Courses Offered Spring 2010

Courses Offered Fall 2009

Courses Offered-Spring 2009

Course Archives

The Major in Religious Studies

As in other Albion departments, a major consists of a minimum of eight units, including:

Two foundation courses 101, Introduction to Western Religions and 102, Introduction to Eastern Religions and at least six other units, selected on the basis of which track a student chooses: the general or graduate studies track. No more than four 100-level units can be counted toward the major.

All courses for the major must be taken for a numerical grade. Exceptions must be approved by the department chair.

Tracks for the Major

Students may choose one of two tracks for the major: a general track or a graduate studies track.

General Track--This track is intended for students with a broad interest in religious studies, or who may be planning a career in ordained ministry, social work or other work in the field of human services. Requirements of the General Track: Religious Studies 101, 102, one course in each of the four areas in religious studies at Albion listed below, and at least two other courses, chosen in consultation with a religious studies faculty adviser.

Graduate Studies Track--This track is intended for students planning to continue religious studies at the graduate level. Requirements of the Graduate Studies Track: Religious Studies 101, 102, one course in each of the four areas in religious studies at Albion listed below and at least two other courses, chosen from the single area in which a student intends to do graduate studies. Students electing the graduate studies track for the major must register for at least one unit of directed study for advanced research in their senior year or before.

Areas in Religious Studies at Albion

Biblical and Jewish Studies

121, History, Literature and Religion of the Old Testament; 122, History, Literature, and Religion of the New Testament; 215, Jewish Life and Thought; 221, The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Origin of Christianity; 222, Jesus and the Gospels; 320, Gender and Biblical Interpretation; 321, 322, Colloquia in Biblical Studies. (Jocelyn McWhirter is the principal instructor in this area).

Theology and Ethics

131, Introduction to Christian Thought; 232 Faith and Reason; 234 Philosophy of Religion; 242 Christian Ethics; 250, Mysticism and Ecstasy; 270, Liberation Theology. (Ron Mourad is the principal instructor in this area).

Asian and Comparative Religion

210, The Feminine in World Religions; 211, Hinduism; 212 Buddhism; 271, Religion and the Arts; 311, Religion and Ecology; 312, Global Christianities; 313, Death and Dying in World Religions; 363, Myth, Symbol, Ritual.

Islamic Religion

104, Introduction to Islam; 204, Islam and the Modern World; 205, Sufism.
(Mark Soileau is the principal instructor in this area.)

The Minor in Religious Studies

Beginning in the fall of 2000, students can do a minor in Religious Studies. The requirements for a minor are as follows:

• A minimum of 5 units in Religious Studies, which must include:
• Religious Studies 101--Introduction to Western Religions; and Religious Studies 102--Introduction to Eastern Religions; and
• 3 other units, two of which must be above the 100 level.

Students may petition the department faculty with regard to specific requirements for the minor.