RELIGION or go to PHILOSOPHY

*PHL 101  Philosophy of Life      3 hours
(Refer to PHL 101)

*REL 201  Introduction to the Bible   3 hours
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

*REL 210  Understanding the Old Testament     3 hours
A study of the basic teachings of the Hebrew scriptures as represented in the teachings, prophets, and poetry of the Old Testament. Attention will be given to it's meaning in it's own historical setting, as well as it's connections to the New Testament and Christianity.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions

*REL 215  The Life and Teachings of Jesus     3 hours
A study of the gospels in both their historical setting and contemporary significance, aimed at understanding what we know about Jesus and the lifestyle he lived and taught.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions

*REL 216  The Life and Letters of Paul         3 hours
A study of Paul’s life and letters in the context of the growth and problems of the early churches.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions   

*REL 225  Introduction to Religious Beliefs      3 hours
An introduction to what various religious thinkers and groups have suggested one could understand about the central topics of religious life.  What can one believe about God, the purpose of life, suffering, afterlife, faith, scripture, Jesus and other prophets, other religions, heaven and hell, angels, the universe, etc.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions

REL 240  Sexuality, Spirituality, and Loving     3 hours
A study of the ethics of sexuality and the values associated with our physical existence. Includes the basic physiology of human reproduction and discussion of emotional and ethical issues surrounding sexual relationships. Attention also given to diverse beliefs about spirituality and sexuality in Judaism, Christianity, and their scriptures.

REL 250/450  Practicum in Church Work       3-9 hours
Opportunity for guided experience in local or area churches to explore and become acquainted with various phases of church work. Could be taken as part of a regular semester’s program or as a full-time internship during a summer or a full professional semester. Only 3 hours may count toward a major.

REL 299  Selected Topics - Basic 1-3 hours

*REL 314  World Religions     3 hours
A comparative survey of the major religious systems of the world, both Eastern and Western, with emphasis given to those religions currently being practiced.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions, and Cultural Awareness 

*REL 315  American Religions     3 hours
A study of religious groups in America, both historical and contemporary, including a survey of traditional denominations and their beliefs as well as of newer movements and cults.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions   

REL 330 Hellenistic Greek I     3 hours
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. Directed study. Does not count toward a religion major or minor.

REL 331 Hellenistic Greek II      3 hours
This course is the second half of a study of the Koine form of the Greek language. Directed study. Does not count toward a religion major or minor.

REL 360  Death, Dying, and Life after Death        3 hours
The course explores the biological process of dying, the various meanings which cultures attach to death, and what different world religions teach about life after death. Attention is given to near-death experiences, the process of grieving, and the biblical concepts of immortality of the soul, resurrection of the body, and eternal life.

*REL 380  Classics in Christian Thought 3 hours
A survey of the great thinkers in the history of Christian thought, and their issues and theological ideas. These will serve as an introduction to the theological task of learning how to talk about God.  Designed to acquaint one with the Christian heritage, and provide a basis for critically assessing the many theological claims in our world today.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions

*REL 390  Contemporary Christian Thought     3 hours
An exploration of the thought of contemporary theologians and movements, with the objective of understanding the variety of positions and the 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   

REL 415  Theology of John Wesley         3 hours
A survey of the history and theology of the United Methodist tradition, beginning with John Wesley and the rise of early Methodism, and ending with contemporary thought/issues in the United Methodist Church.    

REL 460  Independent Study        3 hours
Individual work in religious topics.   

REL 461  Travel Seminar        3 hours
Opportunities for travel on mission trips or visits to important sacred places which includes background reading, guided experiences, discussions, and evaluative reports.

REL 499  Selected Topics - Advanced     1-3 hours

PHILOSOPHY    back to Religion courses

*PHL 101  Philosophy of Life     3 hours
An introduction to the realms of philosophy and religion consisting of an examination of values for living, and of the variety of systems of meaning which humans have constructed for themselves in answering life’s important questions.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions

*PHL 212  Introduction to Critical Thinking       3 hours
A survey of the methods of logical thinking and the rules for preciseness and certainty through deductive and inductive reasoning. Practical applications in recognizing common fallacies, propaganda and advertising techniques will be emphasized.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions   

*PHL 220  Introduction to Ethical Issues     3 hours
An examination of ethical decision-making in the context of contemporary issues which are a part of our personal and social life such as lying, sexual morality, capital punishment, war, euthanasia, etc.
*General Education:  Philosophical/Theological Conceptions   

*PHL 305  Bio-Medical Ethics     3 hours
An examination of the ethical questions which arise in connection with selected biomedical issues such as abortion, genetic engineering, and euthanasia. 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

*PHL 310  Great Philosophers of the Western World       3 hours
A survey of the ideas in Western history which 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   

PHL 352  Political Thought     3 hours
(Refer to POL 352)  

*PHL 381  Business Ethics and Social Policy         3 hours
(Refer to BUS 381)

PHL 460  Independent Study          3 hours
Individual work in philosophy

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