RELI

1003 - Christian Beliefs - 3 credit hours
A survey of Christian thought, beliefs, and traditions through the ages. Doctrines concerning the nature of God, the fall of man, sin, Jesus Christ, atonement, and salvation are discussed. The Church of the Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Puritan Age, and the contemporary Church are examined. Key figures in Christian thought from St. Augustine to Mother Teresa are introduced. Course rotation: All semesters.

1013 - Old Testament - 3 credit hours
A survey of the Old Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and literature; designed to lead to an appreciation of its content and application. Course Rotation: All semesters.

1023 - New Testament - 3 credit hours
A survey of the New Testament dealing with its making, meaning, and literature; designed to apply teachings of the New Testament to present times. Course rotation: All semesters.

1203 - World Religions - 3 credit hours
A survey of the varieties of religious beliefs, emphasizing the relationship of the world's great religions to one another and to society. Course rotation: All semesters.

3103 - Introduction to Christian Ministry - 3 credit hours
An introductory study of the nature of the church and its mission. Students will be exposed to the various issues and literature in the field of Christian Ministries with special emphasis on discipleship. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and RELI 1003. Course rotation: All semesters.

3113 - Youth Ministry - 3 credit hours
Consideration of the nature and needs of adolescents from junior high through the college years. Philosophy of youth ministry objectives, organizations, and methods are studied with emphasis on effective ministry to reach and develop youth to their fullest potential. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

3123 - Worship - 3 credit hours
Understanding Christian worship and church music through consideration to its biblical and historical backgrounds and through observation of its current practice. Experience in planning and conducting worship in a variety of settings. Also listed as MUSI 3123. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

3133 - The Gospels - 3 credit hours
A study of the basic teachings of Jesus in the synoptic gospels and the Gospel of John in light of critical studies. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring even years.

3143 - New Testament Letters - 3 credit hours
A historical study of the spread of Christianity into Asia and Europe as seen in the life and writings of the apostles. Prerequisite:  RELI 1003. Course rotation: Fall odd years.

3153 - Age Level Ministries - 3 credit hours
An examination of the periods of childhood through adulthood from the perspective of ministry needs, developmental tasks, and spiritual formation. Attention is given to the principles of moral and spiritual development of children and programs to integrate all persons into the community of faith. Prerequisites:  RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course rotation: Fall.

3163 - Children's Ministry - 3 credit hours
The purpose of this course is to educate and train leaders in various aspects of children's ministry including effective teaching methods, program organization, age-level development, volunteer recruitment and training, service on a church staff, and ministry to families.

3203 - Introduction to Christian Education - 3 credit hours
Study of the historical, Biblical, theoretical, and psychological concepts central to the field of educational ministry. Reference to various applications in children's, youth, and adult ministries will be included. Course rotation: All semesters.

3213 - Pentateuch/Historical Books - 3 credit hours
An analysis of the general content and spiritual teachings of the Torah as well as the historical books from Joshua to Esther. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring even years.

3253 - Poetical Books/Prophets - 3 credit hours
A study of wisdom literature and the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring even years.

3273 - Women in Religion - 3 credit hours
Drawing on the insights of Biblical theology, history, and cross-cultural studies, this course examines the places of women in society and in the church--both as they are and should and could be. Explores the views of female/male roles in the church over the centuries. Critically examines feminist thought and experiences of women with Christianity as well as other religions.

3503 - Introduction to Christian Theology - 3 credit hours
An advanced course in the primary doctrines of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

4103 - Spiritual Formation - 3 credit hours
An examination of the theological and practical dimensions of spiritual life with an emphasis on prayer, solitude and social responsibility. The history of spirituality and great Christian spiritual writers, past and present will be examined. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Spring.

4293 - Contextual Ministry - 3 credit hours
Provides preparation for ministry in a multicultural society. Designed to provide historical, theological, sociological and ethical foundations for ministry in a diverse society; to provide relevant models for ministry; and to assist in developing practical applications and new ministry programs that are relevant and meaningful for multicultural, pluralistic, and diverse cultures. Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course rotation: Spring even years.

4393 - Psychology of Religion - 3 credit hours
Presents psychological, philosophical, and the theoretical factors associated with religious practice. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003. Course rotation: Winter.

4403 - Recreational Ministries - 3 credit hours
Objectives, principles, methods, organizations, and administration of church recreation and camping. Emphasizes the building of a sound recreational program along with the various facets of Christian camping. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: Fall.

4553 - Wesleyan Studies - 3 credit hours
A survey of Methodist theology, history and practice from the time of John Wesley to the present. It integrates theology and practice of ministry by showing the impact and relevance of Wesleyanism for the contemporary church. Prerequisites: RELI 1003 and RELI 3103. Course rotation: Fall of odd years.

4603 - Homiletics - 3 credit hours
A consideration of the essential qualifications of a preacher; the need for preaching; and proper preparation of sermon material, including discovery and arrangement of ideas, and the effective presentation and reception of the message. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in COMM 2103. Course rotation: Varies.

4613 - Creative Ministries - 3 credit hours
Exploration of the contemporary and traditional Christian message through reading, interpreting, and performing sacred texts and spiritual literature. Areas addressed include puppetry, religious drama, mime, production, and presentation. Also listed as COMM 4613. Course rotation: Spring. 

48X1 - Ministry Seminar - 1 credit hour
Special topics courses in various areas of ministry. Prerequisite: RELI 1003. Course rotation: All semesters. 

4933-4943 - Practicum I, II - 3 credit hours
Provides exposure to ministry as a vocation. Students participate in two, 120-clock hour practica under skilled supervision. Corequisite or Prerequisite: Second semester junior standing. Course rotation: All semesters.

4950 - Senior Practicum III - 1-3 credit hours
An additional 120-clock hour practicum experience in the field of church work. Course rotation: All semesters.