Required Courses for the Major in Religion

One course required for the major in religion is 110 The Bible. The course explores the Bible's original setting and its continuing status as a standard of worship for all religions. The class explores ancient texts from the Near-Eastern and Greco-Roman cultures, as well as the oral and literary processes of its composition. The religion coursework will also introduce the foundational texts of Hinduism, including the Vedas and the Upanishads. It will include discussion, examinations, and readings from the ancient Greek and Roman languages. The class is offered in the Fall semester.

Students should have a strong background in biblical archaeology and the study of religious texts. The course will introduce the field of biblical archaeology and will introduce students to the purpose of the discipline. This course is an in-depth examination of the relationship between biblical narratives and archaeological reconstructions of ancient environments. The course will also introduce students to critical approaches to the study of religion. For this reason, it is an essential course for the major in religion.

Among the required courses in religion, 112 The New Testament is a great place to start. The course will introduce students to the early church literature and its role in shaping religious thought. The material will be studied in terms of theological/moral perspectives and literary features. It will also provide a foundation for discussing the evolution of religious practices and their interaction with other cultures. Once a student completes this course, he or she will have the skills necessary to apply this knowledge to their future.