Religion 121 R - Art of Biblical Literature Kaiser
This course is intended to help readers appreciate the artistry of biblical prose and poetry. We will examine texts from the Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha, paying special attention to plot structure, word-plays, imagery, repetition, characterization, themes, parallelism and aetiology. Throughout the term, we will consider reinterpretations of biblical literature in the music, literature, and art and film of our own culture. Class sessions have a lecture/discussion format. There will be two or three exams and short weekly writings.
Writing intensive.
No prerequisites

Religion 134 C/R - Chinese and Japanese Religious Traditions Oldstone-Moore
This course examines several religious traditions that have shaped East Asian civilizations. We will study the formal traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Shinto, and the New Religions; we will also consider the popular religious traditions of China and Japan. Classes include both lecture and discussion; students will be evaluated through essay exams, short papers, and analysis of scripture and other texts.
No prerequisites

Religion 171 S - Urban Life and Social Ethics Copeland
This course is rooted in two facts that some people might see as problems -- Springfield is very typical of U.S. cities and a Wittenberg professor is mayor. This course attempts to turn these facts into opportunities -- an opportunity to use Springfield as a laboratory of urban life and a chance to see these issues from the inside. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to ethical dimensions of contemporary urban life in the United States. The first half of the course will involve some analyses of issues facing cities. The second half of the course will examine some issues facing Springfield as examples of these analyses. Assignments will include weekly quizzes during the first half of the course and two papers during the second half of the course and two examinations.

Religion 177 R - Religious Perspectives on Contemporary Moral Issues Nelson (Advising Section)
Introduction to basic moral concepts in Judaism and Christianity and their application to issues such as lying, sexuality and procreation, abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, human rights, war and nuclear deterrence, equality and gender, justice in access to health care, and environmental ethics.
No prerequisites

Religion 221 R - Understanding the Old Testament Kaiser
This course is designed especially for religion majors, pre-theological students, and others with a serious interest in biblical studies. We will attempt to place the Old Testament literature in its historical context, understand the theological perspectives which shape the texts, develop methods of interpretation, and simply appreciate the artistry and inspiration of the Old Testament literature. Class sessions have lecture/discussion format. Students will take three exams and write a paper.
Writing intensive.
No prerequisites

Religion 222 R - Understanding the New Testament Kaiser
No prerequisites, but Religion 221 (OT) recommended.
This course is designed for religion majors, pre-theological students and other serious students of religion. Throughout the term we will attempt to understand the historical context of the New Testament literature, discover the religious perspectives which shape the New Testament texts and appreciate the richness of the New Testament writings. Students will be required to read the New Testament and some non-canonical texts, write two papers and take two exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format.
Writing intensive.

Religion 336 C/R - Daoism and Popular Religion Oldstone-Moore
Religious Daoism has been a way of self-cultivation, influential in Chinese history in general and imperial politics in particular. This course will examine the tradition of Religious Daoism in historical context and through study of practices, including ritual, meditation, and yoga. We will also look at Religious Daoism from the vantage point of Chinese Popular Religion, the practices that have been the basis of the religion of the majority of Chinese to the present. Class will be a combination of lecture and discussion, with student presentations and a term paper.
Writing intensive.

Religion 350 - Approaches to the Study of Religion Nelson (Jr. Colloquium)
An examination of various methodological approaches to the academic study of religion. We will discuss common reading and pursue individual research projects including a prospectus for senior essays. Required for all religion majors of the class of 2003.
Writing intensive.