RELIGION COURSES

Rel 120 Comparative Religion credit 2 hrs.

This course is a comparative study of the world's major religions and how they are interrelated. The course is designed to explore the rituals, beliefs, and key personalities of major religions.

Rel 230 Principles of Christian Theology credit 3 hrs.

This course introduces the student to the nature, purpose, aims, and content of Christian theological reflection. Sources, methodologies, doctrine and major figures and movements will be examined, both in historical and contemporary settings.

Rel 231 Old Testament credit 3 hrs.

The course is intended to give the student an appreciation of the literature, history, basic presuppositions, and convictions of ancient Israel as they are reflected in the Old Testament. It further seeks to enable the student to make these presuppositions and convictions relevant to contemporary times.

Rel 232 New Testament credit 3 hrs.

The course seeks to guide the student toward understanding why Jesus of Nazareth is regarded asthe central figure of the movement that produced and is reflected in the New Testament literature. It further seeks to lead the student to an examination of personalities and convictions found in this literature, with an eye toward application relevant to the present. Prerequisite: Rel 231.

Rel 332 Eighth Century Prophets credit 3 hrs.

The course is designed to expose the student to the historical context, convictions, writings, and relevance of the great Hebrew prophets. Particular emphasis is placed on Amos, Hosea, Jeremiah, Micah, and Isaiah. Prerequisite: Rel 231.

Rel/Phil 333 Philosophy of Religion credit 3 hrs.

This course exposes the student to the historical problems and challenges posed by reason to religious belief systems.

Rel 334 The Synoptic Gospels credit 3 hrs.

This course will examine the chronological, historical, and theological interrelationship of the fourgospels (known as synoptic). Specific attention will be given to the time, place, and cultural milieu outof which each of the gospel authors wrote with a view to a fuller understanding of their differing theological emphasis regarding the Christ event. Prerequisite: Rel232.

Rel 335 Public Worship credit 3 hrs.

The course is designed to expose the student to the elements in the construction of and leadership inAfrican American formal service of worship, to examine the shape liturgies, to critique pulpit decorumand practice, and to demonstrate acquired expertise in conducting a worship service.

Rel 338 Foundations of Christian Education credit 3 hrs.

This course is an overview of the biblical, theological, philosophical and psychological foundations ofChristian education in the local church. Primary emphasis is placed on the organization, pedagogicaland evaluative dimensions of Christian education ministry at all levels of instruction for the purpose oflearning to effectively communicate the church's understanding of the faith.

Rel 400 Seminar in Religion credit 0 hrs.

This course is offered under the Continuing Theological Education Program as a public relations seminar for pastors and the community in religious education.

Rel 430 African American Religious History credit 3 hrs

This course is a historical analysis of the evolution of modern day African American religious thought.

Rel 431 Black Theology credit 3 hrs.

This course surveys the origin and development of one of the most controversial theological perspectives in the contemporary period. Primary emphasis will be placed on the historical development inboth society and the academy that led to the emergence of a distinctively black theology. .

Rel 432 The Religious Thoughts of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X credit 3 hrs.

This course surveys the life and religious thought of two of America's most influential black leaders. Emphasis will be placed on the formative factors that shaped each man's thought and their understanding of the role religion plays in effectuating human liberation

Rel 439 Readings in Religion

In this doctoral seminar style course, a classic work(s)/ author(s) in the field of religion broadly conceived is selected and given a thorough reading for the purpose of honing the pre-theological student's reading comprehension and analytical skills.

SSCJ 440 Internship credit 3 hrs.

Students are placed in selected local churches, hospitals, correctional facilities, community centers,and recreational facilities, for the purpose o exposing majors to the practical challenges of ministry.

SSCJ 111,112, 211, 212, 311, 312, 411, 412 Seminars credit 1 hr. ea.

Source: Benedict College Catalogue, 2007-2009.