to methods of study that illuminate the texts.

Majors and minors have the opportunity to extend their exposure to Christian and other religious scholarship and to gain experience in ministry through optional supervised practicum.

Philosophy is arguably the original academic discipline, whereas the discipline of Religious Studies is one of the time honored components of the modern liberal arts currciulum. At Mars Hill College, the study of both Religion and Philosophy contributes in a vital way to the college’s mission to be “an academic community, rooted in the Christian Faith, and grounded in a rigorous study of the liberal arts.”

Our majors and minors seek personal and intellectual growth through in-depth critical study of the world’s major religious and philosophical traditions.

We offer many different courses, both general surveys and intensive seminars. Topics covered include specific religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.), theological and philosophical subjects (e.g. Modern Philosophy, Business Ethics, etc.), Biblical studies, History and Theology of Christianity, and more.

The Religion major can help students prepare for many different career options. Some Religion majors go on to seminary or to graduate programs in religion. Other graduates have pursued work in a wide variety of fields, including journalism, social services, public health, business, church, recreation, and the list goes on.

The religion minor can support many other different majors at Mars Hill College.

Our students are encouraged to pursue studies across the disciplines. The structure of our major’s requirements allow for students to add second majors or minors in other fields with ease.

Most of our courses are also open to non majors. We encourage all students to explore the fascinating world of Religion and Philosophy, the scene of humanity’s search for meaning, purpose, and understanding in life.

The academic study of religion is a scholarly discipline involving historical, critical, analytic, and constructive methodologies to understand religious phenomena — for example, texts, beliefs, doctrines, practices, and world views. It provides excellent background and thinking skills for various academic pursuits, career goals, and community leadership.

The study of religion is intellectually exciting because it focuses on the deepest questions human beings can ask. It explores the boundary questions of life and death, of love and hate that characterize the human condition. Religion assumes a central place in the lives of virtually all cultures and civilizations and is a necessity in understanding our own world and many of the tensions within it.

At Manchester a student may study religion to probe more deeply personal matters of faith in order to lay a solid foundation for crucial decisions in life. Other students study religion in the context of investigation into the culture and history of ideas which have formed and shaped our civilization. Religion at Manchester is taught within the tradition of the Church of the Brethren which maintains a respect for freedom of conscience. This provides an open forum for reflecting on a variety of theological and philosophical traditions, while at the same time taking faith commitments seriously.

The aims of this program of study are to help students: (a) acquire a sympathetic understanding of the Bible, the Christian faith, and other world religions; (b) articulate and reflect upon the core claims that distinguish the Christian tradition; (c) become acquainted with the major methodologies and issues in the study of religion; (d) prepare for graduate study; and (e) understand a world in which compassion reveals the divine.

As this programme progresses, classical and modern answers to questions surrounding the human condition are taken up and analysed, as is the role of religions and philosophical traditions in culture and society.

Christianity’s biblical sources are studied along with classical and modern day Christian interpretations of faith and the transformation of religious life throughout history. Modern day religious expression and the historical background to other world religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam are also studied.

Another important element of the programme is the basis of ethics and their application within different areas such as care systems and working life.

The programme is characterised, partly by an interest in the application of religious expertise in various contexts and partly by discussing how questions surrounding identity and pluralism were handled, and are handled today, when applied to ethical problems and multi cultural scenarios in differing environments, as well as an interest in religious instruction and problems surrounding the mediation of tradition. Here, the programme combines with the graduate programme Identity and Pluralism.

In pedagogic terms, the students accept a large amount of responsibility for the completion of their studies. They are expected to formulate and gradually specify the objective of their studies and thereby choose courses and project assignments which ensure that exam and course targets, as well as individual objectives, can be achieved. All completed course work, reflection assignments, project work and essays are collected and kept in a portfolio.

The programme has links to universities in Ireland, Hungary, Belgium, Malawi and Malaysia. Study abroad is encouraged and there are also regular invitations to lecturers in universities overseas to lecture or provide courses here.

Course work begins with an introductory foundation course worth 30 credits. A series of courses then follows, each worth 15 credits, in the History of Religion, Religious Behavioural Studies, Bible Studies, the History of Christianity and Faith and Philosophy Studies.

Language of instruction: Swedish
Course start: Autumn semesters
Level: Undergraduate. Three years of full-time study.
Campus: Linköping
Degree

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Religious Studies, 180 credits