Religion

Religion Programs

Mission Statement:

The Department of Religion at Simpson College facilitates disciplined intellectual inquiry into the religious dimensions of human experience.  Through the academic study of religion, students are encouraged to reflect deeply upon and engage effectively with the world around them through rigorous investigation of questions of ultimate concern.  In keeping with the college's United Methodist heritage, students are empowered to explore issues of personal integrity, moral resonsibility, social justice, and global citizenship by drawing on the diverse resources of Christianity in dialogue with other religious traditions.

A major in religion helps students develop as critical readers, writers, and thinkers, skills important to any of a number of careers. The major is, of course, excellent preparation for seminary or a variety of ministerial careers, including public service, missionary, and youth work. Religion majors also have gone on to careers in law, government, activism, journalism, public relations, sales, and academia.

Professor Everhart at the boardTheological seminaries generally expect applicants to have a broad spectrum of general knowledge, which students may acquire through the Cornerstone program coupled with nearly any major, though at least a few basic courses in religion are recommended. Students interested in ministry are encouraged to use the many resources available to help them explore their career options, including the Religion Department faculty, the Center for Vocation and Integrative Learning, and the Religious Life Community.

Religion Major
Required:

  • Rel 102 Introduction to Christian Thought
  • Rel 111 Introduction to the Old Testament
  • Rel 112 Introduction to the New Testament
  • Rel 120 Introduction to World Religions

Capstone:

  • Rel 385 Senior Seminar in Religion

One course from the following (Bible):

  • Rel 201 Readings in the Tanakh
  • Rel 212 Gospels
  • Rel 217 Paul’s Interpretation of Jesus
  • Rel 260 Feminist Interpretation of the Bible
  • Rel 280 New Testament Greek I
  • Rel 281 New Testament Greek II

One course from the following (Theology):

  • Rel 222 Theologies of the Oppressed
  • Rel 251 Introduction to Christian Ethics
  • Rel 261 Christian Ethics, Wealth, and Property
  • Rel 262 The Body in Christian Ethics
  • Rel 263 Ethics, Religion, and Conflict
  • Rel 301 Major Figures in Christian Ethics
  • Rel 315 Readings in Contemporary Theology
  • Rel 331 Theology and Social Theory

One course from the following (History):

  • Hum 101 Western Traditions I
  • Hum 102 Western Traditions II
  • Rel 221 American Religion
  • Rel 225 Women and Religion in American Culture
  • Rel 226 History of Christianity I
  • Rel 227 History of Christianity II

Religion Electives

  • At least one course in religion at the 300-level in addition to Rel 385 is required. Hum 101, Hum 102, Phil 332 and PoSc 275 may count as electives in religion.

Religion Minor

Students will complete six Religion courses, with at least one course at the 300 level.

 

Last Updated: 11/18/11