Religion
Degrees and Certificates
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Pre-Ministry
Courses
REL 100: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION
Class Program
This course is an introductory study of human religious beliefs and practices, including ritual, myth, symbol, and the sacred. The application of these concepts to the contemporary world is emphasized.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 104: INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS
Class Program
A study of the basic forms of religious belief, activity, and experience in the major world religions. Traditions to be discussed may include tribal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese religion, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Non-European/non-Anglophone. Interfaith Studies.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 125: FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
Class Program
First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills.
Notes
GEP, Major, Elective credit.
REL 199H: FRESHMAN HONORS SEMINAR
Class Program
First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills.
Notes
GEP credit.
REL 200: THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Class Program
This course is an introduction to Christianity that focuses on examination of the major theological themes and problems that have commonly occupied Christians and how these issues have developed over time. We will use primary sources for the most part in our explorations. While this course focuses on Christian thought (theology), we will also make connections between theology and worship, ethics, and other aspects of Christianity.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 205: INTRODUCTION TO HEBREW BIBLE AND EARLY JEWISH LITERATURE
Class Program
A survey of the historical development of the ancient Hebrews and their writings (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and extra-canonical texts).
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 206: INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT AND EARLY CHRISTIANITY
Class Program
A survey of New Testament and other early Christian writings and the contexts in which they were produced.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 299H: INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE
Class Program
This course is team taught by members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines. All students registering for these courses must register not only through the Honors Program but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office.
Notes
GEP, Major, Elective credit.
REL 308: RELIGION IN AMERICA
Class Program
Historical survey of religious life and thought in America, with attention given to the diversity of religious experience in the United States. Emphasis is given to the role of religion in American life and the impact of the American experience on religious traditions. Writing Intensive.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.
REL 314: SPECIAL TOPICS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Class Program
This interdisciplinary seminar explores select topics in human history, experience, and society through the examination of religious traditions. Topics may include select ideas, institutions, movements, time periods, and/or thinkers. Humanities or Literature.
Notes
Humanities or Literature elective credit