Microsoft Word MU 2009-2010.doc - Methodist University

RELIGION COURSESGRK 101, 102, 201, 201 BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE NEW TESTAMENT (KOINE)GREEK3 s.h.This sequential series of courses provides a thorough introduction to the structure of New Testament(Koine) Greek and provides the basic linguistic skills necessary to read and translate the New Testamentand other early Church documents.Note: These courses are taught under the auspices of the religion department and with prior writtenpermission from the chair of the religion department can be taken EITHER for CORE languagecredit OR for NON-CORE religion credit.REL 103 INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION3 s.h.Introduction to religion in a global context. We will explore the material elements (e.g. myths, rituals,institutions, art) and theological elements (e.g. conceptions of the ultimate, evil, and liberation) of religions,as they appear in their cultural settings. Particular attention is directed to both the commonalities andimportant differences among the religions. This course is offered every spring semester.REL 104 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL LITERATURE3 s.h.The scholarly study of selected biblical texts as a way of exploring their enduring significance. In otherwords we will ask of our biblical passages: what does the text say (in its literary context), what did it meanthen (in its historical context), and why is it important to us today (as we reflect upon the Bible’scontinuing theological relevance)?REL 105 RELIGION IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE:SUPPLEMENTAL SPIRITUAL INFORMATION3 s.h.Examination of science’s questions, methods, history, and results in their relationship to and as asupplement to the enduring religious issues. This course is offered every semester.REL 106 RELIGION AND AMERICAN CULTURE3 s.h.A historical survey from colonial times to the present of the diversity of religious groups in America. Thecourse examines the relationships that develop between particular religious groups and the larger Americanculture with particular attention given to the emergence of a “common Protestant religious culture” and thechallenges to that Protestant culture. This course is offered every spring semester.REL 107 RELIGION AND FILM3 s.h.An introduction to religion’s material and intellectual elements through an examination of film’sinterpretation of religion and of the human condition as well as film’s tendency to fulfill certain religiousfunctions. This course offered as possible.REL 150 EASTERN RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS3 s.h.This course will survey the historical, sociological, and philosophical development of religious traditions ofIndia, Southeast Asia, and China. We will cover Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist thought, amongothers. This course is offered every fall semester.REL 151 WESTERN RELIGIONS AND VIOLENCE3 s.h.This course will introduce students to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, focusing on their commitment toethical monotheism and how such a commitment relates to their positions on the role of violence. Thiscourse is offered every other academic year.REL 201 SURVEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT3 s.h.Old Testament writings with emphasis on Hebrew history and faith from the perspective of historical andliterary criticism. This course is offered every fall semester in odd-numbered years.104