DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
 

 

The Department of Religion and Philosophy seeks to graduate students who are knowledgeable in the scriptures and develop students who, by their works of reason and wonder, will be stimulated to pursue and embrace learning for the common good.

Successful students will be able to interpret the scriptures and other religious phenomena in light of contemporary life, and use the theological and philosophical knowledge gained to make reasoned and informed decisions when confronting conflicting moral choices.

The major and minor programs are designed for students whose vocational goals include the ordained ministry, Christian education, church administration, and sacred music; those who plan to pursue further profes­sional or academic studies in a seminary, divinity or other graduate schools; and those who seek self-enrich-ment from studies in Religion and Philosophy. Further, the curriculum seeks to serve the needs of local and national communities of faith that desire to enhance or sharpen their vocational skills.

MAJOR: In addition to REL 131 and REL 132, fifteen (15) credit hours from the five upper level courses listed below constitute the core of study and are required of all students who seek a major in Religion and Philosophy. Senior exit examinations will be constructed from the following core courses and REL 131 and 132:

PHL 231 Introduction to Philosophy ............................... 3 hours
REL 230 Introductory Theologies .................................. 3 hours
REL 232 Biblical Studies since the Enlightenment ......... 3 hours
REL 235 World Religions……………………………...3 hours
REL 237 History of Christianity…………………..…...3 hours

A student seeking to pursue a major in Religion and Philosophy will, in addition to the core courses listed above, complete another eighteen (18) upper level credit hours. These will include REL 400, and fifteen others in theology, philosophy, biblical studies, and interdisciplinary studies from within the Depart­ment. Only up to six (6) of the fifteen credits will be selected from the 300-level courses; the rest will be selected from the 400-level courses. None will come from the 100 or 200-level courses. A passing score in the senior exit exams and successful completion of a senior thesis is required of a student seeking a major in the Department.

MINOR: In addition to REL 131 and REL 132, a student seeking to pursue a minor in Religion and Philosophy will complete a total of twenty-one (21) credit hours consisting of PHL 231, REL 230, REL 232, REL 235, and REL 237 listed above, plus six (6) elective credits. Three (3) of the elective credits will be chosen from the 300-level courses and the other three (3) form the 400-level courses. REL 400 is not open to any student not seeking a major.

No student will embark upon a major or minor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy without an exhaustive consultation with a Department of Religion faculty advisor who will help the student shape a con­centration.

Students who major in the Department of Religion & Philosophy will demonstrate:
_ Mastery of the literature of the biblical canon and the tools for its interpretation.
_ Awareness of the complexity of religious phenomena and its various theories.
_ Awareness of the historical sweep of the Christian church movement since its infancy.
_ Superior ability at conceptual analysis of the nature of religion and its various theologies.
_ Skill at critical thinking as an aid in pursuing academic and life truths.
_ Proficiency at using technology as an academic tool.
_ Ability to understand self and others as faithing persons.
_ Moral integrity in academic and personal life.
_ Motivation to pursue life-long educational goals.
_ Superior preparation for graduate or professional schools and subsequent vocations.
_ Evidence of motivation to succeed at advanced academic study or chosen vocation.
_ Convincing evidence of a lifestyle that contributes to the common good.

Sample Programs for the Major in Religion and Philosophy

FRESHMAN YEAR

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
REL 131 Old Testament 3 REL 132 New Testament 3
ENG 131 English Comp. I. 3 ENG 132 English Comp. II 3
HPS 110 Physical Education 1 HPR 120 Health 2
MAT 131 Alg., Trig., Geom. I 3 MAT 132 Alg., Trig., Geom. I 3
HUM 131 African Heritage 3 BIO 131 Life Science 3
REL 101 Chapel ½ REL 102 Chapel ½
HIS 131 World Civilization 3 HUM 132 African American Exp. 3
STL 101 Orientation 2     17½
    18½      

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
REL 237 Hist. of Christianity 3 REL 230 Intro Theology 3
SPE 231 Voice and Diction 3 SPE 232 Public Speaking 3
REL 235 World Religions 3 SOC 232 Anthropology 3
LOG 131 Logic I 3 LOG 331 Logic II 3
CSC 121 Computer Literacy 2 PSY 230 Intro. Psychology 3
REL 201 Chapel ½ REL 202 Chapel ½
ENG 233 Intro. Mod. Grammar 3      
    17½     15½

JUNIOR YEAR

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
PHL 231 Introduction to Phil 3 REL XXX Elective 3
REL 232 Biblical Studies 3 REL XXX Elective 3
Elective   3 Elective   3
SOC 231 Intro. Sociology 3 ENG 232 Amer. Literature I 3
Elective   3 BUS 234 Princ. Economics II 3
REL 301 Chapel ½ REL 302 Chapel ½
BUS 233 Princ. Economics 3 Elective   3
    18½     18½

SENIOR YEAR

Fall Semester
Spring Semester
REL 400 Senior Seminar 3 Elective   3
SOC 337 Social Psychology 3 Elective   3
HIS 337 African Amer. Hist. 3 Elective   3
Elective   3 Elective   3
Elective   3 Elective   3
Elective   3 Elective   3
    18     18