2008-2009 Academic Catalog - Queens University of Charlotte

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RELG 220 Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
An introduction to some central problems in the philosophy of religion such as the nature of
religious experience, God, reason and faith. The aim of the course is to understand these important
issues through both a sympathetic awareness of the spirit of religion and its traditions
and at the same time a close critical evaluation of religious claims. Fall Term, even years. 3 Hrs.
RELG 306 Prophetic Religion
The prophetic movement in Israel; context and message of major Hebrew prophets and
selected minor figures; significance of the prophetic style within present-day society.
Prerequisite: RELG 205 or permission of the instructor. As needed. 3 Hrs.
RELG 312 The First Christians
This class examines the experience of the first generations of Christians, from the age of Jesus
and the apostles to the end of the Roman Empire. Some of the topics considered in this class
include: the search for the “historical Jesus;” the relationships among the Christian movement,
Judaism, and Greco-Roman culture; the development of Christian beliefs; the relationship between
Judaism and Christianity; the experience of persecution and martyrdom; and the benefits
– and costs – of the expansion of Christianity. No prerequisites. 3 Hrs.
RELG 323 Renaissance and Reformation
A study of the European World during the revolution of the Renaissance and Reformation.
While the course focuses on the great cultural and religious issues of the time, it also examines
the social, political and economic dimensions of these two revolutionary movements.
Prerequisite: one Philosophy or Religion course, or HIST 201. Students may elect this
course as HIST 306. As needed. 3 Hrs.
RELG 344 Christian Ethics
Historical and systemic examination of the issues in Christian ethical thought and of the
problems of Christian norms for action, with special attention to major contemporary Christian
theorists. Recommended: a course in New Testament. Fall Term, odd years. 3 Hrs.
RELG 345 Religion in America
Historical analysis of American leaders and movements in Religion, with special attention to
continuing social and theological problems. Students may elect this course as HIST 345. Fall
Term, odd years. 3 Hrs.
RELG 348 The Problem of Evil
This course explores the various response by major religions to the problem of evil. How do
theologians make sense of a world where thousands may die from natural disasters in Africa or
elsewhere, where a Holocaust, genocide, and ethnic cleansing seem more and more common,
and where innocent children suffer and die from diseases like cancer. Specifically, the course
looks at Buddhist and Jewish (among others) and especially Christian responses to natural and
moral evil, and examines classic and contemporary answers to the theodicy question: if God is
good, and God created the world, where did evil come from? Readings are from the Bible,
novels, autobiographies, movies and theological texts. Prerequisite: One philosophy or religion
class, or consent of the instructor. Spring Term, even years. 3 Hrs.
RELG 349 Topics in Religion
Concentrated study of a particular person or issue in the field of religion. Course may be
repeated for credit with different subtitles. Prerequisite: RELG 205, 206, or 210 or permission
of the instructor. As needed. Repeatable for a total of 12 Hrs. 1-3 Hrs.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS