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.

Theological & Religious Studies

RT 221 Biblical Hermeneutics 2 hours
An introduction to the principles and methods of biblical interpretation with emphasis on Christocentric interpretation. Special consideration is given to Seventh-day Adventist interpretation and the relationship between interpretation and spirituality. Students develop the ability to assess various critical methodologies and apply interpretive principles responsibly.

RT 222 The Gift of Prophecy and Ellen White 2 hours
A study of the biblical teaching on the Gift of Prophecy with emphasis on the manifestation of the gift in the ministry of Ellen G. White. Special consideration is given to issues of interpretation: Ellen White’s relationship to the Bible and biblical prophecy; revelation, inspiration, and illumination; canon and authority; purpose of her writings; development of her thought; and relevance for modern believers. Attention is also given to Ellen White and her critics, Ellen White and the church, and the nature and role of the Ellen G. White Estate. Prerequisite: RT 221. This course does not meet the General Education requirement for non-majors.

RT 223 Philosophy and Christian Thought 2 hours
An introduction to the rigor of critical thinking in the context of human quest for truth and meaning. Through an historical approach, this course highlights the contributions of the major philosophers to the development of disciplines such as epistemology, ontology, metaphysics, empiricism, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, logic, and ethics. It is geared toward the understanding of pre-modernity, modernity, and postmodernity. It evaluates philosophical postulates in the light of biblical verities and aims at establishing the relationship between faith and learning.

RT 321 Christian Ethics (W) 3 hours
An introductory survey of Christian ethics from biblical to present times. The course includes a systematic evaluation of various approaches to Christian ethics. Consideration is given to the relationship between the Bible and the quality and character of the Christian moral life, with special emphasis on Christ as the center of value and the moral life. Students investigate and critique major ethical systems and engage in values analysis, clarification, and criticism. Prerequisite: RT 221 or permission of instructor.

RT 322 World Religions 2 hours
A survey of the development, beliefs, worldviews, and practices of the religions of the world, including African and Caribbean traditions as well as modern religious movements. Special emphasis will be placed on their relationship with Christianity. Prerequisite: junior standing.

RT 421 Christian Theology I (W) 3 hours
An introductory survey of the development of Christian thought from A.D. 100 to 1300. Treatment is given to the task of theology, theological principles and methods, and biblical critique of theological ideas. Dogmatic categories include theology, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Students explore the relevance of theological reflection for modern church and society. Prerequisite: RT 221.

RT 422 Christian Theology II (W) 2 hours
An introductory survey of the development of Christian thought from A.S. 1300 to the present. Treatment is given to the task of theology, theological principles and methods, and biblical critique of theological ideas. Dogmatic categories include theology, Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Attention is given to the historical development, principles, and methods of biblical theology. Students explore the relevance of theological reflection for modern church and society. Prerequisite: RT 421.

RT 423 Seventh-day Adventist Theology 3 hours
An exploration of the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist church from a biblical and historical perspective. Emphasis is placed on landmark beliefs and apocalyptic heritage. Prerequisites: RT 221 and HI 314 or permission of the instructor.

RT 490, 491 Research and Independent Study each 1-3 hours
A research project tailored to the student’s area of academic or professional interest. This course does to substitute for lecture courses. Prerequisites: senior standing, RT 221, a cumulative 3.00 GPA of all courses taken in this department, and permission of the instructor.

The Department of philosophy and religion explores the nature of the real world, the basis of human values, and foundations of reason. Students approach these issues through study of both historical literature and contemporary developments.

The department’s study of Western and Eastern religious traditions introduces students to a major influence on all civilizations. Journalists, diplomats, and government specialists benefit from the serious consideration of the inner workings of the religious ethos of civilizations. AU’s location in Washington, D.C., offers students access to national offices and centers for many religions. The Consortium of Universities of the Metropolitan Area also offers students a variety of courses in philosophy and religion. Faculty consists of internationally renowned scholars.

The department of philosophy and religion offers a BA in philosophy, a combined BA and MA in philosophy, and MA programs in History of Philosophy; Philosophy and Social Policy; and Ethics, Peace, and Global Affairs.

Established in 1968, the Department of Philosophy and Religion has served South Dakota State University by preparing students for careers and citizenship in an ever-changing world. Students who study philosophy or religion at SDSU can:

–Earn a minor in either philosophy or religion,
–Pursue a major through the Liberal Studies program in
philosophy, religion, or philosophy, religion, and ethics,
–Work with nationally and internationally known faculty
who are experts in their fields with solid publishing records,
–Go on to graduate school in a range of fields,
–Develop one of many career paths.

Why Philosophy?

Philosophy attempts to find a meaningful perspective from which to interpret the self, the world, and the place of the self in the world. It seeks to articulate the fundamental assumptions and categories presupposed by experience as such. The study of philosophy develops one’s critical and analytical faculties, increases one’s skills in writing, problem solving and persuasion, and stimulates an appreciation for the enduring questions of human existence.

While students from any major can greatly profit from the reading philosophy, its study is particularly useful to those pursuing graduate study in philosophy and theology, and those entering professional programs in Law, Medicine, and the Ministry. Students studying the natural or social sciences can profit from the Philosophy of Science course, while those enrolled in the professional colleges will profit from the Department’s offerings in ethics. We recommend the study of logic to anyone interested in thinking more clearly.

A minor in philosophy is available in either the B.A. or B.S. program. This minor requires 16 credit hours of philosophy, including Philosophy 100. Of these 16 hours, 6 must be in upper division courses.

The study of philosophy may also be pursued through a B.S. in Liberal Studies in the College of General Studies.

Why Religion?

The academic study of religion involves the use of critical and interpretive skills in examining the vast range of ideas, practices, and writings that are reflected in religion. Present course work is designed to enrich the student’s perspectives and introduce some of the important features of philosophy and religion. While students from any major might greatly profit from examining religion, its study is particularly useful to those pursuing graduate work in religion or history, or those entering seminary in preparation for the Ministry.

A minor in religion is available in either the B.A. or B.S. program. This minor requires 15 credit hours of religion, including Religion 213.

The study of religion may also be pursued through a B.S. in Liberal Studies in the College of General Studies.