Newberry College

Religion and Philosophy Major with Religion Concentration

The Religion concentration at Newberry College is designed to equip students with the literary, historical and analytical facilities necessary for the academic investigation and exploration of the sacred writings, doctrines, and history of the Judeo-Christian tradition. As a result of the structured emphasis, program participants will have the opportunity to acquire wide-ranging familiarity with the Bible in its historical and literary context. This concentration is highly recommended for students who wish to pursue a terminal degree in any sub-field of religious studies, such as biblical studies, history, or theology. Students seeking seminary training who wish to strengthen their academic religious preparation should strongly consider this concentration, while those seeking greater balance between practical Christian service and academic preparation should investigate the B.A. in Church Leadership. In addition, students in any number of professional fields that require facility in working with historical documents or sensitivity to multi-cultural and ecumenical diversity will find the skills and insights honed in this discipline useful. Naturally, any investigation in the fields of Religion and Philosophy provides opportunities for spiritual and personal enrichment.

Religion and Philosophy Major (B.A. degree) Requirements with Religion Concentration (34 hours)

Students who wish to concentrate their studies in Religion can earn a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy . The major requires a minimum of 34 semester hours and consists of the following courses: REL 110, REL 301, REL 350; 300-400 level Philosophy course to be determined (3 hours); one course from PHI 481/482 Seminar or REL 481/482 Seminar; PHI 499 or REL 499; four semesters of successful completion of HUM 100 (1 hour per semester – 4 total hours); 4 additional 3-hour courses from the Department for a total of 34 hours.
The following is a sample Religion and Philosophy Major with a Concentration in Religion :
REL 110. The Biblical Heritage - 3 hours
REL 213. Christian Ethics in a Changing Society - 3 hours
REL 220. World Religions  - 3 hours
REL 301. Jesus: His Religion and His Teachings  - 3 hours
REL 303. Paul: His Life, Writings - 3 hours
REL 350. Systematic Theology - 3 hours
PHI 110. Introduction to Modern Logic - 3 hours
PHI 311. Philosophy of Religion  - 3 hours
REL 482. Seminar on Religious Issues  - 3 hours
REL 499. Senior Essay - 3 hours
HUM 100- Colloquium (1 hour x 4 semesters)   4 hours
Total:  34 hours

Religion and Philosophy Major (B.A. degree) Requirements with Concentration in Philosophy (34 hours)

Students who wish to concentrate their studies in Philosophy can earn a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy . The major requires a minimum of 34 semester hours and consists of the following courses: REL 110, REL 301, REL 350; a 300-400 level PHI course to be determined (3 hours); one course from PHI 481/482 Seminar or RRL 481/482 Seminar; PHI 499 or REL 499; four semesters of successful completion of HUM 100 (1 hour per semester—4 total hours); four additional 3-hour courses from the Department for a total of 34 hours.
The following is a sample Religion and Philosophy Major curriculum with a Concentration in Philosophy :
REL 110. The Biblical Heritage - 3 hours
REL 301. Jesus: His Religion and His Teachings - 3 hours
REL 350. Systematic Theology  - 3 hours
PHI 120. Introduction to Ethics - 3 hours
PHI 110. Introduction to Modern Logic - 3 hours
PHI 201. Ancient and Medieval Philosophy  - 3 hours
PHI 202. Modern Philosophy  - 3 hours
PHI 312. Philosophical Ethics  - 3 hours
PHI 482. Seminar on Problems in Philosophy  - 3 hours
PHI 499. Senior Essay  - 3 hours
HUM 100. Colloquium (1 hour x 4 semesters)  - 4 hours
Total:  34 hours