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Religion
Part of the Humanities Division
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 faculty seek to prepare students to enter life after college with a richer understanding and deeper appreciation of religious questions, texts, and traditions. Such preparation will equip them with the skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong personal growth, community involvement, and professional accomplishment. The faculty also aim to provide students interested in furhter specialization with the skills and literacy needed for graduate study in religion and/or professional study in divinity.
Learning Outcomes
Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of some of the critical methods in and major approaches to the study of religion
- Analyze carefully, think critically, and write coherently about religious traditions, whether one’s own tradition or other traditions
- Demonstrate familiarity with biblical literature (preferably both Hebrew Bible & New Testament) and other religious texts, some of their major themes and characteristics, and contemporary issues related to the study of religious texts
- Understand the central themes of Christianity as well as the diversity within the Christian tradition, both of which are exemplified by different historical communities, theological outlooks, and ethical positions
- Demonstrate the ability to:
articulate, explain, and compare the beliefs and practices of the world’s major religious traditions
outline their historical developments
explain major contemporary issues facing each of them
The Major in Religion consists of 43 hours in religion and related areas. Required courses include:
REL162: Approaches to the Study of Religion (3 hrs.)
REL 212: World Religions (3 hrs.)
REL 228: Introduction to Christian Theology (3 hrs.)
REL 344: Explorations in Biblical Studies (3 hrs.)
REL 348: Explorations in the History of Religions (3 hrs.)
REL 351-352: Senior Study (6 hrs.)
HUM 201: Perspectives in the Humanities (3 hrs.)
HUM 347: Research and Professional Issues (1 hr.)
One course selected from the following list::
REL 209: Religion in the Southern Appalachians (3 hrs.)
REL 211: The American Religious Experience (3 hrs.)
REL 325: Sociology of Religion
Either of the following courses:
REL 326: Contemporary Theology (3 hrs.)
or
REL 346: Explorations in Christian Thought and Culture (3 hrs.)
Two courses from the following list:
PHL 326: Philosophy and Religion (3 hrs.)
PHL 329: Modern Critiques of Religion (3 hrs.)
PHL 348: Comparative Philosophy (3 hrs.)
One of the following courses:
HIS 242: World Civilization from Earliest Times to 1500 C.E. (3 hrs.)
HIS 243: World Civilization from 1500 C.E. to the 20th Century (3 hrs.)
PHI 211: American Philosophy (3 hrs.)
An additional 3 credit hours coursework in Religion*
*The 3 credit 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.
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.
Core Curriculum Requirements
Each student must satisfy the core requirements and requirements for individual programs of study.