Bachelor of Arts in Religion

This course outlines basic study and research techniques, the use of libraries, and the importance of research methodology and analysis for the social sciences. It is a writing intensive course that requires a sound understanding of written communication. Students enrolling in this course should be familiar with proper citations and documentation, grammar and syntax, organizing their writing, and parts of a paper. (Prerequisite: ENGL101 or ENGL102).

Pre Reqs: Proficiency in Writing(ENGL101),Effectiveness in Writing(ENGL102)

What is it that we name, what is it that we mean, when we say God? Although we may speak of God as if we are naming some entity or being whose identity we hold in common understanding, as we will see, God is a name used to express a range of concepts and experiences that have varying and often conflicting features. In this class we will examine some of these concepts and descriptions of experiences of the divine. Ultimately, however, this is not a study of God but of man and his attempt to understand his relation within and between God and the world.

This introductory course explores the basic nature of religion, both historical and contemporary, and familiarizes the student with a multidisciplinary approach to religious study. Students examine the importance of religious thought and expression, from the viewpoints of both a participant and a critic.

This course introduces the major religions of the world with attention to origin, history, beliefs and practices. The course provides a balanced consideration of both Eastern and Western religions. No force has influenced human life and civilization more than religion; no understanding of human affairs, on an individual scale or a global one, can succeed without comprehending it.

This course is a study of the role of myth and ritual in historical terms as well as modern myth and ritual developments. Students explore the influence of pervasive myths and rituals in society as they are infused throughout people and religious thought. Students will examine the continued influences of classical, religious and new myths in American popular culture and society today.

This course is a study of the set of philosophical ideals that emphasizes the existence of the human being, the lack of meaning and purpose in life, and the solitude of human existence. The course will cover the existentialist philosophy and its leading historical proponents.

The local and global significance of religious fundamentalism seems to be growing exponentially in recent times, in terms of both media coverage and political influence. This course explores the historical development (i.e., trigger conditions), contemporary expressions, and potential forecast of fundamentalist movements across religious, socio-political and geographical boundaries.

This course examines religious experience and religious organizations as a part of a larger social order. Course content introduces basic concepts in the sociology of religion and briefly surveys the historical and social landscape of religion.

This course examines the variety of ways in which religion is found in contemporary American experience. Course content focuses on the changes within traditional historical religions as well as new religious groups which have evolved within American society.

This course acquaints students with the content and major themes of the Old Testament and familiarizes them with important contemporary scholarship which helps to illuminate the biblical documents. Course content explores the socio-political and religious forces that shape the thirty nine books of the Old Testament and examines the enduring significance of their diverse messages.

This course provides a detailed exploration of the historical and religious context, literary styles and theological themes of each of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, and offers an overview of current New Testament studies.

This course explores the languages, canonization, organization and translation of the Bible. The genres of narrative, poetry, wisdom, law, prophecy, gospels, parables, letters, and apocalypse are analyzed in order to thoughtfully read the Bible without the aid of other reference works. This course is foundational to further Biblical study.

This course examines the Catholic Church as a modern institution, to include its political and social influences around the world, its primary leaders, its current doctrine, its organization, and the issues it faces for the future.

This course examines black religious movements, including the black church, black Jews, and the nation of Islam. Students will trace the history of black religious movements in America by starting with African-American religion as it was originally practiced in Africa, followed by the religion of the slaves, the beginning of the black church movement, and the de-Christianization of the black church by black Jews and by members of the nation of Islam.

This course is a study of the three primary religions whose origins were in and which are still practiced in the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For each religion, topics include history, culture, beliefs, scriptures and practices. Variations within the religions will be studied in context of their expression in the Middle East. In addition, the relationship of the three in the present day context will be studied, as well the influence of the religions on political and social situations.

This course introduces students to Hindu religious life with the primary focus being on the examination of some key concepts (such as dharma, samsara, atman, maya, moksha, artha, monism, and pantheism), along with an attempt to have a firm grasp of the meaning of religious ideas, symbols, and practices, as related to the participants. Course topics include the disciplines (yogas) of devotion (bhakti), action (karma), knowledge (jnana), ethics, and the major schools of thought.

This course is a study of Buddhism's major historical movements and cultural expressions. Students examine the origin and development of the teachings, rituals and institutions of the Buddhist tradition in South Asia since the beginning of the common era to the present day. Course topics include the life and times of Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”); implantation in East Asian societies of the various forms of Buddhism that developed in South Asia; development of new Buddhist “schools” in East Asia; relationships between Buddhism and the other religious traditions in East Asia; relationships between Buddhism and the State; early Buddhist community; popular Buddhist piety and social movements; development of the three main branches of the Buddhist tradition, and the role of women in Buddhism.

The course examines the life and experience of Muhammad, the Spokesman of Allah, the Prophet of Allah, the Messenger of Allah, and Prophet of Islam. Course content includes the context of his role in a world religion and world politics and addresses the way Muhammad served as the ideal model for Muslim life, particularly in terms of being the Final Messenger, the Last Prophet.

Jesus Christ has impacted the world unlike any other person in history. Profound and multifaceted, Jesus' life and teachings are explored through the careful study of the history, culture, miracles and teachings presented in the four ancient Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This course is an introduction to the Islamic tradition, with a focus on Islamic Law and Religious Ethics. Course content includes the Islamic ideas of obligation, justice, equality, and personal morality, including an examination of the foundations of these ideas in scriptural and legal traditions.

This course explores modern and contemporary Judaism. Students examine how Jewish traditions have adapted (or have not) within the context of modern society and study Jewish ideas and beliefs within the context of historical events and cultural trends.

This course examines religious cults that span specific times and religions. Its focus is on the causes of cult formulation, cult leadership, cult purpose, and cult interactions with the outside world. Course content also explores what is meant by the terms "cult," "new religious movement," and "alternative religion," using historical and contemporary examples to illustrate these ideas.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

This is a capstone course that explores contemporary issues and beliefs in religion and events of particular historical importance to the discipline. Course content includes the integration of a critical analysis of selected sacred scriptures, collection and review of religious adherents' expressions and experiences, and a synthesis of all research into a final written project. This is a capstone course to be taken after all other Religion courses have been satisfactorily completed. Student must have SENIOR standing to register.