Department of Religious Studies
The Faculty
Emily E. Culpepper, Search Committee Chair
William B. Huntley,
Department Chair
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Email the Religion Department
The Department of Religious Studies offers a wide spectrum of courses which fit directly into the Liberal Arts Foundation of the University of Redlands. Students can choose to major or minor in religion, or they can choose to take courses to enrich their programs and their lives.
The Major and Minor
A major consists of eight courses, two from each of the first three categories listed below, plus a language course and two semesters of REL 150.
At least two courses must be taken from each of the full-time faculty members in
the department.
1. Two courses from REL 101,120, 125, 130, 131, 151
2. Two courses from REL 200, 205, 306, 411
3. Two courses from REL 152, 257, 260, 323, 424
4. Either REL 440 or 442
5. Two semesters, in the senior year, of REL 150
The particular configuration of courses will be decided by students in consultation
with their advisors and written up in a "contract," which will be ratified by the
department chair and placed in the advising folders. During the second semester of the junior year, the student and the advisor will determine a research project that will be presented in a Jameson Colloquium during the second semester of the student's senior year.
A minor consists of a minimum of seven courses, two from each of the first three categories listed below, with at least one course taken from each of the full-time faculty members in the department, plus one semster of REL 150 during the senior year.
1. Two courses from REL 101, 120, 125, 130, 131, 151
2. Two courses from REL 200, 205, 306, 411
3. Two courses from REL 152, 257, 260, 323, 424
4. REL 150
In addition to the courses listed above, certain courses such as SOAN 232, Sociology
of Religion; WMST 350, Feminist Ethics; or one seminar offered under the auspices of the Johnston Center may be contracted in fulfillment of the religion major or minor.
Students engaged in advanced study of religion will find it useful to complement their program of study with a semester or more of study abroad. Many institutions in England, Europe, Asia and Australia have courses in religious studies. For example, biblical studies and church history are offered in Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Abeerden, Scotland, through the Beaver Program; Buddhism in Thailand through the School for International Training; and Islamic studies in Cairo through the American University in Cairo. Students interested in study abroad can find more information in the Special College Programs Office or can go to the University of Redlands home page on the World Wide Web, click on International Studies and investigate the programs listed there.
Course Descriptions
101 Issues in Modern Religion. Fall (4).
Following a review of the major concepts, value systems, and institutional expressions of western religious traditions, this course will examine a variety of religious issues that have been at the center of serious social and political debate in late 20th century America. The review will be shaped by the issues chosen to be examined in any given semester; therefore, the course may be repeated once for credit with written permission of the chair and instructor. NU or EV only.
120 Religion and Ethics. Spring (4).
An exploration of Judeo-Christian ethics in relation to contemporary issues in politics, medicine, biology, and law. NU or EV only.
125 World Religions. Fall (4), Spring (4).
A course tracing the movements and themes in the major religions of the world. NU
or EV only.
130 Survey of Western Church History. Fall (4).
An examination of the major events, doctrines, and people in the history of the church.
Attention is given to the development of each of the principal branches of Christianity.
NU or EV only.
131 Religion in America. Spring (4).
An exploration of the religious life and ideas of the new nation as it develops into
a world power. NU or EV only.
150 Jameson Center Colloquia. Fall (2), Spring (2).
A student enrolled in this course will participate in all the afternoon colloquia
of the Jameson Center for the Study of Religion and Ethics. A faculty associate of
the Jameson Center will supervise the student's participation, including negotiation of a contract for the students' responses to the colloquia. Can be repeated for degree
credit for a maximum of 8 credits. EV only.
151 Women, Sexuality, and Western Religion. Fall (4).
Considers a range of women's roles in Western religions. Examines tension between
women's subordination and liberation in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Sources
include Christian and Hebrew bibles, church fathers and mothers, new views of women's history and feminist analysis of religion, and contemporary goddess spirituality.
152 African-American Religion and Spirituality. Spring (4).
This intermediate-level lecture and discussion course examines religious themes in
African-American experience, including slavery, Black Church denominations (mainstream and Holiness), Black Nationhood and civil rights movements, Black Muslims, Black and Womanist (Black feminist) theologies, African religions in the Americas (Santeria and Voudoun), and new spiritual visions. Offered in alternate years.
200 Old Testament Literature: Hebrew Scriptures, Fall (4).
A study of the books of the first testament in their historical setting, with particular
attention to literary genre and meaning. NU or EV only.
205 The Christian Scriptures. Spring (4).
A study of the books of the second testament in their historical setting, with particular attention to literary genre and meaning. Prerequisite: one course in religion or sophomore standing. NU or EV only.
257 Theology and Science. Fall (4).
An examination of the presuppositions, methodologies, and concepts associated with each field of study and how they connect, supplement, and/or contribute to a religious view of the world. Prerequisite: one course in Religious Studies or in natural sciences or permission of the instructor. NU or EV only. Offered as needed.
260 Topics in Religion. Fall (4) or Interim (3) or Spring (4).
Topics of current interest in religion. Course content varies from term to term.
Can be repeated for degree credit given a different topic. Offered as needed.
306 Jesus in Text and Film Fall (4).
A study of the life and teachings of Jesus from canonical and extra-canonical literature, and popular portrayals in late 20th century films. Prerequisite: one course in religion or permission of the instructor. NU or EV only. Offered as needed.
323 Contemplative and Mystic Theology. Fall (4).
A study of Western and Eastern mystical writings, including classics of Buddhism
and Christianity as exposited by important writers in the field. NU or EV only. Offered as needed.
411 Masterpieces of Asian Literature. Spring (4).
Classics from Asian literature which treat religious themes, such as the Dhammapada,
the Ramayana, the Tale of Genji, and the Sound of the Wave. The major focus is on
Indian and Japanese literature. NU or EV only.
424 Feminist and Womanist Theologies. Spring (4).
Advanced discussion seminar focusing on new feminist approaches within Christianity, Judaism, goddess religion, and grassroots feminist spirituality. Includes Black womanist approaches in Christianity and other women of color spiritualities. Re-examines diety, humanity, nature, ethics, and society. Prerequisite: one course in religion or permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years: 97S.
440 The Hebrew Language. Fall (4).
Elementary Hebrew grammar and composition with emphasis on Biblical vocabulary and syntax. NU or EV only.
442 Greek of the Hellenistic Period. Spring (4).
Elementary Greek grammar and composition with emphasis upon New Testament language. NU or EV only. Offered as needed.
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