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Philosophy and Theology, Bachelor of Arts

REQUIRED MAJOR HOURS 41
REQUIRED MINOR HOURS NONE
TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS 41
PRESCRIBED COURSES ATTAINABLE IN GEN ED: NONE

The major in Philosophy and Theology will help the student identify and develop, within the context of a supportive Christian academic community, the analytical abilities for critical and creative scholarship and for meaningful living. Students will explore the works of significant thinkers in the fields of philosophy and theology as they clarify and support their views and beliefs. Students will also continue to develop their ability to communicate clearly what they have learned.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

  1. Basic skills in biblical interpretation and exegesis;
  2. Skills in critical thinking, and written and oral communication;
  3. Basic knowledge in at least three of four core areas in the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy: Philosophy, Theology, Christian History, and Spiritual Formation;
  4. Basic knowledge in the areas of theological and philosophical studies;
  5. The ability to read critically and respond creatively in writing and oral presentation to complex theological and philosophical textual sources; and
  6. Advanced knowledge appropriate to undergraduate education of key concepts, ideas, significant historical and contemporary figures, and literature in the fields of philosophy and theology.

Program Requirements

Required Major Hours

RELI 201Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies

2

Departmental Core Requirements

PHIL 200Introduction to Philosophy

3
RELI 333Christian Theology

3

Major Elective (Choose one of the following)

RELI 271Spiritual Formation

3
RELI 321Introduction to Christian History

3

Biblical Studies (Choose one)

RELI 302The Sacred Writings

3
RELI 303Old Testament Prophets

3
RELI 307Studies in the Pentateuch

3
RELI 310Selected Topics in Biblical Studies

3
RELI 311Synoptic Gospels

3
RELI 312Life and Letters of Paul

3
RELI 316The Writings of John

3
RELI 317The General Epistles and Hebrews

3
RELI 351Biblical Backgrounds

3
RELI 352Biblical Interpretation

3

World Religions (Choose one)

RELI 346World Religions

3
RELI 347Religions of India

3
RELI 348Religions of China and Japan

3
RELI 349Introduction to Judaism

3
RELI 350Introduction to Islam

3

Christian History (Choose one)

RELI 322/HIST 322Early and Medieval Christianity

3
RELI 323/HIST 323Modern Christianity

3
RELI 324/HIST 324American Christianity

3
RELI 325Baptist Heritage

3
RELI 327/HIST 327The Renaissance and Reformation

3
RELI 328Global Christianity

3

Philosophy / Ethics (Choose three)

PHIL 201An Introduction to Logic

3
PHIL 337Philosophy of Religion

3
PHIL 338Epistemology

3
PHIL 380Selected Topics in Philosophy

3
RELI 341Christian Ethics

3

Biblical Theology (Choose one)

RELI 306Old Testament Theology

3
RELI 314New Testament Theology

3

Senior Seminar

RELI 490Senior Seminar

3

Departmental Electives

Choose two courses from the upper-level departmental options

6

Total Credit Hours: 41

NOTE: Senior Seminar should be taken in one of the student’s final two semesters.

Additional Requirements for Transfer Majors

All students transferring under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement must complete a world language through the Intermediate I level (201), as well as RELI 245 if the major prescribes it to be taken as part of the General Education curriculum. This requirement will be waived for students who transfer in credit for RELI 346.