Monmouth College

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies encompasses two disciplines that share a commitment to pursue the fundamental questions of human existence and to examine the various ways in which the traditions of philosophy and religion have answered these questions.

The philosophy program is designed to encourage students to think creatively and critically, to analyze important texts and issues in the history of philosophy, and to bring challenges and contemporary perspectives to that tradition. The term “philosophy” literally means “love of wisdom,” and courses in philosophy range from considerations of how we should live to the nature of human knowing.

The academic study of religion is an exciting approach to a liberal arts education. It is inherently interdisciplinary—drawing upon the insights of history, sociology, politics, philosophy, and literature, among others. The program is designed to provide opportunities for students to approach religious traditions in a variety of ways—including an exploration of rituals, beliefs, theology, ethics, communal worship, etc. With courses in the study of the Bible and the history of Christian thought, the major gives students a solid grounding in Christian traditions. The program is further designed to expose students to the rich history and variety of the world’s religious traditions.

The following two courses (or other designated courses) in sacred scripture:

RELG 101 Introduction to the Old Testament

RELG 108 Introduction to the New Testament

The following two courses (or other designated courses) in beliefs and practices:

RELG 210 Judaism and Islam

RELG 300 Philosophy and Religions of Asia

Two of the following courses (or other designated courses) in theology/philosophy:

RELG 200 Topics in the History of Christian Thought

RELG 207 Ethics: Philosophical and Religious

RELG 213 Philosophy of Religion

RELG 320 Individualized Study

RELG 450 Senior Project (or an additional elective in religious studies)

Three electives in religious studies.

RELG 200 Topics in the History of Christian Thought

One of the following courses:

RELG 101 Introduction to Old Testament

RELG 108 Introduction to New Testament

One course in cross-cultural materials, such as RELG 300 Philosophy and Religions of Asia.

Two elective courses in religious studies.

The joint minor consists of five elective courses, with at least two courses in each discipline, and at least one course above the 200 level. The set of five courses must be approved by the department chair when the minor is declared. The minor is not available to Philosophy or Religious Studies majors and acts as an alternative to both majors and both minors.

RELG 100. Introduction to World Religions 1 sem hr

This one-credit course offers a brief introduction to the world’s major religious traditions, including the Indian traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, the Chinese religions of Confucianism and Taoism, and the “religions of Abraham” – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Our weekly meetings will be primarily lecture, incorporating some images and video clips as well as time for discussion. The course will also encourage students to reflect on the category of “religion” in general and to consider the complexities of comparing traditions.

RELG 101. Introduction to the Old Testament 3 sem hrs

A study of the text of the Old Testament in its historical and cultural context. The story of Israel is traced from its formation as a people through the rise of the monarchy, exile, and return. The complex web of traditions that shaped Israel’s identity is analyzed, and the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the texts are explored. Prerequisites: None.

RELG 108. Introduction to the New Testament 3 sem hrs

A study of first-century Christian literature in its historical and cultural contexts. The course
will focus on the historical Jesus, Paul’s epistles, and the Jewish framework of early Christian faith and practice in Hellenic-Roman culture. Prerequisites: None.

RELG 150. Religion and Religions 3 sem hrs

What is religion? How do we make sense of religions in all of their diversity and all of their complexity? This course exposes students to an array of theories about religion, including sociological, anthropological, psychological, and phenomenological. It also engages the issues that arise in comparing traditions through a consideration of such issues as ritual, community, and sacred texts. Prerequisites: None.

RELG 200. Topics in the History of Christian Thought 3 sem hrs

Introduction to the history of Christian thought, from the missionary work of Paul to the development of basic church teachings in figures like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, and Julian of Norwich; the Reformation (Luther, Calvin, others) through to developments in the modern period, and the variety of Christian responses to contemporary culture. This course may focus on a particular theme or time period. Students may repeat this course for credit by permission
of department chair. Prerequisites: None.

RELG 207. Ethics: Philosophical and Religious 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as PHIL 207)

This course will examine some of the moral problems we face in our lives and will consider a variety of ways of thinking about how to understand them. Beginning with an overview of some of the main theoretical approaches in ethical thought in the Western philosophical tradition, the class will then consider specific issues, which may include: sexual ethics, violence and peace, economic justice, environmental ethics, business ethics, race, gender, etc. No prerequisites.

RELG 210G. Judaism and Islam 3 sem hrs

A study of the origins, history, rituals, sacred writings, beliefs, practices, and modern developments among Jews and Muslims. Special attention is given to understanding similarities and differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as monotheistic traditions which all trace their roots to Abraham. Prerequisites: None. This course meets the Human Societies general education requirement.

RELG 213. Philosophy of Religion 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as PHIL 213) Can the existence of God be proven? Is religion rational? Do we
have free will? Is there life after death? Can religious experience be verified? This is an introduction to the basic problems and issues that constitute contemporary philosophy of religion. In addition to a basic survey of the field, this course will focus on a particular issue,
such as rationality and religion, religious pluralism, proofs for the existence of God, or the problem of evil. Prerequisites: None.

RELG 220. Women and Religion 3 sem hrs

This course explores the religious lives of women across cultures and religious traditions.
Course readings include: writings by women religious leaders and lay participants as well as essays about women in a variety of religious contexts. Attention is paid to the uniqueness and diversity of women’s experience within religious traditions, including the experience of oppression but also of empowerment. This course meets the cross-cultural requirement of the religious studies major.

RELG 244. Religion and Politics 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as POLS 244) The “secularization” thesis prevailed among the social scientists during the 1950s and 1960s. This thesis assumed that under the influence of industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, religion will become less important in the public and the private spheres. The emergence of highly politicized religious movements have posed a severe challenge to the secularization thesis. In this course, we will explore the relationship between religion and politics by examining contemporary movements such as the Christian Right in the U.S., Hindu fundamentalism in India, and political Islam in the Middle East and South Asia.

RELG 250. Special Topics 1–3 sem hrs

RELG 300. Philosophy and Religions of Asia 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as PHIL 300) An introduction to the origins, histories, thought, practices, and developments of the great religions and philosophies of Asia. The course will study some of the following: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Eastern philosophies will be explored in religious and cultural contexts. This course is intended primarily for students in their junior and senior years. May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.

RELG 310. Environmental Ethics 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as PHIL 310) An examination of ecological problems caused by human activities and possible solutions, starting with a rethinking of the relationship between human beings and nature. From different perspectives, the course will investigate various interrelated issues ranging from ethical to metaphysical, including: Do we have an obligation to natural objects? If there should be an environmental ethic, what kind of ethic should it be? Students will have opportunities to develop and express their own views on these issues. This course is intended primarily for students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years.

RELG 312. Religion in America 3 sem hrs

(Cross-listed as HIST 312) The story of American religious history is an important narrative about our country’s identity. Recent work in the field has focused on what has been left out of the old stories and how we might better account for the experiences of women, of minorities, and of those groups who challenge the dominate theologies and practices. This course covers the colonial period through to contemporary developments, including secularization, New Age movements and the flourishing of the world’s religious traditions within an American context. Students will be exposed to some of the recent work in the field that explores the various ways to tell the story of American religious history. Course topics will vary from year to year. Possible topics include: Christianity in America, African-American religious history, new religious movements and utopian experiments, women in American religious history or the world’s religions in America. This course is intended primarily for students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years. May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor.

RELG 320. Individualized Study 1–3 sem hrs

Directed research and writing in an area of special interest to the student. May be repeated for credit.

RELG 350. Contemporary Issues in Religious Studies 1–3 sem hrs

This course examines a contemporary issue in the study of religion and draws upon recent scholarship in the field.

RELG 450. Senior Project 1–3 sem hrs

A thorough examination of a topic in religion and the composition of an extended essay involving in-depth research and analysis and/or synthesis under the individualized direction of a faculty member, or in a seminar. Open only to senior majors.