Religious Studies and Ministry Studies

RL 122 Foundations of Christian Religious Education (3)
A foundational survey of biblical, theological, psychological, sociological, legal and historical elements of Christian religious education. Students will learn to inter-relate and apply these foundational elements in practical settings, and develop a
statement setting forth their philosophy of Christian religious education. Offered in alternate years.


RL 175 Beyond Volunteerism (3)
A critical issue for any organization, secular or religious, is that of involving volunteers. Theoretical and practical elements essential to effective involvement of volunteers will be explored. Central to the study will be foci on the development of Vision/Mission
clarity, good organizational practice/process, and review of training models from a cross section of disciplines.


RL 198 Seminar in Religious Studies (1/2)
Offered especially for students majoring and minoring in religious studies or Christian Education , the seminar is open to all students interested in engaging in dialogue and exploration of religious topics and issues in a less formal class setting. Topics encourage the exploration of personal faith and its implications.
Conversations promote ecumenical understanding and shared reflection for students and faculty alike. This course may be taken up to six semesters for a maximum of three credit hours. Major or minor status or permission of instructor required.


RL 201 Approaches to Religion (3)
A study of the nature of religious ideas, values, and experiences focusing on Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Insights about religion gained from psychology, anthropology, and philosophy will also be examined. Prerequisite: AH 110, AH 120 or permission of instructor.
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RL 210 Spirituality and Wholeness (3)
In a 21st Century world that seems to demand that everyone do more and more at a faster and faster pace, this course explores approaches to spiritual wholeness for lives that often feel fragmented and overloaded . Students explore topics such
as: spiritual and physical disciplines of meditation and prayer; holistic moral decision making; natural and religious dimensions of healing; community integrity through service to others; and an evaluation of religious beliefs about diet and exercise.
Prerequisites: AH 110, AH 120 or permission of the instructor.


RL 211 Introducing the Old Testament:
Chaos, Calamity and Covenant (3)
Through the rich literature of the Hebrew Bible and the history of ancient Israel, students will be introduced to some of the foundational beliefs, values, and practices of Western cultural heritage. The course acquaints students with critical literary and
historical methods of understanding the Bible in its context as well as its meaning for people of faith today. Prerequisite: AH110, AH120 or permission of instructor.


RL 212 Introducing the New Testament:
Teachings of Jesus and the Early Church (3)
Through the Gospels, the letters of Paul, and other New Testament writings students will explore the world of Jesus and his compelling message. The course introduces critical methods for understanding the distinctive themes of the Gospels and invites possible ways for people of faith today to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ message and ministry. Prerequisite: AH110, AH 120 or permission of instructor.


RL 250 Program Development and Resource Theory (3)
This course examines curriculum theory and practice from philosophical, theological, historical, and methodological perspectives. The course equips students with tools and techniques to observe and evaluate curricula, and to assess learning environments (including the reality of implicit and null curricula), and how those learning environments interact with written curricula. Students are required to apply concepts from this course in constructing programs for use within local church
or church-related settings that include appropriate evaluation tools. Offered in alternate years. This course does not meet the 200 level religion general education requirements.

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RL 265 The Black Church in America
This course examines the historical role of the Black Church from antebellum slavery to the present day. Consideration is given to the history of Black religious denominations and their contribution to the uplift of the Black race. This course also
examines the ecology of the Black Church, the spiritualities of the Black Church, and the social witness of the Black Church. Prominent leaders whose roots lie in the Black Church are discussed. Finally, consideration is given to the various modelsthat find expression in the Black Church: 1) Assimilation Model; 2) Isolation Model; 3) Compensatory Model; and 4) Ethnic-Community Prophetic Model. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: AH110, AH120 or permission of the instructor.


RL 267 Islam (3)
A survey of Islam including its early religious history, and beliefs and practices; contemporary socio-cultural issues in the Islamic world; and major schools of thought and Islamic art, literature, and spirituality. Prerequisites: AH110, AH120 or permission of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.


RL 310 Mediation and Conciliation (3)
Mediation and Conciliation focuses on the third party role of the mediator. The class explores the theories and practices of mediation and conciliation in the North American context. The class will develop the skills needed for mediation in formal and informal settings. Students will spend the first part of the semester learning theory and the development of basic skills. The second part of the class will be spent in mediation role plays.


RL 321 Ethics and Morals (3)
A survey of philosophical and theological resources available for the consideration of ethical questions, combined with case studies drawn from current moral issues and dilemmas. Students can focus on ethical issues in their major fields in the context of
a research assignment. Prerequisites: AH110, AH120, AH220 or permission of the instructor.

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RL 353 Leadership and Group Work Theory (3)
Through a balance of research techniques and experiential approaches, students gain social-psychological and theological understanding of leadership styles and their effects as well as group processes. Skills are developed in identifying, diagnosing, and acting upon group and individual needs in varied situations
including intra- and inter-group conflict. Students are introduced to the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator as a tool for their leadership development. Project may include exercises with groups, including the use of videotaped recordings and receiving
and giving feedback, and creation of professional and personal leadership development plans. Excellent elective for students already in campus or community leadership roles as well as those in majors that lead toward work environments requiring participation and coordination of teams or working groups such
as health and wellness. Prerequisites: AH110, AH120, AH220 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years.


RL 356 Forming One’s Faith (3)
A study of the nature of religious faith from a Christian perspective. Components of the course include: readings in Christian theology; study of great religious leaders; and an investigation of specific religious issues chosen by the student. Designed for junior and senior students with a major or minor in religion. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: AH110,120,220, RL211 and RL212 or RL360, or with permission of the instructor.


RL 360 Women & Men through the History of Christianity (3)
Important themes in the history of Christian faith and practice are traced from Jesus and the early church to the 21st century. Students will explore lives of outstanding women and men who have made significant contributions to Christian life. Particular
attention will be given to the shifting leadership roles of women and men in church history. Prerequisites: AH110, AH120, AH220 or permission of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.

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RL 380 Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion (3)
The course will introduce the theories and methods used in the academic study of religion, it will consider representative theories divided along ideological and/or disciplinary lines, and will train students in the skills necessary for conducting primary research. Case studies will rotate and include the Abrahamic Traditions and
Religions of the East. Prerequisite: AH110, AH120, AH 220, and RL201 or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate springs. Course may be repeated once, if topic is different from that completed.


RL 395 Special Topics (3)
At least one course will be offered in alternate years in order to meet the interests of students on timely issues about religious studies. Course titles may include:

RL 397 Field Experience (3+3)
A junior-level field placement for students majoring in Christian education. (Graded Pass/Fail)


RL 475 Administrative Policies and Practices (3)
Thoughtful leadership, teaching skills, printed resources, adequate finances and institutional relationships are critical to the success of any educational program. In this course students will be introduced to issues in leadership theory, motivation,
human resources, planning and budgeting, institutional structures, and institutional relationships. Students will develop their own theoretical approach to each of these issues through reading, class discussion, written reflection, and field-based
practical application. Open to junior and senior level students. Recommended that Christian Education majors take the course with junior or senior level field work. Offered in alternate years.


RL 497 Field Experience (3+3)
A senior-level field placement for students majoring in Christian education. Christian Education majors complete their capstone as part of this sequence. (Graded Pass/Fail)


RL 499 Senior Capstone (3)
Religion Studies majors choose an independent project related to their coursework in the major. The capstone integrates the students’ learning in religious studies and/or related disciplines with practical experience or with specialized research. A
presentation of the results of student work is required and a component of community service is strongly encouraged.
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