Religion Department
Course Description
Spring 2006
Religion 100 R – Topic: Intro to the Bible
(4 semester hours)
Welborn, Lawrence
Introductory survey of the Old and New Testaments. Attention will be given to historical contexts, cultural perspectives, and theological themes, to help students appreciate biblical literature.
Religion 121 R – Art of Biblical Literature
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
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 three or four exams and weekly writings or quizzes.
Religion 134 C/R – Chinese and Japanese Religious Traditions
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
This course examines several religious traditions which 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.
Religion 137 R – Jewish Tradition
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
This course introduces the student to the Jewish tradition, beginning with its development in the biblical and early rabbinic periods. It focuses upon the general history of Judaism as well as its basic concepts, including readings in primary and secondary texts and discussions of the Jewish calendar and life-cycle events. Required: three exams and two book reviews. Not writing intensive.
Religion 200 R Topic: Luther and Lutheranism in Context
(4 semester hours)
Tune, Anders
This course first examines the life and thought of Martin Luther, in
his historical context. It then considers the development of Lutheran
ideas and history down to our time, in the context of the broader Christian
tradition and some of the challenges of modern culture. Both Lutheran
and non-Lutheran contemporary views will be considered. Requirements include
two exams, two short papers, and one longer paper. Writing intensive.
Religion 200 R – History and Literature of the Holocaust
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
As the pivotal event in twentieth century history, the Holocaust raises significant questions for Western culture. How did racism become the ideology of Germany? Why did other European countries assist in carrying out Germany's plans? Who were the perpetrators, victims, rescuers, and bystanders--and why? How could systematic murder take place in the heart of Christian culture? This course will introduce the student to the historical context of the Holocaust as well as the memoirs, poetry, essays, and post- Holocaust theology that attempt to deal with both its roots and its impact. Writing intensive.
Religion 222 R – Understanding the New Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: None, 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 a paper and take three exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format. Writing intensive.
Religion 300-1W Topics: Word and Sword—Violence in the Bible
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: 1 previous course in Bible at the college level
In this seminar we will confront some of the disturbing passages in the Bible: traditions of holy war and conquest, narratives of rape and murder, cries for vengeance, violent images of God, sharp prophetic invective, responses to political oppression, stories and theological reflections on Jesus’ crucifixion, and apocalyptic visions of wrath. We will also consider whether biblical critiques of violence and visions of peace offer compelling arguments against the terrifying texts. After we have examined the biblical passages in their ancient literary and historical context, we will consider how modern groups have responded to these texts, whether as justification for violence, critiques of violence, or challenges to the relevance and authority of the Bible. Since this is a seminar, students will participate actively in each class session through sharing analytical and creative writings, staging debates, summarizing reading assignments, responding to questions, and leading discussions. Those considering the course must take the prerequisite seriously, as participants should already have experience with an academic approach to the Bible and should have some knowledge of basic historical background.
Religion 333 C/R – Buddhist Thought and Scriptures
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Seminar
studying the teachings and practices of schools of the Buddhist tradition through
pivotal scriptures. Sutras and other texts from Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
will be considered in their historical and cultural contexts, and within the
framework of central themes of Buddhism. Requirements include class discussion
and presentations, two exams, one short paper and a term paper. Writing intensive.
