Course detailsBible, religion and philosophyJo-Ann Brant, Prof of Bible, Rel., and Phil.Keith Graber Miller, Department Chair, Prof of Bible, Religion, Phil. Paul Keim, Professor of Bible & Religion Bob Yoder, Campus Pastor The Bible, religion and philosophy department offers:• major in Bible and religion• minor in Bible and religion • minor in youth ministry • concentration in youth ministry (an apprenticeship in ministry) • certificate in biblical studies and Mennonite studies. Visit the Bible, religion and philosophy department Web site. Recommended plans of study for choosing electives in the BRP major or minorStudents are encouraged to focus their plan of study by selecting electives in the following areas. Plans of study for each area are available from Bible, religion and philosophy faculty:Youth ministry inquiry Ministry inquiry Religious studies Theology Biblical studies Philosophy  Major in Bible and religionThe major requires a total of 39 hours, including 27 hours of core requirements and 12 hours of related courses. The 27 hours of core requirements include:
Planning guide
Concentration in youth ministry: An apprenticeship in ministryForty hours in total.
Planning guide
Minor in Bible and religion
Minor in youth ministry
Certificate programsOne-year certificate programs are available in biblical studies and Mennonite studies. See the department chair or the registrar for more details.Bible, religion and philosophy coursesA. BibleBIBL 100 Knowing the Bible 3This course will cover the basic narrative structure of the Bible, the main characters and themes and will address the following questions: How did the Bible come to be? How does one understand Scripture? In what contexts does one read Scripture? This course is for people with very little or no formal background in the Bible. Bibl 100 or 200 fulfills the lower-level Bible literacy general education requirement. Students who do not know which level to take are encouraged to take the placement test scheduled at the beginning of each semester or to consult with either Professor Brant or Keim. BIBL 200 Reading the Bible 3 This course will focus upon questions of genre and composition and interpretation of the Bible and will address the following questions: How does genre affect how we read? How is doctrine derived from Scripture and how does it influence our own readings? How are various modern methodologies used to understand the Bible? How does one distinguish between opinion and reasoned interpretation? This course is for students who have studied Scripture in a formal setting such as in high school, Sunday school or academic courses and who know the basic narrative structure and main characters. Note: Students who take Bibl 100 cannot use Bibl 200 to satisfy the additional general education Bible and religion requirement. Bibl 100 or 200 fulfills the lower-level Bible literacy general education requirement. Students who do not know which level to take are encouraged to take the placement test scheduled at the beginning of each semester or to consult with either Professor Brant or Keim. BIBL 201 Elementary New Testament Greek 3 Basic vocabulary, verb structure and grammar of New Testament Greek; reading and translation in first chapters of the Gospel of John. This course does not meet the Bible/religion general education requirement. It may, however, meet the basic Bible literacy requirement for students who place out of Bibl 200 on the Biblical Literature placement test. Prerequisite: Bibl 100, Bibl 200 or equivalent. BIBL 204 Hebrew Language & Culture 3 Students will work through a standard grammar of biblical Hebrew, building a working vocabulary of 600-800 words. The Book of Ruth will be read in its entirety, along with representative selections from the major genres of biblical Hebrew literature. Attention will also be devoted to the cultural settings reflected in the texts. Offered alternating years with Bibl 201. This course does not meet the Bible/religion general education requirement. It may, however, meet the basic Bible literacy requirement for students who place out of Bibl 200 on the Biblical Literature placement test. Prerequisite: Bibl 100, Bibl 200 or equivalent. BIBL 300 Jesus & the Gospels 3 Study of the life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on the proclamation of the reign of God and Jesus' messianic identity as the Son of God. Examination of Jesus in his historical setting will be balanced with discussions of Jesus' call to discipleship and theological interpretations of the Gospels. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor. BRP majors are encouraged to add a one-hour depth credit. BIBL 301 Hebrew Scripture: 3 Content of this course will alternate every other year with one of the following topics. Prophets. A study of the important corpus of prophetic literature from the Hebrew Bible. Attention is given to historical, social, literary and theological features of the texts. Broad surveys of the prophetic writings will set the stage for close reading of selected oracles. Balancing the ethos of the Hebrew prophets with the demands these texts place on the contemporary audience keeps the Scriptural nature of this foundational material constantly in view. Wisdom and Psalms. Alongside law, history and prophecy, the wisdom and poetry sections of biblical Hebrew writings give expression to the formative power of this significant literary, theological and social movement in ancient Israel. Primary attention will be given to the universal perspectives reflected in the books of Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and Job, with selective attention given to the wisdom corpus of the Apocrypha. Significant time will also be devoted to the laments, hymns, and pilgrimage songs of the book of Psalms. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200. BIBL 303 Paul and the Early Church 3 Study the ministry of Paul and and the growth of the early church by traveling through the geography and social world of the early church and reading the Book of Acts and Paul's letters. Explore Paul's understanding of Jesus Christ and the nature of the Christian communities he established. Discussion will range from Paul's council on issues such as church life, the role of women and the state, and circumcision to his theological teachings on salvation and end times. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200. BIBL 304 Writings of John 3 A study of the theology, themes, literary structure and social world of the fourth Gospel. Special attention is given to unique contributions of the fourth Gospel to the New Testament canon, to our understanding of the Christ event and to Christian thought. Other Johannine writings are examined in relation to the Gospel. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor. BIBL 310 Topics in Biblical Studies 3 Lecture, research and discussion oriented around specific biblical studies themes such as the book of Revelation, leadership in ministry, spiritual and pastoral care. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200. BIBL 321 Biblical Themes of Peace 3 A study of the themes and concepts that provide a biblical basis for nonretaliation and peace making. Particular attention is given to the nature of God's sovereignty, forgiveness versus vengeance and love of enemies. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200. BIBL 324 Women in the Bible 3 An examination of the characterization of women in Old and New Testament narratives, their role in biblical societies and the early church and their representation in Judeo-Christian culture, particularly our contemporary culture.. The course draws upon current research and exegetical strategies in Biblical studies. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 BIBL 409 Bible Internship 3 An approved internship or work experience related to biblical studies. Examples are: Ministry Inquiry Program, supervised work in local campus ministries, church agencies or hospital chaplaincy. BIBL 410 Bible Senior Seminar 3 Advanced work in principles and problems of biblical studies through the examination and assessment of narrative theology and ethics. Constant attention is given to meaningful articulation of faith. B. ReligionREL 202 Religious History in Americas 3An overview of religious institutions and individual expressions of religious faith in the Americas. The course includes some attention to historical developments across the Americas, but focuses primarily on recent or contemporary religious meovements, realities, themes and issues in North America. The course also provides an introduction to the discipline of religious studies and is designed for colloquium students. REL 209 Field Experience 3 (1-3) A field placement in applied ministry or discipleship at a camp, retreat center, congregation or religious organization. Appropriate for credit by experience registration. REL 210 Introduction to Youth Ministry 3 Focuses on aspects of pastoral identity formation, theological understanding for and history of youth ministry, various models of youth ministry and issues related to spiritual development of youth. Attention will also be given to issues regarding size of youth groups, organizational nature of ministry, mentoring, abuse, suicide, evaluation, self-care, humor and recreation. Includes attending a national or regional youth ministry training event. REL 310 Topics: 3 Lectures, research and discussion of specific topics in religion such as politics and religion, spirituality, religion and the media. REL 315 Religion in Culture & Society 3 An analysis of the social, cultural and political contexts that profoundly affect religious institutions and expressions, and upon which religion has an influence. Course includes such topics as meaning and belonging, modern individualism, dynamics of religious collectives and the impact of religion on social change. REL 316 Liberation Theologies 3 Liberation Theologies focuses on three contemporary theologies of liberation (Latin Merican Liberation Theology, North American Black Theology and North American Feminist Theology) as they are developing in the Americas. The course examines similarities and differences among these three theologies - in conversation with Womanist and Latina theologies - as each addresses specific theological questions raised by the people of God in actual contemporary situations of exploration and oppression. The course also has a praxis component in which students move outward into the community. REL 317 Islam and Judaism 3 An introduction to the essential beliefs, religion, texts and cultures of Islam and Judaism. Along with Christianity, these religious traditions represent the great cultural heritage of the Ancient Near East. A survey of essential Scriptures and exploration of primary doctrines will lay the groundwork for understanding these traditions with more clarity and sympathy. The living, contemporary communities of faith which claim direct descent from the Scriptures and doctrines of these formative cultures will become familiar through personal interaction with Muslims and Jews - both in the classroom and on field trips to mosque and synagogue. Emphasis will be placed on the deep continuities that exist among the "peoples of the book," as well as the unique contributions each has made to contemporary world culture. REL 318 Anabapt/Menn History 3 Introduction to Mennonite history and thought. About one-third of the course is devoted to Anabaptism. Special attention given to distinctive Anabaptist religious ideas, changes in Mennonite religious ideas and practice in Europe, migrations, contrasts in social-communal practices among Mennonites and related groups. REL 319 Doing Theology Abroad 4 An intensive seminar taught on location in a southern hemisphere country, focusing on socio-political relations and practical theology. Participants live and attend church-related activities with host-country families. Topics of study include challenges of peace-building, effects of U.S. military aid, impacts of U.S. commercial interests and partnerships between North American churches and hosts. Personal safety of participants will likely be at risk, so freedom of movement must be surrendered. Proficienciy in language of host country desired, but not required. REL 320 Christian Faith 3 An introduction to theology, examining the character of Christianity by identifying and defining basic features and themes (e.g. Christology, atonement, church, eschatology). Careful attention will be paid to both historical development of theology as well as contemporary credibility. Prerequisite: Bibl 100 or 200 or consent of instructor. REL 322 Worshipping Communities 3 An introductory survey course about worship which examines styles and patterns of worship as practiced by local communities of faith. Includes weekly attendance at worship services in a variety of denominations. REL 328 Spiritual Writng Women 3 A survey of women's writings about the spiritual journey. Includes a range of medieval through 20th-century women. Examines women's use of their experiences as one source of theologizing. REL 330 Religion & Sexuality 3 An exploration of the meaning and purpose of human sexuality in the context of Christian (and other) religious faith(s) and in relation to culturally based attitudes. Topics addressed will include body phenomenology, body theology, gender issues, historical developments, sexuality and spirituality, singleness, marriage, friendship, sexual violence, and a variety of other theological, ethical and relational issues. The course draws extensively on feminist models, themes and authors. REL 374 Youth Ministry Seminar 3 Focuses on new ways to help young people pray and strengthen their faith; critiques and adapts current youth ministry materials for one's own ministry context; considers the challenges of our ever-changing world and the impact on our youth and youth ministry settings; learns and practices various spiritual disciplines and prayer exercises; develops practical ministry skills and resources; includes attending a national or regional youth ministry training event. Co-registration for at least one credit of Rel 209 highly recommended. REL 402 Christianity & Modern Thought 3 A seminar examining and assessing narrative theology and ethics. An attempt to state faith in meaningful terms by understanding the principles and structures of narrative and habitually using them. This course also serves as the senior seminar for Bible and religion majors, and only seniors are allowed in the course. Participation for non-Bible and religion majors requires the consent of the professor. REL 405 Spiritual Care & Healing 3 Especially oriented towards the professional caregiver, this course emphasizes the interaction of spiritual factors with physical and emotional ones in the lives of helpers and their clients. Course enrollment includes a commitment to regularly practice one of the classical spiritual disciplines as a source of spiritual renewal and healing. REL 409 Religion Internship 3 (1-3) Approved intern or work experience related to studies in religion. Examples are Ministry Inquiry Program, supervised work in campus ministries, church agencies, chaplaincy or congregational programs. REL 410 Religion Senior Seminar 3 Advanced work in principles and problems of religious studies through the examination and assessment of narrative theology and ethics. Constant attention is given to meaningful articulation of faith. (See Rel 402, Christianity and Modern Thought)) RELN 305 Endur Iss in Christian Perspective 3 Examines the biblical heritage and major doctrines of Christian faith. Explores basic issues such as individualism and community, personal decision-making, social justice and relating to other religious traditions. Class members will be challenged to think through their own responses to these issues. C. PhilosophyPHIL 200 Introduction to Philosophy 3An introduction to the major problems of philosophy such as the nature of knowledge and reality, the relation of faith and reason, moral reasoning, politics and aesthetics. Discussion of the problems is driven by self-examination of each student's reasoned ideas and the contributions of major philosophers from a variety of traditions. PHIL 302 Ethics and Morality 3 A study of the nature of moral claims and the bases for ethical principles.The course draws on both moral philosophy and on Christian ethical reflection, addressing the development of character as well as the patterns and methods for both individual and corporate decision-making. PHIL 305 Philosophy of Science 3 A study of the nature and history of scientific inquiry, the role of rationality, intuition and truth in the sciences, as well as the relationship of the sciences to other realms of discourse, especially religion. PHIL 307 Asian Thought 3 The main aim of this course is to introduce the student to the questions, methods, goals and character of Asian philosophies and to instill in him or her a sensitivity to the profundity of thought that informs Asian history and culture. PHIL 310 Topics in Philosophy 3 Study in specific areas of philosophic thought such as ancient/medieval, logic, modern philosophy, theory of knowledge, theory and problems of reality. PHIL 400 Indiv Rdgs in Philosophy 1 Students take initiative to develop a plan with a department faculty member. By consent of the faculty member only. PHIL 401 Philosophy of Religion 3 Traditional and modern encounters of religion and philosophy; theistic arguments, faith and reason, apologetics, natural theology and philosophical theology. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|