Albertson College of Idaho
2006 - 2007 Catalog
Upper Division 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. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
REL-303 Islam: History, Practices and Beliefs 3.0 cr.
An examination of the history, practices and beliefs of Islam from its origin to the present, including both Islam’s unity and its diversity. (HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.X Topics in Religion 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Prereq: Two courses in religion and/or philosophy or permission. 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-35.) 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-368 Jewish History 3.0 cr.
(Same as HIS-368) Prereq: HIS-101 or 102 or 103 or 104 or permission. This course will serve as an introduction to the history of the Jewish people from the First Revolt against Rome in 66 A.D. until the reestablishment of the State of Israel. Students will also study the theological, literary and legal texts of the Diaspora (the Jews in Exile, 132 to 1948). (CULTURAL DIVERSITY and HUMANITIES)
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 Liberal Arts Core requirement for philosophy, religion or independent work.
REL-399T.1 Liberation Theology 3.0 cr.
(Same as HIS-399T.1) Winter. An examination of the Liberation Theology Movement from the 1960s to the present in Latin America. The course will examine the historical context of the movement and consider its impact on the Americas. This course does not count toward any liberal arts core requirement.
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 Religious Studies Seminar 1.0 to 4.0 cr.
Spring. Prereq.: Declared major or minor in religion. Advanced study in religion with intensive reading in topics selected by the instructor. Most class discussion is student led. All religion majors and mnors are required to enroll in the seminar each year, though freshmen, sophomores and juniors may petition to be excused. Course is one credit per year for a maximum of four credits.
REL-499 Senior Thesis 1.0 to 2.0 cr.
Prereq: Declared major in religion and senior standing. A capstone experience for senior religion majors in which they will propose, research, write, and revise a senior thesis for formal presentation. (INDEPENDENT WORK)