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 171 S - Urban Life and Social Ethics
4 Hours
Copeland, Warren
Prerequisites: None
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 221 R - Understanding the Old Testament
(4 semester hours)
Kaiser, Barbara
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 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 Hours
Kaiser, Barbara
Pre-requisite: 1 previous course in Bible at the college level or instructor permission
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 339 C/R - Monkeys, Samuaris and Gods
4 Hours
Oldstone-Moore, Jennifer
Prerequisites:
This seminar will look at religious meaning and message in some of the best loved literature of China and Japan, including Journey to the West, Tale of Heike, Dream of the Red Chamber, Account of my Hut, and others. Class will be a combination of lecture and discussion, with student presentations and a term paper. Videos and other media will be used when possible. Writing intensive.
Religion 375 R - Advanced Social Ethics: Racism
4 Hours
Copeland, Warren
Prerequisites: None
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 Debating Race by Michael Eric Dyson.
Religion 378 R - Bioethics
(4 semester hours)
Nelson, Paul
This seminar introduces students to basic concepts, issues and arguments in bioethics. The readings are taken from the disciplines of biology, ecology, medicine, philosophy, religious ethics, law and policy studies. Goals for the seminar include (1) becoming familiar with a significant body of professional literature; (2) learning to identify moral issues, analyze moral arguments, and to make and defend moral judgments; (3) reflecting on what it means to be a physician or patient; and (4) exploring the relations between ethics, law and public policy. Topics include abortion, reproductive technologies, stem cell research, cloning, euthanasia, autonomy, paternalism, use of human subjects in research, access to health care, allocation of scarce resources, and environmental ethics. Writing intensive.
