Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

RELIGIOUS STUDIESand assess religious phenomena ontheir own terms, appreciating their contributionsto human vitality in the pastand present, and examining their significancefor the future. We welcomestudents from all religious and theological/philosophical/ideologicalpersuasions,and aim to foster an environmentwhere students feel free to deepen theirunderstanding of their own traditionswhile engaging alternative perspectivesthat provide challenges and newinsights. Alongside various other courseofferings, the Religious Studies Programhas three fields of concentration: 1)Asian religions and cultures; 2) Bibleand culture; and 3) Christian theologyand history. These fields correspondwith the current strengths and interestsof the department.A major in religious studies consists ofa minimum of eight course credit unitswith three courses numbered in the100 or 200 range with one course fromeach of the following three concentrations:Asian religions and culture (105,110, 115, 205, 220 or 250 when topicis appropriate); Bible and culture (135,235 or 250 when topic is appropriate);Christian theology and history (165, 265,270 or 250 when topic is appropriate).The major also requires three coursesnumbered 300 or above, one of whichmust be the concentration capstonecourse (301, 302, 303). Students candeepen their study of one of the threeconcentrations through their selectionof the electives and the two coursesnumbered 300 or above.A minor in religious studies consists ofa minimum of five course credit unitswith at least two courses numbered200 or above, one course numbered300 or above and representation of aleast one course in two of the threedepartmental concentrations.For a combined major in religiousstudies and philosophy, the studentmust complete 10 course credit unitsapproved by both departments, to bechosen from offerings in both fieldsaccording to the personal and professionalinterests of the student.105 Introduction to Asian ReligionsIntroduces major categories of religious thoughtand practice in traditions whose origins areAsian: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,and Daoism. Through secondary readings,primary sacred texts, video, and visual art, weinvestigate competing visions of the world,human nature, and differing schemes of salvation.To explore the nature and development ofCOURSES OF INSTRUCTION| 143