Religion (REL)

REL 4303  Aramaic  (3)  
Cross-listed as ARA 4303  

See ARA 4303 for course information.

REL 4304  Syriac  (3)  
Cross-listed as SYR 4304  
Pre-requisite(s): REL 1310, 1350 and Upper-level standing  

Introduction to ancient Syriac with selected readings from Syriac manuscripts of biblical books as well as early Christian literature.

REL 4388  Christian Literary Classics  (3)  
Cross-listed as ENG 4388  
Pre-requisite(s): REL 1310 and 1350; and upper level standing  

A study of the various ways in which theological and imaginative excellence is displayed in such classic Christian authors as Augustine, Dante, Herbert, Bunyan, and Hopkins.

REL 5199  Non-Thesis Degree Completion  (1)  

To fulfill requirements for non-thesis master's students who need to complete final degree requirements other than coursework during their last semester. This may include such things as a comprehensive examination, oral examination, or foreign language requirement. Students are required to be registered during the semester they graduate.

REL 5301  Contemporary Issues in Old Testament Study  (3)  

A selected major issue in contemporary Old Testament scholarship. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5302  Seminar in the Torah  (3)  

A designated portion of the Old Testament scriptures chosen from the Torah. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5303  Seminar in the Former Prophets  (3)  

A designated portion of the Old Testament scriptures chosen from the Former Prophets. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5304  Seminar in the Latter Prophets  (3)  

A designated portion of the Old Testament scriptures chosen from the Latter Prophets. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5305  Seminar in the Writings  (3)  

A designated portion of the Old Testament scriptures chosen from the Writings. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5308  Old Testament Theology  (3)  

The history and nature of the discipline Old Testament Theology focusing on methodology, personalities, major works, and central themes.

REL 5309  Selected Documents from the Hebrew Scriptures  (3)  
Cross-listed as HEB 5309  

See HEB 5309 for course information.

REL 5311  Contemporary Issues in New Testament Study  (3)  

A selected major issue in contemporary New Testament scholarship. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5312  Seminar in the Pauline Epistles  (3)  

A designated portion of the New Testament scriptures chosen from the Pauline Epistles. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5313  Seminar in the Synoptic Gospels  (3)  

A designated portion of the New Testament scriptures chosen from the Synoptic Gospels. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5314  Seminar in the Johannine Literature  (3)  

A designated portion of the New Testament scriptures chosen from the Johannine Literature. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5315  Seminar in Acts, Hebrews, and the General Epistles  (3)  

A designated portion of the New Testament scriptures chosen from Acts, Hebrews, or the General Epistles. Attention will be given to critical and theological problems, relevant bibliography, contributions of significant scholars, and contemporary issues in interpretation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5317  Seminar in New Testament Greek  (3)  
Cross-listed as GRK 5317  

Hellenistic Greek based upon the translation and exegesis of selected portions of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. Attention will be given to grammar, lexicography, and textual criticism. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5318  New Testament Theology  (3)  

The history and nature of the discipline New Testament Theology, focusing on methodology, personalities, and major works.

REL 5321  New Testament in Its Jewish Context  (3)  

A graduate seminar focusing on aspects of the Jewish milieu in which early Christianity emerged. The course may be taken up to two times when content differs.

REL 5322  New Testament in Its Greco-Roman Context  (3)  

A graduate seminar focusing on some aspects of the Greco-Roman milieu in which early Christianity emerged. The course may be taken up to two times when content differs.

REL 5323  The History of Ancient Israel  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): M.A. or Ph.D. standing in the department  

A graduate seminar focusing on ancient Israelite history and historiography. The course will involve a thorough overview of the history of Syria-Palestine and a rigorous examination of the interests and intentions of the ancient writers. While archaeological and geographic evidence will to some extent inform the subject matter of the course, the primary emphasis will be on information gained from the written sources, both biblical and epigraphic.

REL 5324  Syro-Palestinian Archaeology  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): M.A. or Ph.D. standing  

A graduate seminar focusing upon the archaeology of Syria and Palestine from the Early Bronze Age through the Persian Period (ca. 3300-334 B.C.E). Emphasis will be given to the use and interpretation of archaeological data with special reference to the Old Testament.

REL 5325  Ugaritic Grammar and Lexicography  (3)  
Cross-listed as UGA 5306  

See UGA 5306 for course description.

REL 5326  Akkadian  (3)  
Cross-listed as AKK 5307  

See AKK 5307 for course information.

REL 5330  The Pentecostal Tradition  (3)  

A study of the Pentecostal tradition in Christianity, with particular attention to roots in the Holiness movement of the nineteenth century, origins and developments, and subsequent growth in Charismatic expressions of faith. The course may be taken up to two times if the content differs.

REL 5331  History of Ancient Christianity  (3)  

Patristic literature up to 500 CE. Selections for study will be made from apocryphal, apologetic, polemical, doctrinal and biographical types of literature. Careful attention will be given to at least one of the following ecclesiastical histories: Eusebius of Caesarea, Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5332  History of Medieval Christianity  (3)  

Eastern and western medieval Christianity from the fall of Rome to the fall of Constantinople, with particular emphasis on such topics as the papacy, monasticism, the Carolingian Renaissance, the separation of eastern and Western Catholicism, scholasticism, and medieval sectarianism. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5333  History of the Continental Reformation  (3)  

Lutheran, Reformed, and the Roman Catholic aspects of the sixteenth-century Reformation in Europe. This course may be taken up to three times when content changes.

REL 5334  History of the English Reformation  (3)  

The Reformation as it developed in England with particular attention to the background of the English church in the late Middle Ages; the influence of Wycliffe, Tyndale, and the English Bible; the progress of reform under the Tudors and the Stuarts; the rise of Puritanism and nonconformity; the Civil Wars; and toleration. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5335  Modern European Christianity  (3)  

History of European Christianity since the Reformation. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5336  History of American Christianity  (3)  
Cross-listed as AMS 5336  

History of American Christianity from pre-Columbian Christian settlements to the present, with particular emphasis on major movements and problems such as Puritanism, religious liberty, revivalism, westward expansion, the rise and growth of denominations, and post-Civil War trends. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5337  Baptist History  (3)  

Source materials of Baptist history and polity with particular attention devoted to Baptist origins, development, theological positions, leaders, and current trends. The seminar approach will be followed, and the course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5340  Seminar on Religion, Law, and Politics  (3)  

See PHI 5342 for course information.

REL 5349  The Radical Reformation  (3)  

An in-depth look at the Radical Reformation, also called the Believers' Church movement and the Anabaptist tradition. Examination of key primary texts to illustrate the diverse and developing theology of these reformers and their offspring, plus their institutional manifestations. Research essays and bibliographic work required.

REL 5350  Issues and Themes Within Patristic Thought  (3)  

Knowledge of French or German required. Formulation of a Christian doctrine of God came to a crisis in the fourth century when a series of conflicts over the relation of the Father and Son erupted and absorbed the intellectual energies of the Church for almost a century. As a result of the so-called "Arian controversy," various points of Trinitarian and Christological doctrine became canonized for defining orthodoxy. These have functioned as norms for all subsequent doctrinal and exegetical development, profoundly shaping the theological identity of the Church. Moreover, in the last thirty years, scholarship has been greatly altered by a number of changes in the interpretation of major figures and doctrinal development in the fourth century such that a significant amount of re-writing of historical theology is currently taking place. It is clear that the Nicene-"Arian" conflicts went through distinct stages, and were more complicated and less compartmentalized than presented in many histories of the period. Course may be taken up to three times when content changes.

REL 5351  Medieval Theology  (3)  

The thought and practice of Christianity in the Middle Ages. Select major texts will be read, either in a format that examines the works of various writers, or with a focus on one major theologian (e.g.,Anselm, Aquinas) or theme (e.g., monasticism, scholasticism). A reading knowledge of Latin is preferable, and either French or German is required. Course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5352  The Nicene-'Arian' Controversies of the Fourth Century  (3)  

Investigation of the development of Trinitarian theology in the first four decades of the fourth century leading up to the council of Nicaea and its immediate aftermath. After touching on antecedent works by Origen and Eusebius, the course focuses upon the writings of Athanasius and Arius of Alexandria, Eusebius of Caesarea, Eusebius of Nicomedia, and Marcellus of Ancyra, concluding with the council of Serdica (342/3). Course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5353  Nineteenth-Century Theology  (3)  

Major developments of nineteenth-century theology and their continuing relevance. One or more selected major theologians or movements will be examined. The course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5354  Twentieth-Century Theology  (3)  

Major developments of twentieth-century theology and their continuing relevance. One or more selected major theologians or movements will be examined. Course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5356  Contemporary Systematic Theologies  (3)  

Systematic theology as a genre of theology within the Christian tradition. Emphasis will be placed on systematic theologies written after Barth and Tillich. Analysis of these works will focus on questions of method as well as content. Special attention will be paid to issues related such developments as liberation and feminist theology and postmodern thought. Course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5357  The 20th Century Catholic Renaissance  (3)  

The resurgence of Roman Catholic theology and literature in the previous century, as well as its continuing relevance for our time.

REL 5358  Seminar on Liberation Theology  (3)  

Various liberation theologies that have emerged over the last decades in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and North America. Included will be the pioneering work of James Cone, Gustavo Gutierrez, Rosemary Ruether and the theological and political schools of thought that have followed and extended their analyses. Course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5360  Contemporary Theological Problems  (3)  

Important theological problems which confront the theologian and the Christian community today. Problems such as faith and science, theological language, evil, theology and history, and Christian selfhood and modern psychology studied. Both historical and contemporary attempts to deal with the problems will be considered. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5362  Christian Anthropology  (3)  

Meaning and relevance of the Christian understanding of humanity for contemporary existence in the light of Biblical, classical, ancient, and modern interpretations. Course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5363  Christology  (3)  

Historical development and theoretical systematization of major Christological themes, giving special attention to interrelation of materials from Biblical studies, history of dogma, and systematic theology. Course may be taken up to three times when the content differs.

REL 5364  Global Ethics  (3)  

The interrelationships among the major theoretical and applied debates in the field of global ethics (ethics in global context, approached using a variety of methodologies, including but not limited to traditional Christian ethical approaches).

REL 5365  Global Bioethics  (3)  

This course introduces students to the ethical dimensions of healthcare from the global perspective. The course offers students the basic language and methodology with which to critically engage bioethical issues relevant to our contemporary global context.

REL 5366  Environmental Ethics  (3)  

This course evaluates environmental challenges and prominent philosophical and religious convictions that inform, support, and specify ethics in global context.

REL 5367  Global Ethics Capstone  (3)  

Research project that demonstrates the integration of knowledge and experiences acquired through the MA in Global Ethics program.

REL 5368  Bioethics  (3)  

This course is an introduction to bioethics from a Christian theological perspective. It discusses the context and history of bioethics, the meaning of the body, the end of life, the beginning of life, and the treatment of human subjects.

REL 5372  Church and State During the Reformation Era  (3)  

Church-state relations were among many cultural relationships that were redefined during the Protestant Reformation period; however, scholars differ as to the reformers’ influence in this transformation and in the development of liberal social orders throughout Europe. Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Anabaptist leaders, Anglican scholars, Catholic officials, and many others contributed unique and often conflicting views of the “appropriate” relationship between church and state. This course examines the broad contours of church-state thought during the Reformation period beginning with the conciliar movement in the 14th and 15th centuries, and ending with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 and its influence in constructing the modern nation-states of Europe.

REL 5373  Contemporary Issues in Historical Studies  (3)  

A selected major issue in contemporary Historical Studies scholarship. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5380  History of the Christian Movement  (3)  

This course examines the world Christian movement in its ecclesial and para-ecclesial cross-cultural, inter-religious processes, including transatlantic, postcolonial, and decolonial interpretations from the global south, particularly Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

REL 5381  Christianity in Latin America & the Caribbean  (3)  

Examines Christianity in South/Central America and the Spanish Caribbean with transatlantic, postcolonial, and decolonial methodological frameworks, including intra and inter Christian dynamics with Amerindian and Afro-Latin American religions, geopolitical history, and migratory movements.

REL 5382  Christianity in Africa and in Africa-Diaspora Regions  (3)  

Examines Christianity on the continent of Africa, with particular interest in Early African Christianity, the interaction with traditional religions and Islam, and Western African transatlantic history.

REL 5393  Contemporary Problems in Christian Ethics  (3)  

A research seminar focusing on ethical problems in the contemporary society and the resources available in the Judeo-Christian traditions for analyzing these problems. Students will work on a specific problem or problems Emphasis will be placed on developing technique and discovering the resources available for ethical analysis. The course may be taken up to three times when content differs.

REL 5398  Theories of Religion  (3)  

This course examines the ways in which scholars have asked – and answered – different questions about religion, religions, religious expressions, and traditions.

REL 5399  Religion Colloquy  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Twenty-four semester hours of graduate course work  

Required as a co-requisite for participation in the Teaching Fellows Program. The colloquy will address a broad range of institutional and pedagogical issues related to the teaching of religious traditions and especially the Christian tradition in an academic context.

REL 5V00  Special Studies in Religion  (1-3)  

Special research projects that are needed in the students' graduate programs, but that are unavailable in the regular curriculum. The course may be for up to three hours credit, with preference given to those in their final year of study.

REL 5V99  Thesis  (1-3)  

Students register for the thesis and receive credit when the thesis is finally approved.

REL 6V00  Dissertation Proposal and Prospectus  (1-3)  

Research for doctoral students studying for preliminary examinations, preparing their topic proposal, or writing their prospectus in anticipation of candidacy. The course may be repeated.

REL 6V99  Dissertation  (1-9)  

Supervised research for the doctoral dissertation. A total of at least nine semester hours is required for the completion of the dissertation.