Theology and Religious Studies Courses

THE 100 THE BIBLE

An overview of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and theological context, with emphasis on such major Biblical themes as sin, covenant, prophecy, messiaism, salvation and resurrection. (Offered Fall, Spring, Summer) 3 credits

THE 101 MAJOR RELIGIOUS WRITINGS

A study of significant beliefs of major Eastern and Western religious traditions as expressed in their sacred writings, focusing on ultimate questions, such as divinities, creation, suffering, evil and salvation. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 104 WHAT IS RELIGION?

(formerly Religion and Modern Culture)

An introductory study of the nature of religious experience and of the interaction between religion and modern culture, including areas of influence and conflict such as relativism, pluralism, political ideologies, nature, science and technology. (Not Offered 2007-2008) 3 credits

THE 221 THE NEW TESTAMENT

This course is a contemporary critical investigation of the message and the meaning of the New Testament, of its origin and of the historical situation in which it was written. All the books of the New Testament are studied individually and collectively, and important scriptural terms, ideas and themes are examined. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 225 TOPICS IN THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

A study of topics not included in the regular curriculum cycle. When offered the title of the course will be announced prior to the term. This course may be repeated for credit. (Not Offered 2007-2008) 1-3 credits

THE 241 RELIGION AND THE AMERICAN TRADITION

A study of the role of religion in the American experience. Topics include religious traditions and movements, Church and State issues, theological and ethical concerns, religious diversity and freedom of conscience. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 242 WOMEN AND CHRISTIANITY

(formerly Women and Religion)

A study of the attitudes of organized religion toward women throughout history, with emphasis on the Judeo-Christian tradition; will include a discussion of the feminist critique of these attitudes. (Not offered 2007-2008) 3 credits

THE 251 RELIGIOUS THOUGHT IN THE LOW COUNTRIES (13TH - 17TH CENTURIES)

An exploration of the major religious movements in the Low Countries from the 13th through the 17th centuries. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the Beguine movement, the Devotio Moderna, Renaissance Humanism and Reformation/Counter-Reformation thought. Course includes overseas travel. Approval of Global-Learning Office required. 3 credits

THE 252 CONTEMPORARY CATHOLICISM

The study of contemporary Catholicism, focusing on developments in Catholic doctrine and practice since Vatican Council II. Emphasis will be given to formal Church teaching, an understanding of the sacraments, and the nature and mission of the Church. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 254 PROTESTANTISM

An overview of the principal historical developments and theological schools of Protestantism, with a special emphasis on the 16th and 20th centuries. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 260 RELIGIONS OF THE WEST

This course concentrates on the three major religious traditions of the west: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Attention is given to the origin and development of each religion, to selected scriptural and doctrinal texts, to theological and moral insights and to ritual expressions and social manifestations. Other religions may be addressed. (Offered Fall, Summer) 3 credits

THE 263 JUDAISM

The history, sacred literature, doctrine and ethical teaching of Judaism, including an examination of contemporary Jewish life and thought. This course is sponsored by the Jewish Chautauqua Society, in memory of Rabbi George B. Lieberman. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 265 ISLAM

A study of the religious and spiritual tradition of Islam. Among other topics, this course explores the historical, cultural and contemporary context of Islam, its Scriptures, and its intellectual and doctrinal development. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 270 BUDDHIST THOUGHT AND SPIRITUALITY

(also PHI 270) 3 credits

THE 273 CHURCH IN HISTORY AND CULTURE

(formerly The Developing Church)

A study of the history of the Christian Church and its interaction with culture, including the growth of its beliefs and structure, focusing on the development of major western church traditions. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 278 ETHICS: METHOD AND ISSUES

(formerly Moral Decision-Making)

This course examines the foundations of ethics and ethical method and explores selected moral issues. Notions such as justice, moral principles, freedom, conscience and the value of life are discussed. (Offered Fall, Intersession, Spring, Summer) 3 credits

THE 279 RELIGION AND GLOBAL MORAL ISSUES

(also IPJ 279; formerly Traditions of Peace and Justice)

An examination of Christian and other religious sources which address the nature of peace and social justice, the origins of war and injustice and various strategies for overcoming these problems. Topics may include international inequalities, poverty and wealth, ecology, revolution and nonviolence. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 281 RELIGIONS OF THE EAST

A survey of selected religions of eastern origin: Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese and Japanese religions. (Not offered 2007-2008) 3 credits

THE 285 RELIGIOUS THEMES IN THE CINEMA

An investigation of the cinematic treatment of religious themes. Selected films will be analyzed and critiqued. (Offered Intersession, Summer) 3 credits

THE 288 ETHICS AND HEALTH CARE

This course examines moral issues in health care and surveys the resources and application of the Judeo-Christian tradition and important ethical theories. Perspectives on respect for life, the promotion of well-being, the requirements of justice, and the rights and responsibilities of patients and health care professionals are examined within a moral, religious and theological context. (Offered Fall, Spring) 3 credits

THE 320H (HONORS) SAINTS AND SINNERS: A RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL WORLDS

(formerly Religion in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds)

A study of selected religious themes and individuals in the ancient and medieval worlds, including the religious foundation of mythologies, a comparison of polytheistic with monotheistic religions, the development of Christianity in its relation to the secular and to the early Islamic world and especially to the development of medieval civilization in selected areas of Europe. Honors students only. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 325 THE GOD QUESTION

(formerly THE 227)

An investigation of the ways modern theology approaches the doctrine of God. May include concepts of God, God and science, the problem of evil and suffering and feminine images of divinity. Prerequisites: ENG 110 and Sophomore standing. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 330 MEANING OF JESUS

(formerly THE 231; formerly Christian Interpretations of Jesus)

A study of historical questions and faith interpretations of Jesus the Christ as seen in the Gospels, traditional doctrinal formulations and contemporary theologies. Prerequisites: ENG 110 and Sophomore standing. (Offered Fall) 3 credits

THE 340 RELIGIOUS RITUAL

(formerly Symbol and Celebration; formerly THE 274 Christian Celebration)

This course is a study of the role that symbol and celebration play in human experience, with particular emphasis on the development and current celebration of the major Christian rituals in terms of their roots in the Incarnation, the Church and the part that ritual plays in life. Prerequisites: ENG 110 and Sophomore standing. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 355 MYSTICISM

(formerly THE 287)

A study of the nature of the mystical experience and the mystical life in the Eastern and Western traditions, with emphasis on Christianity. It will include a study of selected mystics. Prerequisites: ENG 110 and Sophomore standing. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

THE 390 TOPICS IN THEOLOGY/RELIGION

(formerly THE 296)

In-depth study of topics not included in detail in the regular curriculum cycle. Title of the course will be announced prior to the term. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status, approval of chairperson. This course may be repeated for credit. (Not offered 2007-2008) 1-3 credits

THE 470 INDEPENDENT STUDY

(formerly THE 291)

Open to qualified students who wish to pursue in-depth a specialized area of theology or religious studies. Directed readings, research and discussion under the guidance of a member of the department. Prerequisites: ENG 110, Sophomore standing, nine credits in Theology, and permission of department chairperson. Does not fulfill General Education requirement. (Offered upon request) 1-3 credits

THE 491 SEMINAR

(formerly THE 292)

In-depth study of major theological themes or theologians. Required of majors; other students by permission of chairperson. (Offered Spring) 3 credits

GRADUATE-LEVEL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAM NURSING STUDENTS ONLY:

THE 505 ADVANCED MEDICAL ETHICS

(also PHI 505) 3 credits