Albertson College of Idaho

Religion (REL) Courses

REL-300 Zen 3.0 cr.

(Same as PHI 300). Winter. Prereq.: One religion course or one course in Asian philosophy or permission. A study of the doctrines, practices and institutional formations of the meditation school of Mahayana Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan and the contemporary West. Emphasis will be placed upon the transmission/creation of the tradition in China, its transmission/re-creation in medieval Japan and its transmission/re-creation in the West after World War ll. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

REL-302 Ritual, Myth & World View 3.0 cr.

(Same as ATH 302.) Spring. An anthropological approach to religious meaning and ritual in tribal and pre-industrial cultures. The course analyzes theories of religion, myth and ritual by comparing cultures in various areas of the world including contemporary crisis and change.

REL-313 The Life & Teachings of Jesus 3.0 cr.

Fall. Alt. years. Prereq.: REL 112 or permission. An exploration of what can be known about the activity and teaching of the historical Jesus and of the methodological problems involved. (HUMANITIES)

REL-315 Christian Theology 3.0 cr.

Fall. Alt. years. Prereq.: REL 111 or 112 or permission. A topical examination of the task of theological reflection and of its expression in the primary beliefs of the Christian church. Particular attention will be focused on the mutual correlation of scripture and tradition with a contemporary understanding of society. (HUMANITIES)

REL-325 Ancient Greek Language & Literature I 3.0 cr.

(Same as HIS-325.) Fall. Alt. years. A study of basic Classical and Hellenistic (Koine) Greek grammar and syntax with primary involvement in the New Testament. (HUMANITIES)

REL-326 Ancient Greek Language & Literature II 3.0 cr.

Alt. years. Prereq.: HIS/REL 325. A continuation of REL 325 with a focus on the translation of selected Greek texts and the use of textual criticism. (HUMANITIES)

REL-327 Greek Readings 1.0 cr.

(Same as HIS 327.) Prereq.: HIS 326/REL 326 or permission. Reading and translation of Greek texts selected to meet student needs and interests. This course is designed to maintain and improve student proficiency in Greek (may be repeated for a total of 4 credits).

REL-340.1 Topics in Religion 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

An examination of specific issues, themes or figures in religion.  Topics vary from year to year.

REL-346 Reformation of the 16th Century 3.0 cr.

(Same as HIS 346.) Spring. Alt. years. An examination of the tumultuous changes that rocked Europe between 1517 and 1648, focusing on the interactions between theological, economic, political and personal factors that split the Christian church and changed the Western world.

REL-351 Philosophy of Religion 3.0 cr.

(Same as PHI 351.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or religion, or permission. A philosophical consideration of such fundamental ideas as the existence and nature of God, evil, miracles, freedom and immortality with special attention given to religious language and to representative systems of thought.

REL-352 Indian Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.

(Same as PHI 352.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical and religious traditions of India. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

REL-353 Chinese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.

(Same as PHI 353.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical and religious traditions of China. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

REL-356 Japanese Philosophy & Religion 3.0 cr.

(Same as PHI 356.) Alt. years. Prereq.: one course in philosophy or religion, or permission. A survey of the principle philosophical and religious traditions of Japan. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

REL-362 The History of Christianity 3.0 cr.

Alt. years. A survey of the history of Christianity from its origins to the present.

REL-364 Judaism & Islam 3.0 cr.

Spring. Alt. years. A study of the beliefs and practices of these two major religions from their origins to the present. Special attention is given to the interaction of these religions in their relationship to their respective social contexts. (HUMANITIES and CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

REL-399 Readings in Religion 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Directed readings in religion on a topic selected by the student, to be evaluated by quizzes, examinations, journal and/or papers, as agreed upon with the instructor. This course does not fulfill the General Education Curriculum requirement for philosophy, religion or independent work.

REL-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Research studies in religion for qualified students. See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

REL-497 Internship 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Fall, winter, spring. Prereq.: permission. Individually arranged internships designed to pro vide practical experience in the work and organization of religious institutions. Periodic reports and papers may be required. See internship guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

REL-498 Biblical Seminar 3.0 cr.

Prereq.: two courses in religion or permission. Topics vary from year to year, focusing on specific biblical books, themes or issues in biblical studies.

REL-499 Senior Thesis  1.0 to 2.0 cr.

Prereq.: declared major in philosophy and senior standing.  A capstone experience for senior philosophy majors in which they will propose, research, write, and revise a senior thesis for formal presentation.  (INDEPENDENT WORK)