Religion

Associate Professor Margaret Cowan, Chair, Division of Humanities

The study of religion considers religions as both expressions of the most fundamental human questions and as the products of historical forces. A broad study of religion encompasses theology as well as history, literature and the arts, social institutions, and cross-cultural comparisons. The Major in Religion consists of 43 hours in religion and related areas. Required courses are Religion 162, 212, 228, 344, 348, 351, 352; Humanities 201 and 347; one course chosen from Religion 209, 211 and 325; and one course chosen from Religion 326 and 346; two courses chosen from Philosophy 326, 329, and 348. Also required is one related course chosen from History 242, 243 and Philosophy 211. The 3 hours in biblical studies taken to fulfill the general education requirement may not be included in the major, but the student may count the second 100-level biblical studies course toward the major. Additional coursework to satisfy the 43-hour requirement is selected from courses in Religion.

The Minor in Religion consists of 15 hours in religion, including not more than one 100-level course. The 3 hours in Biblical Studies taken to fulfill the general education requirement may not be included in the minor, but the student may count the second 100-level Biblical Studies course toward the minor.

Course Descriptions

162. Approaches to the Study of Religion
3 credit hours
An introduction to various modes of inquiry in the study of religion including theology, philosophy of religion, textual studies, and comparative religion.
209. Religion in the Southern Appalachians
3 credit hours
A study of Appalachian mountain religion in its historical and cultural context. Appalachian denominations are examined to determine how they have developed into distinct forms of American Protestantism by analyzing southern Appalachian religious music, preacher rhetoric, and unique worship practices.
211. The American Religious Experience
3 credit hours
An introduction to religious studies which employs the American religious experience as its model.
212. World Religions
3 credit hours
Religion as a universal human phenomenon. Each offering of the course will examine several religious traditions such as Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Christianity, as well as indigenous religions.
228. Introduction to Christian Theology
3 credit hours
An examination of reflective thinking on basic Christian beliefs and practices. No experience in theology is required.
325. Sociology of Religion
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101, Social Science 260, or permission of the instructor
A study of religion and the social order. Religion as an integral part of human culture, the building of a sacred cosmos. Religion and social organization, civil religion, secularization, religion and social change, cross-cultural comparisons.
326. Contemporary Theology
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Any religion course or junior standing
An examination of 20th century Christian thought, with special emphasis on current issues, approaches, and major thinkers. Attention is given to the social, political, and historical context of contemporary theology.
343. Practicum in Religion
2 to 6 credit hours
An on- or off-campus experience that provides an introduction to careers in religion, enhances understanding of the role of religion in human culture, or applies knowledge gained through the study of religion. Involvement is expected to be at least three hours of activity per week during the semester for each credit hour given.
344. Explorations in Biblical Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Biblical Studies 130 or 140
Topics will vary. The course provides an opportunity for students to do advanced study in the Old Testament world and culture or the New Testament world and culture with the topic to alternate between the two. Possible topics include Old Testament Prophets, the Letters of Paul, Old Testament Apocrypha, Christian Apocrypha, and the Covenant Formula in the Old Testament.
346. Explorations in Christian Thought and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Any religion course or junior standing
Topics will vary. An examination of Christian theology and its relationship to culture through art, the work of significant theologians, an historical period, or a theological theme.
348. Explorations in the History of Religions
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Any religion course or junior standing
Topics will vary. A study of one or more of the world’s religious traditions or a comparative study of a theme or themes in more than one tradition.
349. Selected Topics in Religion
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing
Course content varies from year to year to meet the special interests, abilities, and needs of advanced students.
351-352. Senior Study
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, junior standing and Humanities 347
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. The courses involve individual study with the guidance of a faculty supervisor. Ordinarily taken in the spring term of the junior year and the fall term of the senior year.