Majors, Minors & Courses

Required:

• A Perspectives I course (101, 103G, or 104)
• Three courses in religious traditions (202, 227G, 228, 230G, 232, 250G, 252G, 322G, or 350G)
• Two additional courses in any one tradition;
• One course in theology and spirituality (237, 239, 251G, 303, 304, 338, 344, 347)
• One course in sacred texts (203, 204, 213, 221, 260G, 301, 302, 305, 325G, 327G, 341)
• One course in ethics (233, 320, 330, 332, 335)
• One course in contemporary issues in religion (223, 224, 236, 240, 310, 321, 331, 333, 334, 336G, 339, 343, 348, 349)
• Junior-senior seminar (370)
• The senior comprehensive (499)
• Students must also complete one Writing Intensive course in the major.
• The option of an internship is available.

Students seeking to enter the Inclusive Education (Quadruple Certification Grades 1-9) program may major in Religious Studies.

For the Senior Experience: The student has three options: a portfolio (including three papers that represent the student's best work and an integrative essay showing how work in the major has both enhanced and been enhanced by work in the general curriculum); a thesis; or a special project. All three options include both written work and an oral presentation.

Religious Studies Minor:

Students complete 18 credits in Religious Studies. At least 15 credits must be beyond the 100 level.

Bioethics Concentration:

An interdisciplinary minor exploring ethical issues raised by medical and scientific activities.

See the Nazareth College Undergraduate Catalog for a current list of Religious Studies courses.

Res 101. Exploring Religion+
(Perspectives I course)
A study of religion as lived in major world traditions, East and West. Exploration of experiences of the sacred scriptures, symbols, rituals, ethics; influence of religion upon cultures, societies, and life stories.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 103G. Exploring Religion: East+
(Perspectives I course)
A study of religion as lived in the major traditions of the East: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Exploration of experiences of the sacred scriptures, symbols, rituals, ethics; influence of religion upon cultures, societies, and life stories.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 104. Exploring Religion: West+
(Perspectives I course)
A study of religion as lived in the major traditions of the West: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Exploration of experiences of the sacred scriptures, symbols, rituals, ethics; influence of religion upon cultures, societies, and life stories.
3 credits, 3 hours

+A PI course in Religious Studies is a prerequisite for all PII courses in Religious Studies

Res 202. History of Christianity
(Perspectives II course)
An intensive study of Christianity from ancient times to the present. Focus on key events and insights which shaped and shape the Christian church.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 203. Introducing the Bible
(Perspectives II course)
A study of both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, examined in light of the worlds that produced them. Special emphasis on important theological themes which are common to both traditions.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 204. Biblical Perspectives
(Perspectives II course)
Various Biblical responses to some basic religious questions raised in one's search for the meaning of human existence.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 213. The Prophets for Today
(Perspectives II course)
A study of selected readings from the prophetic literature of the Hebrew Scriptures in order to understand not only the message of the Prophets in their own context but also to apply this message to contemporary life.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 214. Biblical Prayer
(Perspectives II course)
Basic characteristics, underlying attitudes and central themes of Biblical prayer. Special emphasis on the Psalms and the Prayer of Jesus.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 221. Matthew, Mark and Luke: Synoptic Gospels
(Perspectives II course)
The first three gospels as faith literature interpreting Jesus' mission from a
post-Easter vantage point: Jesus, Lord and Messiah, mediator of the Kingdom, implications for discipleship. Uniqueness of each gospel.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 223. Religion and Science
(Perspective II course)
The historical development of, and relationship between, the sciences and religions of the West. Topics: epistemology in sciences and religions; scientific analysis of religion and religious perspectives on science; religious and scientific views of issues such as cosmology, origins and evolution of life, consciousness, and technology assessment.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 224. Philosophy of Religion
(Perspectives II course)
(See description of Phl. 224.)
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 226G. Religions of East Asia
(Perspectives II course)
An exploration of the major religious traditions found in East Asia, both indigenous and those originating elsewhere. Special attention is paid to the interplay between religion, society and culture in the countries concerned.
3 credits, 3 hours.

Res 227G. Religions of India
(Perspectives II course)
A study of the development of Hinduism as well as the contributions of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam. Focus on key spiritual figures, primary scriptures, and literature.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 228. Islam
(Perspectives II course)
A study of Islam in terms of its primary texts, rituals, symbols, foundational story, moral code, spirituality, historically as well as in the present.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 229G. Studies in the Qur'an
(Perspectives II course)
An exploration of the sacred scripture of Islam. Attention will be given to the historical, literary, social, philosophical and theological issues involved in the interpretation of sacred texts. Several themes will be analyzed in connection to the Qur'an including nature, anthropology, gender, prophecy, eschatology, theodicy, religion and society, and religious diversity.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 230G. Buddhism
(Perspectives II course)
How Buddhist meditation, psychology, and literature, reveal rich cultural insights from India, China, Tibet, and Japan. Special emphasis on the Buddhist experience of enlightenment and compassion for all beings.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 232. Judaism, Past and Present
(Perspectives II course)
Study of the historical development of Judaism with a focus on the sacred writings, belief and practice of contemporary Jews.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 233. Ethics in Christianity
(Perspectives II course)
Ethical decision-making informed by the Christian tradition: defining morality, analyzing situations, assessing alternatives. Typical topics: personal ethics (familial, friendship, and sexual ethics); social ethics (capital punishment, environmental ethics, pacifism and war); medical ethics (euthanasia, abortion).
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 236. Religion in America
(Perspectives II course)
Exploration of the contemporary American religious landscape in the context of key moments, groups and persons in America's history. Attention to the distinctive character, beliefs and practices of religions, old and new; inter-religious conflict and co-operation; the interplay of religion and politics; religion in the media.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 237. Catholicism Today
(Perspectives II course)
Study of major beliefs and practices of Roman Catholic Christianity with an exploration of its history and heritage, worldview, sacraments and worship, personal and social morality, contemporary challenges and issues.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 239. Word and Sacrament
(Perspectives II course)
The role of story and sacrament in the religious lives of persons and communities with a focus on Christian rituals and worship. Topics: sacramentality; the history and practice of sacraments of initiation, reconciliation, healing, marriage and orders; centrality of Baptism and Eucharist; sacraments as "rites of justice."
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 240. Jews and Christians in Dialogue
(Perspectives II course)
The relationship between Jews and Christians including the painful past, changing attitudes in the 20th century, and current issues in Jewish/Christian dialogue.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 251G. Religions of China
(Perspectives II course)
A survey of major Chinese religious and/or philosophical schools throughout the history of China. The focus is on their philosophical ideas that impacted the religious and/or social practices.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 261. Martin and Malcolm
(Perspectives II course)
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. have a great impact on American civil and religious history. The course will focus briefly on slavery and the impact of slavery on religious, moral, social and economic condition of the African Americans. The course will dig deep into the life history, education and contribution of the two leaders, similarities and differences and the impact on African Americans. The course is aimed to expose students to religious and ethnic diversity and the issues attached to it.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 301. John's Message
(Perspectives II course)
The Fourth Gospel and Johannine Epistles, examined in the light of the world that
produced them. Emphasis on central themes relevant for the contemporary Christian: Jesus as focus of divine reality (life, light, truth, love); faith and discipleship; symbolism and dualism.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 302. St. Paul and His Letters
(Perspectives II course)
The life and writings of St. Paul, studied in the historical cultural and theological context of early (1st Century) Christianity. Special emphasis on selected letters.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 303. The Inner Search for God
(Perspectives II course)
The ways in which men and women through the centuries have come to experience God. Special emphasis on meditation and prayer in the mystical tradition.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 304. Jesus Christ: the Man, the Myth, and the Message
(Perspectives II course)
The person, teachings and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Biblical, historical and contemporary images and theological understandings of Jesus Christ in text and creed, prayer and worship, life and art.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 305. In the Beginning
(Perspectives II course)
The Biblical roots of the Judeo-Christian tradition as seen through various themes that emerge from the books of Genesis and Exodus. Special emphasis on the themes of creation and liberation.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 310G. Introduction to Interfaith Studies and Dialogue
(Perspectives II course)
The Perspective I courses in RES teach the phenomenon of religion and expose students to some extent to concepts in world religions.  This course is to build upon the PI; it will not only expose students to the in-depth study of world religions, but take them on site visits to places of worship which are new to them. It will explore the history of interfaith relations, major figures and events, successes and failures, and essential concepts and theories.  It will teach students techniques of dialogue and appreciation of religious pluralism.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 320. Auschwitz and After: Religious Questions and Ethical Dilemmas
(Perspectives II course)
The continuing impact of the Holocaust upon issues of religion and spirituality, e.g., good and evil, belief and behavior, and individual responsibility and social protest. Explored through survivor testimony, theological writing, fiction, and film.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 321. Encountering Evil: Responses from World Religions
(Perspectives II course)
Evil and innocent suffering as a continuing problematic; exploration of the responses of world religions; consideration of theoretical and practical explanations of and responses to evil and innocent suffering in the modern world.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 322G. Religion and Ritual in Africa
(Perspectives II course)
This is a course on religion, ritual, and worldview in Africa, with a focus on the philosophies and practices of indigenous religions, as well as the history and practices of Christianity and Islam in the continent.  Other topics include magic and healing, sorcery and witchcraft, and rites of transition.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 326G. Anthropology of Religion in South Asia
(perspectives II course)
This course is an exploration of the major living religious traditions of South Asia, i.e. Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Drawing from the disciplines of anthropology and religious studies inflected by a postmodern critical perspective, the course will emphasize the specificity of religious beliefs and practices found in this region, as well as among South Asian diaspora communities. Students will directly apply their theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom by conducting fieldwork projects among members of the aforementioned communities at local area houses of worship and like facilities.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 327G. Sacred Literature of India
(Perspectives II course)
An in-depth reading of selected sacred texts drawn from the tapestry of religious traditions in India with an emphasis upon those of Hinduism. To enhance our reading of primary texts, we will draw upon analytical perspectives developed in the social sciences, cultural studies, and related disciplines.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 330. Ethics of the Professions
(Perspectives II course)
The identity, roles, relationships, and moral decision-making of the professional. Analysis of major moral issues relevant to educators, business persons, health care workers, social workers, attorneys, and others.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 331. Liberation Thought : Empowerment, Solidarity, and Praxis
(Perspectives II course)
Exploration of theological and ethical approaches which promote liberative social change and environmental responsibility. Dynamic of oppression-empowerment-praxis as understood by world religions and engaged by liberation thinkers, e.g., gay/lesbian, feminist, black, Jewish, and Latin American.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 332. Living Well: Ethics in the World Religions
(Perspectives II course)
The place of morality within religious systems; relationships among religion, law, and morality; religion and human rights. Comparative analysis of religious teachings on family, work, violence, community, and nature.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 333. Peace and Justice
(Perspectives II course)
Contemporary peace and justice issues viewed from a variety of religious and ethical perspectives. Topics: defining "peace" and "justice"; wealth and poverty; nationalism and ethnic - racial - religious diversity; gender; sexual orientation; nonviolence.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 334. Love, Sex, and the Body in World Religions
(Perspectives II course)
Conceptualizations of the body seem uniquely natural and basic, when they actually embody cultural and social form. Accordingly, religious traditions construct the body sexually, and, conversely, construct sexuality physically, psychologically, and/or spiritually. Inscription of the body in particular cultural, social, and religious form has made difficult "placing" ideas of love and desire with respect to bodily and/or sexual constructions of the human self.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 335. Biomedical Ethics
(Perspectives II course)
Moral analysis of biomedical issues in light of the Jewish and Christian traditions. Topics: patient rights, suicide, euthanasia, abortion, organ transplantation, research, genetics, assisted reproduction, malpractice, justice in health care resource allocation.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 336G. Journeys into Emptiness
(Perspectives II course)
The concept of emptiness in terms of annihilation of authority of moral prinicples is central to three Chinese religions: Neo-Confucianism, Daoism and Zen. By reading the primary texts and literature in these three religions, we will explore how they define and articulate the ethics of emptiness.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 338. Merton: Mystic and Prophet
(Perspectives II course)
Readings in Thomas Merton, twentieth-century monk and writer. Focus on spirituality (meditation, prayer, living contemplatively), urgent social issues (violence, war and peace, racism, technology), and inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 339. Spiritual Autobiography
(Perspectives II course)
A study of selected spiritual autobiographies as a way to appreciate religion as lived, with special attention to connections between faith and practice, inner transformation and outer commitment, mysticism and resistance, spirituality and social justice.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 341. Job's Dilemma and Ours
(Perspectives II course)
An exploration of the "problem of evil" as posed by the biblical book of Job. Can innocent suffering be reconciled with the existence of a good God?
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 343. Sociology of Religion
(Perspectives II course)
(See description of Soc 343.)
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 344. The Church and Its Art Through the Ages
(Perspectives II course)
A discussion of crucial moments in the theological development of the Christian church and their reflection in various forms of religious art. Prerequisites: a Perspectives I course in Religious Studies and in Fine Arts.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 347. Women and Christianity
(Perspectives II course)
Biblical, historical and contemporary reflections on women's experiences from a feminist theological perspective. Focus on remembering and recovering women's stories and revisioning Christian beliefs and practices. Special attention to Womanist, Mujerista and ecofeminist theologies.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res. 348. Mysticism East and West
(Perspectives II course)
A study of spiritual practices and mystical experience in selected religions including indigenous, eastern and western religious traditions. Attention to the relationship between mysticism and ethics.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 349. Meaning of Death
(Perspectives II course)
Sociological, psychological, cross-cultural perspectives on death and dying in American society today. Attention to the world's religions' responses to the needs of the dying and the bereaved; end-of- life decision-making; post-death rituals; beliefs concerning death and after death.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 350G. Zen Meditation and Militarism: An Ethical Reflection
(Perspectives II course)
An examination of two sides of Zen: Zen's mindful meditation and Zen's engagement with Nazism, nationalism and militarism, particularly Nankin Massacre in the 20th century. Critical reflection on the relationship between religion and violence.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 360. Special Topics in Religious Studies
A seminar which explores, in depth, topics of interest in Religious Studies. Students admitted with instructor's approval.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 363G. Chinese Religions and Performing Arts
An interdisciplinary study of the relationship between Chinese religions and performing arts in the history of China: how Chinese performing arts were evolved from ritual performance in Chinese religions and how religious beliefs were spread and enhanced by varied performing arts.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 370. Junior-Senior Seminar in Religious Studies
An advanced exploration of religion and religious studies. Analysis of definitions, methods, theories, and key figures in the history of religious studies. Special problems and issues in religious studies.
3 credits, 3 hours

Res 483. Senior Internship
Supervised field placement designed to provide experience and expertise in areas of interest to majors, e.g., religious education, youth ministry, pastoral ministry.
3 credits

Res 485, 486. Independent Study
Open to qualified juniors and seniors. Readings and tutorials arranged by the individual student with a faculty member.
3 credits each semester

Res 499. Religious Studies Comprehensive