Course Descriptions

REL 211 Pentateuch (3). A study of the first five books of the Bible. This course examines the accounts of creation, the fall, Israel's ancestors, the exodus, and the giving of the Law. Theological issues explored include the nature of God, human beings, and the world, our covenantal relationship with God, and the presence of God in historical events. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 212 Old Testament Historical Books (3). This course explores the Old Testament books of Joshua through 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah in terms of their literary features, historical settings, and theological themes. Particular attention is devoted to the prophetic character of these works, which provide a theological interpretation of Israel's history. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 213 Psalms and Wisdom Literature (3). Students examine the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. The three focuses of the course are how to read poetry, the different categories of the Psalms and their interpretation, and the role of wisdom books in the Bible. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 214 Prophets (3). The books of Old Testament prophetic literature are studied, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and selected minor prophets. Each book is considered in light of its literary characteristics and sociohistorical context with a view to explicating the text's theological message and its contemporary relevance. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 221 Synoptic Gospels and Acts (3). This is a study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke-Acts. After dealing with introductory issues, this course examines the text and context of the books to discern their major themes. The relationship between the Synoptic Gospels and the historical Jesus is also considered. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 222 Johannine Literature (3). This course studies the Fourth Gospel and 1-3 John. Students consider matters of introduction, historical context, interpretation of major themes and distinctive theological contributions. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 223 Paul's Letters (3). A study of Paul's letters with particular attention to their meaning within the context of the early Christian communities. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.

REL 224 Revelation and General Letters (3). This course studies Revelation and the general letters, including Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude, in terms of their literary features, historical setting, theological emphasis, and present relevance. Prerequisite: REL 121 or REL 131 (or old core equivalents) and sophomore or higher status, or permission of the instructor.