- Religion
- Major/Requirements
- Course Descriptions
- Faculty
- Careers in Religion
Religion at Ozarks
Course Descriptions
REL 1003 OLD TESTAMENT
This course introduces students to the literature of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament), with special attention given to historical, literary, and theological approaches to the study of the Bible.
REL 1013 NEW TESTAMENT
Set within the framework of the Old Testament, this course introduces students to the literature of the New Testament, with special attention given to historical, literary, and theological approaches to the study of the Bible.
REL 2033 INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY
Employing a variety of traditional and contemporary approaches, this course examines the fundamental doctrines of Christian faith and practice.
REL 2073 HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM
A course intended to acquaint students with the origins, historical development and essential beliefs and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism. Directly related traditions will also be examined.
REL 2083 JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
A course intended to acquaint students with the origins, historical development and essential beliefs and practices of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Directly related traditions will also be examined.
REL 2303 SOCIAL ISSUES FROM CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES
Employing biblical traditions as the foundation for reflection, this course will examine some of the more controversial social issues of our day. Discussion will center not only on particular ways that the biblical heritage has shaped our judgments, but also on how changes in society and culture have stimulated new interpretations of scriptural material.
REL 3003 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION: OLD TESTAMENT
An advanced course on issues and methods of Biblical interpretation, exploring a specific book or genre from the Old Testament. The course attempts to prepare students to formulate and defend their own interpretations of the Bible. It may be repeated for credit provided the topic of study is different.
REL 3013 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION: NEW TESTAMENT
An advanced course on the issues and methods of Biblical interpretation, exploring a specific book or genre from the New Testament. The course attempts to prepare students to formulate and defend their own interpretations of the Bible. It may be repeated for credit provided the topic of study is different.
REL 3023 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
This course is intended to explore Christian thought and practice within a particular historical context. Topics will vary from semester to semester. Students may repeat the course for credit provided the topic is different.
REL 3033 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
This course investigates the philosophical dimensions of religion, such as the nature of religious language, the relation between reason and revelation, and the nature and existence of God.
REL 3113 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
Religion is one of the most influential institutions in society and a major topic of study and theory within sociology. This class assess religions role in both contemporary and historical societies from a sociological standpoint. This includes the use of sociological concepts and theories as tools to understand the impact of religion as an institution. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor required.
REL 3341-3 INTERNSHIP
The internship is designed to provide students with field experience under the supervision of a professional in the field and a member of the faculty. Offered on a pass-fail basis only.
REL 4003 RELIGION IN LATE ANTIQUITY
This course examines the cultural context for the personalities (such as Origen, Constantine, and Augustine) and the evolving institutions (such as the canon, councils, liturgies, and monasticism) that established the basis for Christianity as a worldwide phenomenon between the destruction of the temple in 70 CE and the birth of Muhammad 500 years later.
REL 4103 RELIGION IN AMERICA
This course is an advanced reading seminar on a major topic in American religious history. Students may repeat the course for credit provided the topic is different.
REL 4213 REFORMATION STUDIES
Detailed study of Europe between 1350 and 1650. Intellectual and political developments during the Renaissance are examined. Christian Humanism and the relationship between the Northern Renaissance and the Reformation are emphasized. Luther, Calvin, and the Radical Reformers are stressed. (Cross-listed as HIS 4213 Early Modern Europe)
REL 4303 ADVANCED TOPICS IN WORLD RELIGIONS
This variable-topic course provides students opportunities to explore a major religious tradition or group of traditions in-depth (such as Buddhism or Native American religions), or to examine a broad issue across several world
religions (such as Religion and Violence, or Women and Religion). Students may repeat the course for credit provided the topic is different.
REL 4442-4452 SENIOR SEMINAR IN RELIGION
A two-semester seminar designed to be the culmination of the course of study for majors in religion. Students will define and conduct research on a religion topic in consultation with their advisor, and they will present the conclusions of their work in the form of a senior thesis and an oral presentation. They will also complete a comprehensive exam in religion. Students must register for both parts of the course. Prerequisite: Senior status.

