Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2013-2014 
    
College Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Religious Studies (B.A.)


The Religious Studies major consists of 12 courses totaling no fewer than 40 credits. It can either be a General Religious Studies major or it can be focused upon one of five concentrations: Asian Religions, Biblical Studies, Ethics and Society, History of Christianity, and Ministry Studies.

General Religious Studies major


Student Learning Outcomes for Religious Studies:

Students will be able to:

  • Describe religion with nuance and complexity.

  • Analyze religious texts.

  • Develop a significant research question.

  • Employ effective research strategies.

  • Evaluate secondary sources.

  • Defend a cogent thesis.

  • Construct a detailed argument.

  • Write clearly and persuasively.

Religious Studies major with a concentration in Asian Religions


Student Learning Outcomes for Asian Religions concentration:

Students will be able to:

  • Describe the doctrines and practices of either Hinduism or Buddhism.

  • Examine major historical events, persons, and movements in the histories of either Hinduism or Buddhism.

  • Analyze the historical interactions of either Hinduism or Buddhism with other traditions with which they have had close contact.

  • Articulate a critical appreciation for specific values, concepts, and practices of diverse religious traditions.

Religious Studies major with a concentration in Biblical Studies


Student Learning Outcomes for Biblical Studies concentration:

Students will be able to:

  • Employ historical- and literary-critical methods of biblical interpretation.

  • Analyze a primary text from the Bible in its original language of either Hebrew or Greek.

Religious Studies major with a concentration in Ethics and Society


Student Learning Outcomes for Ethics and Society concentration:

Students will be able to:

  • Discuss and evaluate methods of decision-making in religious ethics.

  • Describe the interrelationship between social worlds and religious values.

  • Apply religious values to ethical situations and social issues.

Religious Studies major with a concentration in History of Christianity


Student Learning Outcomes for History of Christianity concentration:

Students will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of the history of Christianity.

  • Describe significant social historical contexts in the development of Christianity.

  • Employ multiple interpretive perspectives on a selected topic in the history of Christianity.

In choosing electives, students concentrating in the History of Christianity must have at least two 200-level courses and two 300-level courses. A maximum of two approved elective courses may be selected from the list of courses offered outside the Religious Studies Department.

Religious Studies major with a concentration in Ministry Studies


Student Learning Outcomes for Ministry Studies concentration:

Students will be able to:

  • Analyze the doctrines and practices of Christianity within their historical, biblical and theological contexts.

  • Appraise the diversity of thought and practice both within the Christian tradition and in other religious traditions.

  • Apply knowledge about religious beliefs and values to particular ministry situations.

Double Majors:


Students who have chosen Religious Studies as a second major may petition the Department for a two-course reduction in the major requirements, for a program of 10 courses totaling no fewer than 36 credits.

Electives:


In addition to courses from within the Department to complete their major in Religious Studies, students may choose to take a maximum of two courses from these offerings in other Departments: