Philosophy & Religious Studies
Course Descriptions
WHAT'S THAT COURSE LIKE?
PHILOSOPHY COURSES
Department Code: PHIL
219 History of Philosophy 1
A survey of basic concepts and arguments of the major western philosophical systems, from the Pre-Socratics, Plato, and Aristotle, through the Schoolmen of the Late Middle Ages. Attention will be given to the historical and cultural contexts. Credit 3 hours.
220 History of Philosophy 2
A survey of basic concepts and arguments of the major western philosophical systems from the early modern period to the present including the Renaissance, Cartesian rationalism, empiricism, the enlightenment, romanticism, existentialism, and pragmatism. Attention will be given to the historical context of each system of thought. Credit 3 hours.
227 Logic
Students learn about the different methods of language analysis and deductive inference. Credit 3 hours.
320 Philosophy of Religion
Students take an inquiry into the general subject of religion from the philosophical point of view. Among the specific questions considered are the nature, function, and value of religion; the validity of the claims of religious knowledge; the nature of evil; and the existence and character of deity. Credit 3 hours.
331 Political Philosophy
This course deals with the essence, origin, and value of the state. The justification of governmental authority, the social sources of power, and the competing conceptions of human nature are among the issues considered. Students will be exposed to several classical sources, including Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau. Credit 3 hours.
337 Business Ethics
Students learn different approaches to the ethical challenges of a modern business society. The course will utilize case studies and the expertise of professionals working in the various area of business as well as the moral reasoning of ethicists. Course procedures include oral and written communications, group interaction in class, group project, and a major presentation. Cross-listed with Business. Credit 3 hours.
RELIGION COURSES
Department Code: REL
124 Introduction to Youth Ministry
An exploratory course that introduces students to the necessary concepts and skills related to youth ministry. The course includes observation in local church and/or para-church youth ministry settings. Credit 3 hours.
130 Introduction to the Church
Students learm about the history of Christianity from the New Testament period to the present. A balance is struck between doctrinal and institutional aspects of the church. Attention will be given to broader contexts so that students get a sense of Christianity's relationship to culture, particularly in the West. Credit 3 hours.
215 Understanding the Old Testament
Students study the Hebrew scriptures; seeking to understand them in their original context and thus their significance for today. Prerequisite: LAS 245. Credit 3 hours.
216 Understanding the New Testament
The origin and development of the Christian religion as expressed in the New Testament. We will seek to understand the Christian scriptures in their original context and thus their significance for today. Prerequisite: LAS 245. Credit 3 hours.
220 Introduction to Christian Theology
An investigation of the unity and diversity of religions in light of the relevance of religion in general and Christianity in particular to human needs and problems. Prerequisite: REL 130. Credit 3 hours.
221 Hebrew 1
This course comprises the first half of a two semester study regimen and has been designed to provide an introduction to Biblical Hebrew. The range of topics will extend from learning the alphabet to beginning to master the first few paradigms of the verbal system. Credit 3 hours.
222 Greek 1
This course comprises the first half of a two semester study regimen designed to provide an introduction to Biblical (Koine) Greek. Tasks will include learning the alphabet, several grammatical paradigms and vocabulary. Credit 3 hours.
223 Latin 1
This course comprises the first half of a two semester study regimen designed to provide an introduction to Classical Latin. The range of topics will extend from learning introductory grammar to reading and translating paragraphs. Credit 3 hours.
224 Adolescent Spirituality
This course explores age-relevant existential questions concerning belief in God, religious experience, and young people's relationships to the church and to each other. It includes an introduction to spiritual disciplines associated with the Christian faith. Prerequisite: REL 124. Credit 3 hours.
307 Worship Planning
An investigation of the many facets of worship - liturgy, music, prayer, etc. - with a special emphasis on the role of integration in the worship planning process. Credit 3 hours.
315 Issues and Applications in Christian Education
Students study Christian education in this preparatory course in order for them to seek a career or a desire to volunteer in this field. Emphasis will be placed on church educational outreach programs, children's programs, after-school programs, and Vacation Bible School. Educational, developmental learning theories will be examined to determine how learning best occurs and applications for curriculum and program issues will be explored through field-based practicum experiences. Topics to be covered include: history/philosophy of public school education and Sunday school education; recruiting, motivating, and managing personnel; developmental appropriate practices; discipline; and curriculum trends. Credit 3 hours.
321 Hebrew 2
A continuation of Hebrew 1, focus will center on vocabulary development, grammar and reading pointed (Masoretic) Biblical Hebrew. Prerequisite: Hebrew 1 or permission from the instructor. Credit 3 hours.
322 Greek 2
A continuation of Greek 1, focus will fall on building vocabulary, grammar, and the translation of New Testament texts. Prerequisite: Greek 1 or permission from the instructor. Credit 3 hours.
323 Latin 2
A continuation of Latin 1, this course has been designed to provide opportunities for additional vocabulary building as well as further work with grammar and translation. Prerequisite: Latin 1 or permission from the instructor. Credit 3 hours.
324 Teaching Methods in Youth Ministry
This course builds on prior learning in youth ministry courses by combining that learning with educational theory, to develop a knowledge base and skill in teaching in youth ministry settings. It includes teaching in groups and one-to-one. Prerequisite: REL 124. Credit 3 hours.
335 History of American Christianity
A survey of American Christianity set in the larger context of world history. It invites students to explore the role Christianity has played in North America in shaping (as well as being shaped by) cultural characteristics of the United States. Cross listed with History. Credit 3 hours.
335 History of Methodism
An introduction to the general characteristics of Methodism, focusing on the United Methodist Church in the United States. Beginning with John Wesley, it moves to the history of American Methodism, considers doctrinal controversies and changes, surveys denominational structures and touches upon contemporary issues. The course provides an overall introduction to the history, doctrine, and polity courses required for seminary students planning to enter United Methodist ministry, but is accessible to all students interested in gaining familiarity with this denomination. Cross listed with History. Credit 3 hours.
340 Texts and Their Meanings
An introduction to the basic principles involved in interpreting and understanding texts. The course will look at such questions as the relationship between author, the test, the reader(s), and the community in which these materials come together. Prerequisite: PHIL219 and 220. Credit 3 hours.
424 Applications in Youth Ministry
Students learn about comprehensive youth ministry that is foundational to local church work. Emphasis is on equipping students to practice youth ministry in the local church by exploring a variety of theories, techniques, and resources. Credit 3 hours.
