Religion
RELI
1003 - Christian Beliefs - 3
credit hours
A survey of Christian thought, beliefs, and traditions through the
ages. Doctrines concerning the nature of God, the fall of man, sin,
Jesus Christ, atonement, and salvation are discussed. The Church of
the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Puritan Age, and the
contemporary Church are examined. Key figures in Christian thought
from St. Augustine to Mother Teresa are introduced. Course
Rotation: All semesters.
1013 - Old Testament - 3
credit hours
A survey of the Old Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and
literature, designed to lead to an appreciation of its content and
application. Course Rotation: All semesters.
1023 - New Testament - 3
credit hours
A survey of the New Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and
literature designed to apply teachings of the New Testament to
present times. Course Rotation: All semesters.
1203 - World Religions - 3
credit hours
A survey of the varieties of religious beliefs, emphasizing the
relationship of the world's great religions to one another and to
society. Course Rotation: All semesters.
3103 - Introduction to Christian
Ministry - 3 credit hours
An introductory study of the nature of the church and its mission.
Students will be exposed to the various issues and literature in
the field of Christian Ministries with special emphasis on
discipleship. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and RELI 1003.
Course Rotation: All semesters.
3113 - Youth Ministry - 3
credit hours
This course is a consideration of the nature and needs of
adolescents from junior high through the college years. Philosophy
of youth ministry objectives, organizations, and methods are
studied with emphasis on effective ministry to reach and develop
youth to their fullest potential. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course
Rotation: Spring.
3123 - Worship - 3 credit
hours
Understanding Christian worship and church music through
consideration to its biblical and historical backgrounds and
through observation of its current practice. Experience in planning
and conducting worship in a variety of settings. Also listed as
MUSI 3123. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation:
Spring.
3133 - The Gospels - 3 credit
hours
A study of the basic teachings of Jesus in the synoptic gospels and
the Gospel of John in light of critical studies.
Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Spring even
years.
3143 - New Testament Letters -
3 credit hours
A historical study of the spread of Christianity into Asia and
Europe as seen in the life and writings of the apostles.
Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Fall odd years.
3153 - Age Level
Ministries - 3 credit hours
An examination of the periods of childhood through adulthood from
the perspective of ministry needs, developmental tasks, and
spiritual formation. Attention is given to the principles of moral
and spiritual development of children and programs to integrate all
persons into the community of faith. Prerequisites: RELI 1003
and RELI 3103. Course Rotation: Fall.
3203 - Introduction to Christian
Education - 3 credit hours
The historical, Biblical, theoretical, and psychological concepts
central to the field of educational ministry. Reference to various
applications in children's, youth, and adult ministries will be
included. Course Rotation: All semesters.
3213 - Pentateuch/Historical
Books - 3 credit hours
An analysis of the general content and spiritual teachings of the
Torah as well as the historical books from Joshua to Esther.
Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Spring even years.
3253 - Poetical
Books/Prophets - 3 credit hours
A study of wisdom literature and the prophetic writings of the Old
Testament. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Spring
even years.
3273 - Women in Religion - 3
credit hours
Drawing on the insights of Biblical theology, history, and
cross-cultural studies, this course examines the places of women in
society and in the church-both as they are and should and could be.
Explores the views of female/male roles in the church over the
centuries. Critically examines feminist thought and experiences of
women with Christianity as well as other religions.
3293 - Church History - 3
credit hours
The growth of the Christian Church from Pentecost to the present
with emphasis on the formation of orthodoxy and its interrelation
with the surrounding society. Course Rotation: Varies.
4103 - Spiritual Formation - 3
credit hours
An examination of the theological and practical dimensions of
spiritual life with an emphasis on prayer, solitude and social
responsibility. This course will trace the history of spirituality
and study great Christian spiritual writers, past and
present. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Spring.
4113 - Leadership and
Administration - 3 credit hours
Leadership, authority, power, and other issues are integrated with
basic administrative principles as applicable to the local church
or other Christian organizations. This capstone course also
includes transition topics as students enter church careers.
Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course Rotation:
Varies.
4263 - Crisis Intervention - 3
credit hours
Enhances understanding of theory and intervention into the lives of
individuals in crisis. Case management and risk analysis are areas
of focus. Also listed as HS 4263. Prerequisite: HS 2103.
Course Rotation: Varies.
4293 - Contextual Ministry - 3
credit hours
The course prepares students for ministry in a multicultural
society. It is designed to provide historical, theological,
sociological and ethical foundations for ministry in a diverse
society; to provide relevant models for ministry; and to assist in
developing practical applications and new ministry programs that
are relevant and meaningful for multicultural, pluralistic and
diverse cultures. Prerequisite: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course
Rotation: Spring even years.
4393 - Psychology of
Religion - 3 credit hours
Presents psychological, philosophical, and the theoretical factors
associated with religious practice. Also listed as HS 4393 and PSYC
4393. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003. Course Rotation: Winter.
4403 - Recreational
Ministries - 3 credit hours
Objectives, principles, methods, organizations, and administration
of church recreation and camping. Emphasizes the building of a
sound recreational program along with the various facets of
Christian camping. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation:
Fall.
4503 - Introduction to Christian
Theology - 3 credit hours
An advanced course in the primary doctrines of the Christian faith.
Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course Rotation: Spring.
4553 - Wesleyan Studies - 3
credit hours
A survey of Methodist theology, history and practice from the time
of John Wesley to the present. It integrates theology and practice
of ministry by showing the impact and relevance of Wesleyanism for
the contemporary church. Prerequisites: RELI 1003, 3103.
Course Rotation: Fall - odd years.
4603 - Homiletics - 3 credit
hours
A consideration of the essential qualifications of a preacher; the
need for preaching; proper preparation of sermon material,
including discovery and arrangement of ideas, and the effective
presentation and reception of the message. Also listed as COMM
4603. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Public Speaking (COMM
2103). Course Rotation: Varies.
4613 - Creative Ministries - 3
credit hours
Exploration of the contemporary and traditional Christian message
through reading, interpreting, and performing sacred texts and
spiritual literature. Areas addressed include puppetry, religious
drama, mime, production, and presentation. Also listed as COMM
4613. Course Rotation: Spring.
48X1 - Ministry Seminar - 1
credit hour
Special topics courses in various areas of ministry. Prerequisite:
RELI 1003. Course Rotation: All semesters.
4933-4943 - Practicum I, II -
3 credit hours
Provides exposure to ministry as a vocation. Students participate
in two, 120-clock hour practica under skilled supervision.
Corequisites or prerequisites: Second semester junior. Course
Rotation: All semesters.
4950 - Senior Practicum III -
1-3 credit hours
An additional 120-clock hour practicum experience in the field of
church work. Course Rotation: All semesters.