Religion Degrees Online

The teaching of theology includes the study of biblical sciences, history of Christianity, systematic theology, ethics and practical theology, as well as certain disciplines taught in the Religious Studies Department. The Faculty also offers the opportunity to learn the languages (post-classical Greek, Hebrew, etc.) necessary to study the texts. The teaching takes the form of courses and seminars.

The objective of the first year is to acquire basic knowledge in the main disciplines of the Bachelor of Theology course, as well as the essential methodological skills (development of a bibliography or a problem, writing skills).
In the second year, this knowledge is deepened, notably from the theological and historical standpoints. The knowledge and methodological skills necessary for exegesis are acquired. The students start learning about another religion different from Christianity, as well as the psychology of religion or sociology of religions.
The third year allows the students to develop the previously acquired skills and introduces psychology of religion or sociology of religions.

The teaching of the Study of Religions includes various disciplines in the field of the scientific study of religions, notably the comparative history of religions, the sociology and the psychology of religion. Religious facts are approached from different viewpoints: anthropological, historical, psychological, sociological, etc. To cover all these diverse approaches, the Religious Studies Department works in close collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. The teaching takes the form of courses and seminars.

The first year lays the methodological and theoretical bases necessary for work in Religious Studies, notably through practical work. The students acquire a basic knowledge of 3 religions of their own choice (including at least one monotheist and one polytheist religion) as well as their languages. They may follow the teaching of a subject in a related field or relevant to their professional objectives.
The second year introduces an interdisciplinary approach, with sociology and psychology of religion. Epistemology provides the tools for a critical view of theories and methods, while the knowledge of religions and languages is deepened.
In the third year, parallel to the development of the knowledge acquired previously, the students write a dissertation on religion 1. The learning of the languages is replaced by the study of the fundamental texts of their main religions.

In the 19th and 20th century, a cultural shift took place that is known as The Process of Modernisation. This process had an enormous impact on religion. Traditional, institutionalised religion partly gave way for all kinds of religiosity and spirituality. In our program we study the impact and nature of this from a sociological, a psychological and an anthropological point of view.

Programme Structure
1. Common Course

2. Compulsory Courses
Sociology of Religion
Psychology of Religion
Anthropology of Religion

3. Additional courses

Entry Requirements
In addition to the general rules set for admission to the master’s programme, students are expected to possess basic knowledge of the social sciences in general and sociology, psychology and anthropology in relation to religion in particular.

Programme Structure

1. General Seminars
In the first year all students participate in two general seminars, one focused on the philosophy of science, the other focused on the comparative study of religion. Courses inculde, Comparative Religion and Philosophy of Science for Religious Studies

2. Individual Programme
The specialisation consists of three research seminars, a term paper and a thesis.
A: Religious Texts and Traditions in Antiquity
Hebrew Bible
New Testament and Early Christian Literature
Religions of Antiquity (e.g. Zoroastrism)
Judaism in the Hellenistic period

B: Religion and Modernity
Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
Sociology and Psychology of Religion
Christianity (Reformation, Modern Period, World Christianity)
Islam in the Western world
Judaism in the modern period
New Religious Movements and New Age

Fall semester 1
Research seminar ‘Philosophy of science for Religious Studies’ (10 ects)
Researchseminar ‘Comparative, historical and contemporary study of religions’ (10 ects)
Researchseminar in the area of specialisation (10 ects)

Spring semester 1
Researchseminar in the area of specialisation (10 ects)
Term paper (20 ects)

Fall semester 2
Researchseminar in the area of specialisation (10 ects)
Complementary Studies (10 ects)
Initial stage of master’s thesis (10 ects)

Spring semester 2
Master’s thesis, presentations and final exam (30 ects)

Accreditation Information :
Pre Requisite Courses :
Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
Financial Aid / Scholarship Offered :
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The Religion and Psychology Area is not accepting new doctoral students at this time. However, faculty in this Area offer courses, contribute to the interdisciplinary aspects of doctoral programs in other Areas, and are available for membership on student’s examination and dissertation committees.

CORE DOCTORAL FACULTY IN RELIGION AND PSYCHOLOGY

HERBERT ANDERSON • Research Professor of Practical Theology, PLTS
Practical theology as an integrating framework for the practices of ministry; formation and supervision in ministry; ministry with the dying and grieving; pastoral care of families.

LEWIS RAMBO • Professor of Pastoral Psychology, SFTS
Conversion; psychology of religion; multicultural pastoral care and counseling; history of pastoral care and counseling; cinema studies; religion and the human sciences; religious autobiography.

ARCHIE SMITH, JR. • Professor of Pastoral Psychology and Counseling, PSR
Social psychology; microsocial analysis; family and Black family in U.S. society; role of the arts in mental health.

CONSORTIAL FACULTY IN RELIGION AND PSYCHOLOGY
PETER YUICHI CLARK • Associate Professor of Pastoral Care, ABSW
Spiritual care in Asian and Pacific Islander populations; dynamics of aging and religious faith; implications of Buddhist-Christian interreligious dialogue for pastoral caregiving; spiritual assessment based on the capacity for hoping/hopefulness; cultural competence and humility in spiritual caregiving; Clinical Pastoral Education.

Lindenwood students have the opportunity to study religion from a nonsectarian, academic point of view as one of the humanities or social sciences. This study forms a vital part of the liberal arts curriculum. The aim of such a study is understanding, not necessarily agreement. No attempt is made at indoctrinating students in the truth, or the falsehood, of any religious belief. The goal is to provide the student with an understanding not only of the strengths and weaknesses of various religious traditions, but an appreciation and understanding of the power, prevalence, and influence of religion in all cultures and aspects of life. Courses are available in World Religions, Religion in America, Biblical Studies, Religion and Science, Psychology of Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Christian Theology, and other areas of religious study. A variety of courses in fields relating to religion, such as philosophy, psychology, history, anthropology, art and literature, add depth and new perspectives to the study of religion.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of 180 total quarter credits
61 credits required for major

Religious Studies Core Courses 34 crs.
Foundations of Religious Studies & Philosophy
Psychology of Religion: A Psychology of Religious Experience
Foundations of Philosophy: Makers of the Modern Mind
Making Ethical Decisions: Ethical Theories & Models
Applied Ethics: Daily Life, Medicine, Business, Humanities
Native American Cosmology & Spiritual Beliefs
or Buddhism
Ancient Philosophy: Plato & Aristotle
or Medieval Philosophy: Great Synthesis
or Philosophy of Religion: Historical Dialogues Between Reason & Faith
Spirituality & Mysticism: Western Religions
Introduction to Hebrew Bible: Old Testament
or Introduction to Christian Bible: New Testament
Torah: Pentateuch, First Five Books of the Bible
or Gospels: Stories of Unique Christian Communities
Comparative Religions: Origins & Development of World Religions
Senior Project
or Senior Paper
or Religious Studies Internship
Electives in the Major 27 crs.

Choose from general elective courses, professional seminars, spiritual development offerings, and/or travel study options.
TOTAL 61 CREDITS

The study of religion at Muhlenberg College had its start with the college itself, which was founded as Allentown Seminary in 1848. College requirements for those first students included Christian Morals, Bible History, and the study of Biblical Antiquities. When the seminary became Muhlenberg College in 1867, the tradition of Bible Studies was continued, and a Department of Bible and Religion was in place by 1882.

In those early years, the study of religion meant what was called a scientific study of Christianity and its practice. By 1929, a course in the History of Religions was taught using a comparative perspective and tracing the development of various traditions including, but not restricted to, Christianity. The Psychology of Religion was part of the curriculum as well. At times in the past, Philosophy was a part of the Department of Religion Studies, but since 1953 Philosophy and Religion have been separate departments, recognizing the differences in methods and content in the two disciplines.

Initially course offerings in the Department of Religion Studies reflected the Protestant Christian character of the college and its student body. Today the department has a more pluralistic approach. In keeping with the enormous changes in the world and the increasing controversy surrounding religious issues,the department has sought to provide students the opportunity to explore new dimensions of religion. Just as the college, mindful of the larger world and its challenges, seeks increasing diversity in its own faculty, staff, and students,so the department seeks greater diversity in its programs and course offerings.

As a result of these changes, students of religion at Muhlenberg may now study not only the three major religious traditions of the West—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—but also the Eastern religious traditions of India, China and Japan. Courses consider topics such as the Holocaust, the relationship of religion to politics and literature, and the relevance of gender to religious belief and practice. While retaining its commitment to biblical and historical studies, the department encourages students to take advantage of course offerings in diverse areas of inquiry in religion studies.

To fulfill the College-wide requirement for the Tier III minor with a concentration in religion and culture, students are required to take two courses numbered 3000 and higher, and REL 4900, the capstone course.

Required Course
REL 4900 Issues in Religion and Culture

Electives
Choose two courses from the following:
REL 3001 World Religious Traditions
REL 3002 The Traditions of Judaism
REL 3003 The Christian Tradition
REL 3094 Mysticism: A Comparative Approach
REL 3210 Medieval Jewish Thought
REL 3220 Modern Jewish Thought
REL 3310 Christian Thought
REL 3320 Contemporary Christianity
REL 3525 The Hebrew Bible
REL 3530 The Christian New Testament
REL 3540 The Tradition of Islam
REL 5000-5004 Independent Study in Religion and Culture
REL 3155 Indian Philosophy (AAS 3155), (PHI 3155)
REL 3165 Classical Buddhism (AAS 3165), (HIS 3165), (PHI 3165)
REL 4050 Religious Worlds of New York (ANT 4050), (SOC 4050)
REL 3008 Religion and Politics in the United States
(HIS 3008), (POL 3008)
REL 3084 The Historical Search for the Prophet Mohammad
(HIS 3084 )
REL 3100 Jesus—A Historical and Critical Approach (HIS 3100)
REL 3815 History of African Religions (HIS 3815)
REL 3820 History of Chinese Religion (HIS 3820)
SOC 3113 Cultures and Peoples of India (ANT 3113)
SOC 3165 Magic, Witchcraft and Religion (ANT 3165)
ART 3220 Islamic Art
HEB 3311 History (Ancient) of the Jewish People as Reflected in Literature
HEB 3312 History (Medieval/Modern) of the Jewish People as Reflected in Literature
HEB 4315 Biblical Prose
HEB 4316 Biblical Poetry
HEB 5301 Talmud I
HEB 5302 Talmud II
HEB 5320 Hebrew Philosophical Literature
HIS 3086 The Modern Middle East and North Africa
HIS 3380 Contemporary Islamic World
HIS 3560 History of the Jewish People in America
MSC 3023 Music and Religion
PHI 3130 Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Philosophy in the Middle Ages
PHI 3210 Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics
PSY 3057 Psychology of Religion
SOC 3141 Religion in American History and Society