
Religion & Philosophy Homepage
Religion (REL) and Philosophy
(PHL)
The study of religion and philosophy stresses the historical,
ethical, spiritual, cultural and logical bases of a society’s
system of beliefs. At Dakota Wesleyan University the programs in
religion and philosophy reflect our commitment to value-based education
and our tradition as a church-related college. Courses within these
programs examine and encourage the moral and ethical aspects of leadership
and service as they prepare students for further study in seminary,
careers and lives of responsible stewardship.
| Major |
Hours |
| PHL |
101 |
Philosophy of Life |
3 |
| REL |
314 |
World Religions |
3 |
One course in
biblical studies
(REL 201, REL 210, REL 215, or REL 216) |
3 |
| One course in
ethics (PHL 220, PHL 305, PHL 381) |
3 |
| REL/PHL |
|
Electives |
18 |
|
|
Total |
30 |
|
|
|
|
| Minor |
Hours |
| PHL |
101 |
Philosophy of Life |
3 |
| REL |
314 |
World Religions |
3 |
One course in
biblical studies
(REL 201, REL 210, REL 215, or REL 216) |
3 |
| One course in
Ethics (PHL 220, PHL 305, PHL 381) |
3 |
| REL/PHL |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Total |
15 |
Additional Majors and Programs
Pre-theology
The department seeks to meet the preprofessional needs of people
preparing for seminary by offering background courses and a flexible
combination of courses in the major that students can pattern to individual
types of ministry. While a great amount of variety is found in the requirements
of various theological schools, the American Association of Theological
Schools lists these fields where students should have proficiency before
entering seminary study. A suggested minimum degree is given in terms
of semester hours.
English |
Literature, Writing,
Speech and Related Studies |
9 |
History |
Ancient, Modern,
European and American |
6 |
Philosophy |
Historical Development,
Content and Methods |
6 |
Natural
Sciences |
Physical Chemistry
or Biology |
6 |
Social
Sciences |
Psychology, Sociology,
Economics,
Political Science and Education |
18 |
Foreign
Language |
Some seminaries
require Biblical language;
a modern language is also considered desirable |
6 each |
Religion |
Basic knowledge
of the Bible with introduction
to the major religions of the world |
9 |
Of the possible fields of study for a college major, most theological
schools regard these as useful: English, philosophy, religion, history,
political science, psychology and sociology.
For certain nontraditional students with significant experience and
ability, an accelerated 3-3 Program is available in which the first
year of seminary counts as the senior year at DWU. This program links
Dakota Wesleyan and North American Baptist Seminary (NABS) in a cooperative
effort to provide an accelerated program of training for certain students
heading for the ministry. It provides nontraditional students of unusual
background and ability the opportunity to specialize the focus and shorten
the time of their training. It is called the 3-3 Program because it
involves three years of study at each institution.
3-3 Program Criteria for Admittance
The program is intended for students who:
- are nontraditional, mature
students who have been out of higher education at least five
years, who have been in the workforce and
are perhaps choosing ministry as a second career;
- have considerable
experience from participation in, or working in, various phases
of the life of the church;
- are committed to entering a church-related
career; and
- have a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous educational background.
3-3 Program Requirements
In the three years at DWU, students must:
- be accepted by NABS for
pre-enrollment in the 3-3 Program;
- meet DWU competency skill
requirements;
- meet all General Education requirements (42 hours);
- meet
requirements for a minor;
- establish senior status by earning
94 credit hours; and
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Dakota Wesleyan University will accept the first year of courses
at NABS as the senior year of study and as the completion of a religion
and philosophy major. At the end of that year the student will graduate
from DWU with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Church Music Major
The church music major, offered through the music department, provides
skills and background knowledge for performance in keyboard and
voice, as well as leadership of choirs and administration of larger
music programs. Students may take this major with a minor in religion
with or without plans for seminary and ordination. See "Music" for
details.
Parish Nurse Program
The parish nurse program, coordinated through the DWU Department
of Nursing, provides training experiences for nurses who want to
work as parish nurses in church or institutional settings. A pilot
program at Mitchell's Wesley Acres Retirement Residence and an
annual Spiritual Care Conference, sponsored by the religion and
nursing departments, help prepare nurses for this new and expanding
field. See www.dwu.edu/religion or www.dwu.edu/nursing for more
information about parish nursing.
Individualized Majors and Minors
The religion and philosophy department provides opportunities for
special interdisciplinary programs that help prepare students to
work in other church-related areas such as Christian education,
church administration or other types of diaconal ministry.
Course Descriptions
Religion (REL)
101 Philosophy of Life 3 hours F,S
(Refer to PHL 101)
201 Introduction to the Bible 3 hours F
This course is an introductory user’s guide to the Bible, including
basic selected content, historical background of people and writing,
theories of interpretation, introduction to resources and application
to current issues.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
210 Understanding the Old Testament 3 hours TBA
Students explore the basic teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures as
represented in the teachings, prophets and poetry of the Old Testament.
This course gives attention to the Old Testament's meaning in its
own historical setting, as well as its connections to the New Testament
and Christianity.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
215 The Life and Teachings of Jesus 3 hours S
This course examines the Gospels in their historical setting and
contemporary significance, and is aimed at understanding what we
know about Jesus and the lifestyle he lived and taught.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
216 The Life and Letters of Paul 3 hours F07
This course examines Paul’s life and letters in the context
of the growth and problems of the early churches.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
225 Introduction to Religious Beliefs 3 hours S
This course is an introduction to what various religious thinkers
and groups have suggested people could understand about the central
topics of religious life. Topics include what people can believe
about God, the purpose of life, suffering, afterlife, faith, Scripture,
Jesus and other prophets, other religions, heaven and hell, angels
and the universe.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
240 Sexuality, Spirituality and Loving 3 hours S
A study of the ethics of sexuality and the values associated with
our physical existence, this course examines the basic physiology
of human reproduction and discusses emotional and ethical issues
surrounding sexual relationships. The course also gives attention
to diverse beliefs about spirituality and sexuality in Judaism,
Christianity and their Scriptures.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
250 Practicum in Church Work 3 hours F,S,SU
This is an opportunity for guided experience in local or area churches
to explore and become acquainted with various phases of church
work. Students can take REL 250 or REL 450 as part of a regular
semester’s program, as a full-time internship during a summer
or as a full professional semester. Only three hours may count
toward a major.
299 Selected Topics - Basic 1-3 hours TBA
314 World Religions 3 hours F,S
This course is a comparative survey of the major religious systems
of the world, both Eastern and Western, with emphasis on those
religions currently in practice.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions, Cultural
Awareness
315 American Religions 3 hours S07
This course is a study of religious groups in America, both historical
and contemporary, including a survey of traditional denominations
and their beliefs, as well as newer movements and cults.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
320 Philosophy of Religion 3 hours S08
(Refer to PHL 320)
330 Hellenistic Greek I 3 hours TBA
This course is the first half of a study of the Koine form of the
Greek language, which was used in the Hellenistic world and in
the New Testament. The two-semester sequence will provide a basic
reading knowledge of the New Testament, the Septuagint and other
early Greek literature. This course is offered directed study and
does not count toward religion and philosophy major or minor.
331 Hellenistic Greek II 3 hours TBA
This course is the second half of a study of the Koine form of the
Greek language, which was used in the Hellenistic world and in
the New Testament. The two-semester sequence will provide a basic
reading knowledge of the New Testament, the Septuagint and other
early Greek literature. This course is offered directed study and
does not count toward religion and philosophy major or minor.
360 Death, Dying and Life after Death 3 hours F06
The course explores the biological process of dying, the various
meanings that cultures attach to death and what different world
religions teach about life after death. The course gives attention
to near-death experiences, the process of grieving and the biblical
concepts of immortality of the soul, resurrection of the body and
eternal life.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
380 Classics in Christian Thought 3 hours F06
This survey of the great thinkers in the history of Christian thought
examines crucial issues and theological ideas. These will serve
as an introduction to the theological task of learning how to talk
about God. Designed to acquaint students with the Christian heritage,
this course also provides a basis for critically assessing the
many theological claims in our world today.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
390 Contemporary Christian Thought 3 hours TBA
This course is an exploration of the thought of contemporary theologians
and movements. The objective is to understand the variety of positions
and attempt to understand and better communicate religious ideas
to people in our own time. Key religious beliefs and issues will
be the focus, with opportunity for discussion and development of
the student’s personal understanding.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
415 Theology of John Wesley 3 hours F06
A survey of the history and theology of the United Methodist tradition,
this course begins with John Wesley and the rise of early Methodism,
and ends with contemporary thinking and issues in the United Methodist
Church.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
450 Practicum in Church Work 3 hours F,S,SU
(Refer to REL 250)
460 Independent Study 1-3 hours F,S
Students complete individual work in religious topics.
461 Travel Seminar 1-3 hours F,S,SU
The seminar provides credit for travel on mission trips or visits
to important sacred places. The course includes background reading
and evaluative reports.
499 Selected Topics - Advanced 1-3 hours TBA
Course Descriptions
Philosophy (PHL)
101 Philosophy of Life 3 hours F,S
An introduction to the realms of philosophy and religion, this course
consists of an examination of values for living and of the variety
of systems of meaning that humans have constructed for themselves
in answering life’s important questions.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
212 Introduction to Critical Thinking 3 hours F,S
This survey examines the methods of logical thinking and the rules
for preciseness and certainty through deductive and inductive reasoning.
The course emphasizes practical applications for recognizing common
fallacies, propaganda and advertising techniques.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
220 Introduction to Ethical Issues 3 hours F
This course examines ethical decision making in the context of contemporary
issues that are a part of our personal and social life, such as
lying, sexual morality, capital punishment, war and euthanasia.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
305 Biomedical Ethics 3 hours S08
An examination of the ethical questions that arise in connection
with selected biomedical issues, PHL 305 explores issues such as
abortion, genetic engineering and euthanasia. This course is particularly
useful for health care personnel, those interested in ministry
or social work, and others with a general interest in these areas.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
306 Ethics and Technology 3 hours S08
This introduction to ethical theories examines their application
to issues presented by modern technology and its uses, including
ethics of information systems, robotics and humans, artificial
intelligence, genome use and genetic engineering, assisted reproduction,
modern methods of war and space exploration.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
310 Great Philosophers of the Western World 3 hours S07
This course surveys the ideas in Western history that have helped
shape the modern mind through an examination of the great writings
of these thinkers in their historical contexts.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
320 Philosophy of Religion 3 hours S06
A study of what philosophy and/or rationality have to say about religious
topics, PHL 320 examines issues such as the nature and existence
of God; the nature of mind, soul and body; the role of reason in
religion; the purpose of life and the universe; the authority for
ethics; the good life; and the significance of historical events.
General Education: Philosophical/Theological Conceptions
352 Political Thought 3 hours S08
(Refer to POL 352)
381 Business Ethics and Social Policy 3 hours S
(Refer to BUS 381)
460 Independent Study 3 hours F,S
Students complete individual work in philosophy.
499 Selected Topics - Advanced 1-3 hours TBA
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