HUM 100               (1)

Colloquium.

Weekly presentation and discussion of scholarly work by faculty, guests, and students pursuing
a major or minor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy. Others permitted with
Religion & Philosophy faculty approval.
Offered every semester.

HUM 101 (COS 101).        (3)

Theory and Practice of Community Service.
An in-depth examination of the history, philosophy, pedagogical role, and methods of
community service. Requires participation in community service. Open to sophomores and
higher.
Offered at discretion of Religion and Philosophy Department.

HUM 201 (COS 201).    (3)

Service and Reflection.
Open to sophomores and higher.
An examination of the relationship between community service and contemporary thought.
Literary, philosophical, political and sociological texts may be examined to assist in the moral
and social reflection about serving others. Requires participation in community service.
Offered at discretion of Religion and Philosophy Department.

HUM 250               (3)

Masterworks of Civilization.

Prerequisite:   ENG 112.

A cross-cultural study of selected works of literature, religion, and philosophy from antiquity to the present.

HUM 250 satisfies Core Curriculum requirements for Humanities/Fine Arts, Area E-1 and E-2.

Offered every semester.

HUM 300. Profiles in Leadership. (2)
Students will engage in a study of the traits and theories of leadership and their usefulness in
solving human problems and dilemmas. The human side of leadership will be examined
through materials drawn from religion, philosophy, history, science, business, sports,
biography, film and drama. This wide-ranging investigation will focus on strategies for
developing effective leadership styles. This course will examine the conduct and
communication of exemplary leaders in Western Society as a means of exploring the virtues
and traits recognized as being the most important for successful leadership.
Offered at discretion of Religion and Philosophy Department.

HUM 495. Internship. (3)
Internships or practical experience in an approved program of study.
Subject to regulations and restrictions on page 56.

PHI 101               (3)

Philosophy and Life Today.

A survey of traditional philosophical issues applied to concerns in today's world.

Offered alternate years.

PHI 110               (3)

Introduction to Modern Logic.

A study of the formal validity of deductive inference and the bases of inductive reasoning.
Philosophy 110 satisfies Core Curriculum requirements for Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
Area C-3 (1995) and Area D-3 (2005); Philosophy 110 does NOT satisfy Core Curriculum
requirements for Humanities/Fine Arts, Area E-2 (1995) or Area C-2 (2005).
Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 120 (215). Introduction to Ethics. (3)
A study of major ethical theories and their application to specific moral issues.
Offered every semester.

PHI 201               (3)

Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (to 1600).

An historical survey with emphasis upon the thought of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.

Offered Fall Semester, alternate years.

PHI 202               (3)

Modern Philosophy (1600 to 1850).

An historical survey with emphasis upon Continental Rationalists, British Empiricists, and Immanuel Kant.

Offered Spring Semester, alternate years.

PHI 212               (3)

Philosophy of Human Nature.

An exploration of selected philosophical issues, including the mind/

body problem, free will versus determinism, personal identity, and human dignity.

Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 220.          (3)

Social Philosophy and Ethics.
A study of classical and contemporary texts on the relation between morality, justice, and the
law.
Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 304               (3)

Contemporary Philosophy (since 1850).

An examination of recent trends in Western thought, including philosophical analysis and existentialism.

Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 311               (3)

Philosophy of Religion.

Philosophical analysis of the central problems of religious belief.

Offered alternate years.

PHI 312               (3)

Philosophical Ethics.

A study of major moral philosophers, ethical theories, and the structure of moral reasoning.

Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 482               (1-3)

Seminar on Problems in Philosophy.

An intensive study of a selected philosophical issue or an individual philosopher.

Offered at departmental discretion.

PHI 491               (1-3)

Independent Study.

Open only to juniors and seniors of demonstrated ability majoring or minoring in Religion and Philosophy.

PHI 499               (3)

Senior Essay.

A project requiring scholarly research and culminating in the public presentation of a formal paper.

Offered Spring Semester.

REL 110               (3)

The Biblical Heritage.

A study of the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity
through an examination of selected portions of the Old and New Testaments, with stress upon
their relevance for modern humanity.
Required of all students.
Satisfies 1995 Core Curriculum requirements in Religion, Area D-1.
Satisfies 2005 Core Curriculum requirements in Religion, Area F-1.
Offered every semester.

REL 200               (3)

Introduction to Religion.

This course presents an overview of the major subdivisions in the field of religion, emphasizing both the breadth and organization of religion as an academic discipline. Within each division, the student will become familiar with traditional themes and terminology, current tends and issues, major personalities and their works, and various methodologies in the study of religion.

Offered alternate years.

REL 203               (3)

From the Apostles to the Reformers (History of Christianity I; ca. 100-ca. 1550).

This course examines the institutional, intellectual, and social developments in the history of Christianity from its beginnings to the   Reformation.   Issues such as the relationship between church and state, theology and philosophy, piety and culture will be traced and analyzed in the wider context of the history of the Mediterranean and Western Worlds from later antiquity to the Reformation.

Offered alternate years.

REL 207                 (3)

From the Reformation to the Present

(History of Christianity II; ca. 1500-Present).

This course examines the history of Christianity in the wake of the Protestant Reformation and in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. Particular attention will be given to the rise of denominationalism, the history of Christianity in America, various reactions to modern social, political, and scientific theory, and the encounter of Christianity with non-European cultures through missionary and colonizing activity.

Offered alternate years.

REL 213               (3)

Christian Ethics in a Changing Society.

Prerequisite:   REL 110.

An investigation of the resources within the Christian faith for making moral decisions with respect to the scientific, social, economic, political, and personal problems in the contemporary world.

Offered alternate years.

REL 220               (3)

Religions of the World.

The history, beliefs, and practices of major non-Christian religions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Taoism.

Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 250 (COS 150, 250).     (1)

Christian Vocation and Church Leadership
A study of the call to Christian service in the Church and the world. This course will examine
the concepts of ministry and the call, the nature and structure of the Church, contemporary
issues facing the Church, as well as resources and programs used by the Church to promote
Newberry College faith and service in local congregations. This course is open to students of all denominations and religious traditions.
Graded on an S-U basis.
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 301               (3)

Jesus: His Religion and His Teachings.

Prerequisite:   REL 110.

The character, ministry, and teaching of Jesus Christ, based upon the New Testament, including an examination of modern interpretations of Jesus.

Offered alternate years.

REL 302               (3)

The Hebrew Prophets: Their Times and Message.

Prerequisite:   REL 110.

A study of the development, characteristics, and messages of selected major and minor prophets of Israel and Judah, with an emphasis upon their relevance for contemporary life.

Offered alternate years.

REL 303               (3)

Paul: His Life, Writings, and Continuing Impact.

Prerequisite: REL 110.

A survey of the life of Paul and the development of his theology in

response to the problems and heresies he faced as an apostle and a missionary, with a consideration of their impact upon 20th century theology.

Offered alternate years.

REL 305               (3)

The General Epistles and the Johannine Literature.

Prerequisite:   REL 110.

A study of the non-Pauline epistles in the New Testament and those writings associated with the name of John,   including Revelation.

Offered alternate years.

REL 310 (400).   American Religious History .   (3)

A study of the major trends, issues, persons, and movements in American religious history in their social, cultural, and political contexts..

Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 320.   African-American Religious History .   (3)

A study of the major trends, issues, persons and movements in African-American religious history.   Special attention will be paid to Civil Rights, sociological factors affecting religion in America, and the politics of Religion.

Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 322. History of Lutherans and Lutheranism. (3)
This course investigates the unique character of Lutheranism as a Christian faith. People,
places, and events important in shaping the contemporary Lutheran Church will be examined in
an effort to help students clarify their own Christian identities.
Offered alternate years.

REL 330. Christian Education. (3)
This course will provide a very practical introduction to the problems encountered and “best
practices” employed by Church Leaders in the area of Christian Education. Attention will be
paid to curriculum selection or development, effective teaching methods, volunteer teacher
recruitment and training, and issues related to staff and supervisory boards.
Offered at Departmental Discretion.

REL 340. Youth Ministry. (3)
This course will provide a very practical introduction to the problems encountered and “best
practices” employed by Church Leaders in the area of Youth Ministry. Attention will be paid
to youth outreach and support strategies, program organization, curriculum selection or
development, effective teaching methods, unique challenges and issues related to preadolescent
and adolescent youth, and issues related to staff and supervisory boards.
Offered at Departmental Discretion.

REL 350               (3)

Systematic Theology.

This course examines the main themes of Christian theology in their classical formulation, traditional development, and contemporary expression.   A seminar approach will be adopted in the course. Students will actively cooperate in developing the course content through the completion of reading assignments, outside research, formal presentation of material, and participation in discussion and debate. The textbook and instructor will serve primarily to describe the content and variety of influential positions taken on the main themes in theology. Students will take the initiative in advancing and defending particular views on the issues described.

Offered alternate years.

REL 380. Lutheran Theology & Confessional Writings. (3)
Selections from Luther’s works, the Augsburg Confession and subsequent Lutheran writings
will guide the student’s investigation of her or his own confessional understanding of the
Christian faith.
Offered alternate years.

REL 481, 482               (1-3, 1-3)

Seminar on Religious Issues.

Prerequisites: REL 110 and at least one other course in Religion.

An intensive study of a question or problem in Biblical studies, religious history, or a current religious movement or issue.

REL 491               (1-3)

Independent Study.

Open only to juniors and seniors of demonstrated ability majoring or minoring in Religion and Philosophy.

REL 495 (COS 495). Christian Vocation Internship. (3)
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior classification and approval of Religion & Philosophy Faculty
advisor.
Students will be matched up with an internship opportunity which matches the student’s
expressed interest in Church Leadership. Every effort will be made to place students in an
internship experience which both exhibits some of the “best practices” in their chosen field of
leadership and reflects the denominational/theological affiliations of the student intern.
Subject to regulations and restrictions on page 56.
Offered at departmental discretion.

REL 499               (3)

Senior Essay.

A project requiring scholarly research and culminating in the public presentation of a formal paper.

Offered Spring Semester.