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(H) Humanities and Performing ArtsRE – Religion (continued)RE 305Traditional Religions of AfricaA multi-disciplinary study of traditional, non-Christian religions in sub-Saharan Africa withspecial emphasis on the religious system(s) ofone or more peoples such as the Nuer, Dogon,Yoruba, or Dinka. Topics include: concepts ofdivinity (God, major and minor deities, andother supernatural powers); stories of worldcreation and structure; relationships betweenreligious belief and social organization; viewsof the human being; life, death, and thehereafter; ghosts and ancestors; spirit possessionand exorcism; divination, sorcery, magic, andwitchcraft; and religious institutions, leaders,and rituals. 3:0:3RE 306Biblical SeminarPrerequisite: Permission of the instructor.An in-depth study of a selected book or sectionof the Scriptures. 3:0:3RE 307Religion in Today’s WorldContemporary aspects of religious thoughtand practice across a variety of disciplines andexpressions, and considering current trendsand movements. Attention will be given toreligion as manifested on the world stage, withparticular attention to the role it plays in theUnited States. The attempt is made to integratereligion with business, education, the sciences,politics consistent with current experience.3:0:3RE 308 (PC 308)Religion, Conflict and Visions of PeaceReligious communities frequently have boldvisions of peace and justice and yet may bemajor contributors to violence and oppression.Students will engage in meeting first handreligious communities in metro Kansas Cityas well as exploring key beliefs and practicesthrough readings and class discussion. Accurateand empathic understandings of different faithswill be combined with critical examination oftheir propensities for peace and justice-makinghistorically and in contemporarily conflictsworldwide. Contemporary conflicts will includethe USA, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, the MiddleEast, Africa, and the Indian sub-continent.3:0:3RE 310Independent Study in ReligionAn opportunity for students to pursue specialinterests not covered by regular course offerings.Material and credit arranged in consultationwith instructor. May be repeated for credit withpermission of department. Variable credit: 1-3hours.RE 315Special Topics in Religious StudiesThis course deals with various topics inreligious studies, especially those which involveinterdisciplinary studies or studies concerningcontemporary issues in culture and society. Maybe repeated for credit with change in topic.3:0:3RE 320Human Community: History, Ideology,DesignThis course will look at a variety ofcommunities throughout history, how peoplecame together, in what configuration andfor what purpose. The nature and characterof human community will be discussed,including such concepts as city, neighborhood,stewardship, and relationship. Study may focuson early city planning, monastic communities,utopian/millennial ideals, and modernsuburbia. 3:0:3RE 324The Hebrew Bible [Old Testament]An introduction to the Hebrew Bible, knownto Christians as the Old Testament. The coursewill examine the historical, prophetic, liturgicaland wisdom writings that comprise the HebrewBible, exploring each for its contributionto the larger narrative’s presentation of Godand humanity. This course will include aparticular focus on the development, contentand historical and contemporary application ofthe texts in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamictraditions. 3:0:3340