Religion 100R Topic: Jesus: Myth or History?
(4 semester hours)
Welborn, Larry
This course seeks to explore the significance of the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth. Sources for reconstructing the life and thought of Jesus will be carefully anayzed. Students will become familiar with the literary and theological characteristics of the gospels, not only the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), but also the recently discovered apocryphal gospels (such as, the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Peter, and the Gospel of Judas). Students will enter into discussion of the meaning of
Jesus' life through examination of the import of his teaching, the intent of his actions, his relationships to his contemporaries, and the cause of his death.
Religion 121 R Art of Biblical Literature
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: None
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 regular written responses to readings.
Religion 134 C/R Chinese and Japanese Religious Traditions
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Pre-requisite: None
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 01 Jewish Tradition
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
Pre-requisite: None
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 171 S Urban Life and Social Ethics
(4 semester hours)
Copeland, Warren
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 two papers and weekly quizzes during the first half of the course and two papers and weekly quizzes during the second half of the course and two examinations.
Religion 176 H – Racism and Social Ethics
(4 semester hours)
Copeland, Warren
This is not a course on African American Religion. It is rather a course on the racism practiced against African Americans in the United States. It assumes that racism is bad. It does not assume that we know either just what constitutes racism or what to do about it. We shall begin by confronting the reality of the issue in our society. We will then examine some approaches to the issue arising from the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. Next we will examine the nature of institutional racism in contemporary U.S. society. Assignments will include three hourly exams, and weekly quizzes. Writing intensive.
Religion 200 R – History and Literature of the Holocaust
(4 semester hours)
Millen, Rochelle
Pre-requisite: None
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
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 three exams. The class has a lecture/discussion format. Writing intensive.
Religion 241 R – Christian Tradition
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
Historical survey of the development of Christian thought and doctrine in the West. Students will be introduced to the work of major theologians (classical and modern) and to issues of perennial debate such as the tensions between reason and revelation, the humanity and divinity of Christ, nature and grace, justification and sanctification, spirit and structure, and differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrine. Lecture/discussion format. Midterm and final examinations. No prerequisite though students should be aware that the course requires careful reading of primary texts, many of which are quite challenging.
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 or permission of instructor
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 335 C/R Confucianism and Its Critics
(4 semester hours)
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Seminar on the history, central teachings, and institutions of the East Asian Confucian and Neo-Confucian traditions and Confucianism as manifest in the modern world. We will read pivotal works of Confucians including the Analects, Mencius, the writings of Zhu Xi, Wang Yangming and Tu Wei-ming. These will be assessed in part in contrast to critics of Confucianism ranging from classical philosophers to twentieth century Marxists.
Religion 375 R – Advanced Social Ethics: Racism
(4 semester hours)
Copeland, Warren
The course will consist of reading together four significant texts that analyze racism in the United States. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the institutional aspects of racism, especially economic institutions. Assignments will include reading reports and a paper. The four texts are: The Souls of Black Folks by W.E.B. DuBois, Walking with the Wind by John Lewis, When Work Disappears by William Julius Wilson and A More Perfect Union by Jesse Jackson, Jr.
