Course Description

RL 200: Introduction to Bible
This course will survey the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the New Testament and contemporary biblical interpretation, examining the biblical texts in the socio-historical world of ancient Israel and early Christianity.  This course introduces students to the various methods of biblical interpretation and relates it to contemporary issues in the church.  Three hours.  No prerequisites.

RL 210: History of Christianity -- Authority and Reform in Early, Medieval and Reformation History

RL 250: Women in Ministry and Justice
This course will survey women’s historic and contemporary activity in ministry, with particular emphasis on the experiences of black women.  This course will examine black women’s activity in three dimensions of ministry: (1) religious institution affiliated ministry, (2) the ministry of academia, and (3) the ministry of community justice work.  This course introduces students to the various experiences of women in ministry, while also providing opportunities for students to explore and deepen their own vocational interests in ministry.  Sophomores may take this class with permission of the professor. Three hours.  No prerequisites.

RL 320: African American Religious History
This course will acquaint students with the history of African-American religious practices from slavery to the present. We will discuss the influences on these practices including African culture, the plantation experience, emancipation, migration and the civil rights movement, and urban social issues and development. The course will also introduce students to African-American religious diversity such as the practice of Islam, African traditional religions (such as Yoruba, Vodun and Santeria), Buddhism, Humanism and New Thought religions.  Particular attention will be given to the roles of women in the various religious traditions.  Three hours.  Prerequisites:  RL 210 (History of Christianity), or HI 203 (African American History), or HI 202 (American History since 1865)

RL 315: Philosophy of Religion

RL 425: Contemporary Problems in Religion and Philosophy

RL 460: Independent Study in Religion