Philosophy and Religion

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

An inquiry into the basic stories and their texts in the Old and New Testaments. The course will investigate "Wrestling with God" as a dominant narrative theme in biblical literature. Assignments emphasize class reading of texts, several short essays, and preparation of a course workbook. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A study of the basic Christian practices, beliefs, teachings, and concepts: God, creation, human nature, sin, evil, Christ, salvation, Holy Spirit, community or church, sacraments, ministry, Christian life and morality, last things, scripture, etc. This course will examine both the variety of Christian perspectives on, and the web of relationships between, these various beliefs and practices. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2009)

An examination of various religions with respect to selected themes, such as apocalyticism, sacred space, rites and worship, sacred texts and literature, culture and codes for living, and understandings of the divine. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A study of poverty and homelessness in Appalachia and the world in light of empirical evidence, sacred texts, and social and theological approaches to economic justice, combining experiential and theoretical learning to help students develop an understanding of economic injustice. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2009)

An introduction to the academic study of religions, including interactions of myths, symbols, and rituals within religions, examinations of texts and literature, and considerations of cultural settings for religious belief and practice. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A survey of the literature, religion, and social history of ancient Israel, using modern historical-critical methods. Attention to understanding the Old Testament within the context of the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A survey of the literature, religion, and social history of the early Christian movement, using modern historical-critical methods. Attention to understanding how the early Church's worship, teaching, and proclamation shaped the New Testament. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

An examination of literary and artistic expressions of theological themes, such as creation, the human condition, and justification. Attention to texts and thought, creative dimensions, and examples of literary, artistic, and musical reinterpretations of themes. Arts Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

A study of the teachings on and participation of women in religion, as well as a study of the status and roles of women in several religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, or indigenous religious traditions. Religion Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A general survey of the development of Christianity from apostolic times through the 16th-century Reformations. Emphasis is on Western Christianity, the development of beliefs, practices, and institutions, and Christianity's interaction with society and culture. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered term yet to be determined)

An introduction to the experience of nonviolence as expressed in the lives and religious writings of figures such as Mubarak Awad, Dorothy Day, Mahatma Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hanh, Ghaffar Khan, Chan Khong, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jean Vanier. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or sophomore standing

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

Introductory study of the Christian theology and ethics of the Protestant Christian Reformations (1517-1650) and their legacies in modernity, post-modernity, and today. Examination of representative doctrinal, moral, social, and political issues; of the lives and teachings of various reformers; and of distinctive Protestant moral and doctrinal teachings as various Christian communities that have sought to reform Christianity in response to the challenges and change in the modern and postmodern worlds. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

An exploration of the rise of political liberation theology movements and their critiques of and novel contributions to traditional expressions of Christian theology. Focus on understandings of theory and praxis, race, gender, class dimensions of social analysis, and re-constructions of the concepts of Christ and God. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Spring 2009)

An examination of the life and thought of Jesus through study of the Gospels and contemporary historical texts. Exploration of continuing influence of Jesus by study of various forms of art and literature. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A thematically organized approach to studying biblical texts. Attention to ways the Bible may inform theological reflections on selected issues of modern life, such as creation and the environment, social justice, civil discourse, gender, and race, among others. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

A study of the principal religious traditions of South Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism. The course includes readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition, as well as attention to ritual and practice. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

A study of the principal religious traditions of East Asia: Buddhism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Taoism. The course includes readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition as well as attention to ritual and practice. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

An introduction to methods and resources for ethical analysis, as well as an examination of the basic elements of Christian ethical reflection and a variety of ethical perspectives for decision-making. Special attention will be given to the correlation of theological and biblical insights with contemporary personal and social issues. Religion Perspective and Practical Reasoning (PR).

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

An examination of the doctrine, ritual, jurisprudence, and historical vision of Islam with an emphasis on historical and contemporary expressions of Islam. Special attention will be given to the historical origins of religious traditions which still are alive today, namely Sunni, Shi'ite, and Sufi Islam, as well as the central features of Islamic theology and practice, including the Qur'an, the Hadith (the Traditions), legal reasoning, and Tafsir (Qur'an interpretation). Students study modern political and social expressions of Islam, including the political Islamic movements, popular piety, and women in Muslim society. The interrelations of Islamic traditions with Christian and Jewish traditions also will be studied. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

Survey of the literature, thought, and culture of Judaism in its various periods. Emphasis placed on the literature of rabbinical Judaism and on those genre of literature which reinterpret Judaism in its cultural and historical contexts. Religion Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2010)

A study of the history and diversity of Buddhist traditions, from the time of the Buddha in 5th-century BCE India to contemporary Buddhist communities in Asia and the West. Special attention will be given to the problems and prospects of Buddhism in relation to contemporary issues, such as gender and sexuality, ecological change, and the relationship between religion and politics. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: One AST course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A close study of selected texts, practices, or experiences of one or more Asian religious traditions. May be repeated for credit, provided topic varies from that studied previously.

1 Course

Prerequisite: One 200-level REL course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A thematic and comparative study of the theologies, beliefs, and practices of three religions sharing roots in the figure of Abraham-- Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Attention to the roles of revelation and sacred text, monotheistic ideals, structures of authority, worship and ritual, ethical formation, and relation of the faiths to material culture and political order.

1 Course

Prerequisite: REL 205 or REL 207

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A close study of selected legal, prophetic, or poetic books from the Old Testament period. Special attention given to the ancient Near Eastern material culture relevant to these books. Rotating topics. May be repeated for credit, provided topic varies from that studied previously.

1 Course

Prerequisite: REL 205 or REL 207

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered term yet to be determined)

A close study of selected Gospels, epistles, or apocalyptic material from the New Testament period. Special attention will be given to the influence of Greco-Roman thought and Intertestamental Judaism on early Christian writings. Rotating topics. May be repeated for credit, provided topic varies from that studied previously.

1 Course

Prerequisite: One 200-level REL course or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered 2009-2010)

An advanced study of selected texts, topics, issues, concepts, or themes in historical or contemporary religious thought and ethics. Course may be repeated for credit, provided topic varies from that studied previously.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

This seminar will enable Religion majors to reflect on and integrate their studies within the department and the broad requirements of the core curriculum. The course also will provide opportunities for the student to take part in the interdisciplinary exploration of issues in Religious Studies. Topics considered will be chosen by the seminar in an effort to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Religious Studies.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course