Religion Division

Bachelor of Arts in Religion

The Religion Division features a major which requires core courses fundamental to understanding religious studies as well as choices which enable a degree of specialization. The major prepares students for ministries in religious bodies, service and voluntary organizations, and graduate studies in religion.

Core Requirements: All emphases include the following requirements:

REL 101 The History and Religion of Israel (3)*
REL 102 The History and Religion of Early Christianity (3)*
REL 301 Religion and Culture (3)*

REL 302 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (4)**
REL 330 History of Christianity (4)
REL 346 The Task of Ministry (4)
REL 520 The Christian Faith (4)

Choose one course in Old Testament (4)
Choose one course in New Testament (4)
Choose any two additional religion courses (8)

Recommended: REL 526 Religions of the World

*Three-course sequence satisfies general education requirement.

** Pre-requisite for upper level Religion Courses

A minimum of 41 units must be taken in the Religion Division, including 24 upper-division units. All majors are encouraged to take as much biblical language as possible. GRE 320, Intermediate Greek, and HEB 502, Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, satisfy the general education foreign language requirement.

Freshman-Year Program

As part of the general education program listed in the catalog, religion majors should take REL 101 and REL 102 during their freshman year.

B.A. in Religion – Program Learning Outcomes

Each student earning a B.A. in Religion should be able to:

• interpret biblical texts critically and competently, explaining the meaning of a given text within applicable contexts.
• investigate major and distinctive teachings of the Christian faith, recognizing core beliefs and practices and how these compare with other religions, philosophies, or competing worldviews.
• survey major historical developments in Christianity, especially – but not solely – in the West, discerning internal and external factors that have shaped it in various cultures.
• apply current methods for incorporating the teachings of a faith – especially the Christian faith – into the lives of individuals in a faith community, beginning with oneself.
• communicate coherently in professionally competent written form (following a standard style guide) and in effective oral form on matters of religion, illuminating historical, theological, and pastoral implications for contemporary societies.