Courses--Religion & Philosophy

Courses Available

Religion courses:
20. Introduction to the Old Testament 3 hours A survey of the contents of the Jewish Bible/Christian Old Testament. These texts will be studied as they developed within the unfolding history of the Hebrew people in relationship to other nations and cultures of the ancient Near East from about 1200 B.C.E. - 150 B.C.E. Emphasis will be placed upon the literary, historical, and theological issues presented by these ancient texts. The methods, tools, and technical language of scholarly research appropriate to the texts of the Bible will be introduced. (Normally offered each fall semester)	Religion Mission Statement: The Religion faculty provide their majors with the skills and knowledge to enable them to explore thoroughly and evaluate thoughtfully religious and theological topics and issues. The ability to comprehend, recognize and understand interpretive frameworks, clarify assumptions and support claims are central to this pursuit. Students exhibit the skills and knowledge to reflect meaningfully on issues such as theological paradigms, religion in society, religious experiences and religious texts. Students of religion articulate positions that are informed by both an awareness of their personal values and an understanding of the views presented in the history of religious and theological inquiry.
21. Introduction to the New Testament 3 hours A survey of the contents of the Christian New Testament. These texts will be studied within the context of the unfolding history of the earliest Christian community as it sought to relate to the Hellenistic-Jewish culture, which gave it birth. Emphasis will be placed upon the literary, historical, and theological issues presented by these ancient texts. The methods, tools, and technical language of scholarly research appropriate to the texts of the Bible will be introduced. (Normally offered each spring semester)

24. Understanding Religion 3 hours An inquiry into the meaning and function of religion through a comparison of different religious traditions. Students will gain an understanding of the religious experience through a comparative analysis of different religious practices. Students will discuss how the different traditions understand the divine, worship, and scripture. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the students’ own perspective on religion and the ability to express this perspective clearly and effectively.
Understanding Religion: Jews and Christians 3 hours This course considers historical, comparative, and methodological issues in the academic study of religion by focusing on the scriptures and history of two different religious traditions and how their theologies and ethical systems originated and developed.
Understanding Religion: Greco-Romans and Christians 3 hours This course considers historical, comparative, and methodological issues in the academic study of religion by focusing on religious practice in Ancient Greece and Rome.
Understanding Religion: Christians and Muslims 3 hours This course considers historical, comparative, and methodological issues in the academic study of religion by focusing on the two different religious traditions that originated in the Middle East.
98. New Testament Greek I 3 hours An introduction to the alphabet, the basic vocabulary, grammar, and elementary syntax of koine Greek, the Greek used by the writers of the New Testament. The course will focus on developing a reading knowledge of koine Greek and sufficient skills in pronunciation so that Greek texts may be cited orally and discussed.
99. New Testament Greek II 3 hours A continuation of Religion 98. More elements of Greek syntax, the standard reference works, and the basic methods for the study of the Greek New Testament will be introduced. Representative texts from the entire Greek New Testament will be used for translation assignments. Prerequisite: Religion 98 or permission of the instructor.
120. World Religions 3 hours This course is a study of the cultural settings, lives of founders when appropriate, oral or written traditions and literature, worldviews, myths, rituals, ideals of conduct, and development of some of the world’s religions. Following a brief examination of possible evidence of religious practice among pre-historic peoples, religions studied will typically include tribal religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Bahai. Readings, visitations to differing religious communities, videos, and websites will help introduce and illustrate not only the cultural settings in which these religions appear, but also the voices and faces of contemporary religious practitioners. (Normally offered each semester)
123. Theology and Film 3 hours A discussion of various theological themes as portrayed in classical and current films. Such topics as transcendence, suffering, evil, salvation, conscience and the state, sin, savior figures, human meaning, and destiny will provide the focal point for the character development, plot, and purpose in the films to be viewed.
125. Religion, Peace and Social Justice 3 hours This course explores religious responses to social justice issues such as conflict, poverty, oppression, discrimination, and the environment.
126. Religion and the Short Story 3 hours An investigation of the major themes of theology in terms of classical and contemporary statements and the contribution of short fiction to the discussion. It is a deliberate attempt to understand theology through the discipline of literature using short story writers and theologians from classical, modern, and contemporary periods.
130. Women and Religion 3 hours This course will examine the roles of women in religious traditions. Students will encounter scholarship on gender, religion, and feminist theology in different traditions. The primary focus of this course will be on the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, although other traditions and contemporary religious movements may be considered. (Normally offered each fall semester)
131. Christian History 3 hours This course is an examination of the Christian movement from its rise in the Apostolic Age through the ancient, medieval, Reformation, and modern periods. Attention will be given to developments in theology, worship, and church organization; the religious and cultural factors which shaped this development; and the relationship of these developments to the history of Western civilization in general.
134. Religious Diversity in the United States 3 hours Religion in the U.S. is vital and diverse and its study illuminates not only early American society, but also the current pluralism within our contemporary culture. This course will introduce religious traditions in the U.S. through thematic, historical, denominational, and cultural considerations. Though the Puritan roots of U.S. religious history will be considered, this course emphasizes the variety and diversity of religious experiences in the U.S., including Native American, Protestant, Catholic, African-American, Judaism, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions.
181. The World of Classical Greece 3 hours This course will investigate English translations of the great works of Greek literature. Students will become familiar with the uniquely rich and influential world of Classical Greece. Offered as part of the Classics Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
186. Literature of the Ancient East 3 hours This course will investigate literary works from ancient Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Egypt, seeking to understand their culture and values. It will end with literature from one of the founding documents of our own culture, the Hebrew Bible, to see how it was effected by the surrounding culture. Offered as part of the Classics Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
190. Selected Topics 1, 2, or 3 hours A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet requirements for a major or minor only by approval of the department chair.
195. Independent Study 1, 2, or 3 hours An examination of a particular topic selected by the instructor and the student. This course is primarily research oriented and serves to fill in gaps in the student’s academic program or to pursue topics not covered by the regular course offerings. Depending on the topic and the material available, it will be decided whether one final paper, a series of papers, or a reading program is the format to be followed. The student may take this course no more than four times. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
196. Special Projects 1, 2, or 3 hours Individualized study of the history, doctrine, or practice of any of the world’s religions for beginning and intermediate students in religion. The student and instructor will determine the scope and direction of the course. It may involve a reading program, a specific project related to the church and/or religious concerns, or a project relating religion to other disciplines. Special projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
197. Intern Practicum 1, 2, or 3 hours The student is assigned 10 hours of work each week dealing with youth, church school, administration, or any area of a local church program assigned by the host pastor and approved by the department coordinator. All interns must attend a weekly session to discuss the theological, moral, and social implications of problems common to their tasks. A student may repeat the course and earn a maximum of 3 hours credit. A student may also serve as an intern without registering for credit. P/F only. (Normally offered each semester)
206. Religion and Science 3 hours An exploration of the making and discovery of meaning through the broad based disciplines of science and religion. Are these disciplines hostile, separate, convergent, or complementary? This course will examine diverse possibilities of synthesis and relationship. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy or religion and one course in science, or the instructor’s permission.
212. Life and Letters of Paul 3 hours A study of Pauline literature, Paul’s interpretation of Jesus, and his work as missionary to the Gentiles. Acts and the Pauline Epistles are primary sources. Some contemporary analyses of Pauline thought and its importance for the contemporary situation will be emphasized.
213. Life and Teachings of Jesus 3 hours A discussion of the sources used in the attempt to write the life of Jesus.
221. Psychology of Religion See Psychology 221.
226. Christian Theology from the Enlightenment to the Mid-Twentieth Century 3 hours This course examines the beginnings of modern theological reflection, following the Reformation, and moves forward, following historical developments in Christian theology, into the first half of the twentieth century. The impact of the Enlightenment on theology characterizes the first third of the course. The rise of nineteenth century liberal theology and varied responses to it characterize the second, while the last third of the course takes up neo-orthodoxy, process, and secular theologies.
227. Religious Studies from the Mid-Twentieth Century to the Present 3 hours This course is an examination of movements in theology and religious studies from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant theologians and other contemporary scholars of religion will be considered. Topics to be covered will include theological responses to the Holocaust, the modern state of Israel, the debate over the historical Jesus, liberation theologies, and the place of theological and religious scholarship in both the academy and society.
241. Women in the Biblical World 3 hours This course will examine the role and status of women as depicted in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Students will focus on the stories and laws concerning women that are found in the Bible as well as in extrabiblical materials. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Offered as part of the Classics Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
290. Selected Topics 1, 2, or 3 hours A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty. This course may be offered to meet requirements for a major or minor only by approval of the department chair.
295. Independent Study 1, 2, or 3 hours An examination of a particular topic selected by the instructor and the student. This course is primarily research oriented and serves to fill in gaps in the student’s academic program or to pursue topics not covered by the regular course offerings. Depending on the topic and the material available, it will be decided whether one final paper, a series of papers, or a reading program is the format to be followed. The student may take this course no more than four times. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
296. Special Projects 1, 2, or 3 hours Supervised individual projects for advanced students in religion on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
299. Senior Thesis 3 hours Every religion major is required to write a senior research paper dealing with a topic selected by the student in consultation with any member of the department. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.

Philosophy courses
10. Introduction to Philosophy 3 hours An introduction to philosophical thinking by way of an examination of persistent philosophical questions raised by significant and representative voices in our (primarily Western) philosophical heritage. We will attempt to clarify the meanings of such concepts as good and evil, right and wrong, justice, virtue, the beautiful, and the ugly. We will attempt, further, to use this understanding to evaluate our own philosophical views and those of our society. (Normally offered each semester)	Philosophy Mission Statement: Philosophy is a discipline like no other in both its methods and in the nature and depth of its subject matter. Philosophy attempts to answer the questions that form the foundation not just of other disciplines but of everyday life such as: What can we know? What is happiness? How should we make moral decisions? What is the best society? How can we know if God exists? What is the source of aesthetic value? However, for the student of philosophy, the answers to these questions are not as important as the methods by which these answers are sought. Accordingly, in a philosophy class, the emphasis is placed heavily on developing the student’s ability to think clearly and concisely about these and other very complex issues through close readings of historical and contemporary philosophical texts.
102. Ethics 3 hours An introduction to moral philosophy. We will analyze the meanings of moral concepts such as virtue and vice, good and evil, and moral obligation, and consider historical attempts (mostly Western) to determine what, if any, moral system is true. We will look at exemplification of those concepts in fiction and movies, in historical events, and in our own lives. Our aim will be to sustain and strengthen our capacity for the making of moral decisions. (Normally offered each fall semester)

103. Critical Thinking
3 hours
This is an excellent course for students looking to enhance their own argument skills generally and especially for those planning to take the standardized tests for law or graduate school. Students will learn to understand and evaluate formal and informal arguments, the principles that support their logical forms, and how to apply these principles in the construction of arguments. Students will learn to distinguish arguments from other forms of language (e.g. descriptive or imperative uses of language) as well as develop the ability to recognize good and bad reasoning. This will include general examinations of common fallacies, valid and invalid deductive and strong and weak inductive arguments, standards of reasoning and the principles that sustain these standards in professional fields.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

130. Philosophies of Race and Gender
3 hours
Most Americans have some understanding of how the categories of race and gender influence our personal and social identities. Yet many Americans also assume that race and gender are “natural,” i.e., that we are born into a certain race and naturally embody a certain sex. In this course, we will examine these assumptions by reading, discussing, and critically assessing the arguments for and against the “naturalness” of race and gender. We will consider how categories of race and gender position us, historically and philosophically, as a person of a certain “type” from whom certain behaviors are expected. We will look at socio-economic conditions and philosophic positions that support or challenge racism, sexism, classism, segregation, and violence.

140. Social-Political Philosophy
3 hours
This course will begin with a close examination of some classic works of social and political philosophy, which may include but are not limited to Aristotle’s Politics, Hobbes’ Leviathan, Locke’s Second Treatise on Government, Rousseau’s Social Contract, Marx’s Grundrisse, and Mill’s On Liberty. Once this historical foundation is put in place, students will move on to examine current trends in social and political philosophy that may include but are not limited to: what is the best form of government, the social contract, socialism, the nature of justice, democracy, nationalism, and environmentalism.

190. Selected Topics
1, 2, or 3 hours
A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

195. Independent Study
1, 2, or 3 hours
An examination of a particular topic selected by the instructor and the student. This course is primarily research oriented and serves to fill in gaps in the student’s academic program or to pursue topics not covered by the regular course offerings. Depending on the topic and the material available, it will be decided whether one final paper, a series of papers, or a reading program is the format to be followed. The student may take this course no more than four times.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.

196. Special Projects
1, 2, or 3 hours
Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

204. Ancient Philosophy
3 hours
This course will examine the origin of western philosophy in ancient Greece and trace the development of philosophical thought from the received wisdom prior to Plato, through the works of Plato, Aristotle, representative Stoics, Skeptics, and the new Platonism that culminates classical thinking. Topics include but are not limited to: questions about the character of the divine, the substance of the world, the nature of the soul, the scope of human knowledge, the requirements of rationality, and what constitutes the good life.

205. Medieval Philosophy
3 hours
This course will examine the philosophical tradition as manifested in the works of the more prominent Christian, Jewish and/or Islamic philosophers from the 5th century into the 14th century. Selections from the works of the following major figures may be studied: Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus and/or William of Ockham in the Christian tradition; Alfarabi, Avicenna and/or Averroes in the Islamic tradition; and Saadia, Solomon Ibn Gabirol, and/or Maimonides in the Jewish tradition. Topics may include but are not limited to: the roles of faith and reason in belief formation, the nature and existence of God, the nature of human beings, the conflict between human freedom and Divine foreknowledge, and the nature of virtue and sin.

206. Modern Philosophy
(3 hours)
This course will examine the western philosophical tradition as manifested in the works of prominent European and/or American philosophers of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Philosophers who may be included are Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche and Pierce among others. Topics may include but are not limited to: issues such as the existence and nature of God, responses to whether or not the mind (or soul) can exist separately from the body, skepticism and doubt, the nature of the self, and the relation of the individual to society.

207. 20th Century Philosophy
3 hours
This course will examine the western philosophical tradition as manifested in the works of prominent European and/or American philosophers of the 20th century. Philosophers such as Ryle, Ayer, Heidegger, Sartre, Wittgenstein, Merleau-Ponty, Habermas, Foucault, and Derrida may be included among others. Topics may include but are not limited to: the nature of the mind, human freedom, the nature of language and interpretation, and the construction of meaning.

227. Feminist Theories
3 hours
An exploration of the varieties of contemporary feminist thought. We will examine the points of convergence among feminist philosophers but also attend seriously to the issues that divide them. Special consideration will be given to race, class, and diverse attitudes toward marriage and reproduction. Having established that feminism is not a single, homogeneous system, we will inquire as to whether this constitutes a flaw or a liberating potential.

290. Selected Topics
1, 2, or 3 hours
A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty.
This course may be offered to meet requirements for a major or minor only by approval of the department chair.

295. Independent Study
1, 2, or 3 hours
An examination of a particular topic selected by the instructor and the student. This course is primarily research oriented and serves to fill in gaps in the student’s academic program or to pursue topics not covered by the regular course offerings. Depending on the topic and the material available, it will be decided whether one final paper, a series of papers, or a reading program is the format to be followed. The student may take this course no more than four times.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.

296. Special Projects
1, 2, or 3 hours
Supervised individual projects for students on topics selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Special projects may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

298. Seminar in Philosophy
3 hours
An advanced course in which special philosophical problems or particular philosophers or certain philosophical movements are selected for study. The subject matters for the course will be determined by a configuration of student and faculty interest. Topics may include: problems in political philosophy, philosophy in the Americas, issues in the philosophy of religion, issues in the philosophy of science, existentialism and phenomenology, Aristotle, Nietzsche, the life and death of Western epistemology and Holocaust studies.
May be repeated with permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.

299. Senior Thesis
3 hours
A semester-long project for philosophy majors involving a study of some philosopher or philosophical problem or movement and a paper submitting the results. The student will present an oral defense of the thesis to members of the department and, usually, nondepartmental readers.

(Normally offered each semester)

2007 Nebraska Wesleyan University Religion & Philosophy Department

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