Student majoring in history or any of the philosophy or religion majors will receive the B.A. degree. Students majoring in the behavioral sciences have the option of receiving a B.A. or B.S. degree. All students receiving a B.A. degree must complete the modern language requirement.
Christian Studies - B.A.
Philosophy of Religion - B.A.
Religion Minor
Philosophy Minor
The goal of the Department of Religion and Philosophy is to prepare students to succeed in our changing global environment through the study of philosophy or religion. The study of Religion focuses on the connections or “ligaments” that unite human beings to each other and the world. In its many forms—e.g., sacred stories and scriptures, beliefs, rituals, institutions, ethical instructions, and spiritual disciplines—religion seeks to describe the basic nature of these connections and to restore those connections that have been threatened or broken. Religion is fundamental to the way human beings live, and it shapes human history to this day. Without engaging religious life in a systematic, reflective manner, one cannot understand much of our world.
The study of philosophy challenges students to examine their most basic values, beliefs, and practices in light of the issues that human life inevitably raises: What is life about? What is death? Who am I? How should I act? What can guide me through life? As the “love of wisdom,” philosophy is the attempt to understand what is most significant, relevant, and important for one’s life, so that one can act wisely. This pursuit is open and unbounded by nature, so that it can transform every aspect of life. Thus it is an essential part of a liberal arts education.
Students completing the program of study in Religion and Philosophy will:
• identify their basic values as they make decisions about vocation, civic and personal life (valuing)
• demonstrate an ability to think analytically and multiculturally (critical thinking)
• practice the self-critical exchange of ideas through effective communication (communicating)
• evaluate the role of ideas, philosophies of life and religions in the human story in order to interact effectively in multicultural/multireligious contexts (effective social interaction)
• pursue careers and/or further study in fields as diverse as ministry, law, political science, education, business, the arts, communication, or any other field that requires understanding of and cooperation with people.
These preparations are carried out through traditional academic exercises such as lectures, media and guest presentations, large and small group discussions, student-led class segments, team projects, tests, papers, reflective journals as well as through regular and extensive field experience. Persons contemplating church careers or graduate study in seminary or graduate school should consider one of our majors in religion. On the other hand, persons pursuing other careers who want to become effective leaders in their churches, or who want to integrate religion into their work, may want to complete a minor in religion.
Required Support Courses:
Institutional: Bachelor of Arts
Language Proficiency equivalent at 4th semester College level. This requirement can be met by taking four semesters of a language (including Spanish or French, or other options for which provisions can be made) at IWC, transferring credit from an accredited college or university, or testing out of the requirement.
Divisional: All Religion majors must complete the following with a grade of C- or better:
HUMST 499 Senior Seminar
Recommended Divisional Support Courses:
ENG 311 Expository Writing
COMM 147 Introduction to Public Speaking
Recommended Departmental Support Courses
Electives: two courses from the Human Studies Division......................6 hrs.
Majoring in Christian Studies provides students with a broad understanding of the phenomenon of religion with a particular emphasis on Christianity. Courses include studies in the origin, development and shape of modern Christianity, theories of religion and studies in world religion and philosophy.
Requirements for the Christian Studies major:
PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy.................................3 hrs.Total 37 hrs.210 Human Condition............................................3 hrs.
Rel 102 Introduction to Religion...................................3 hrs.
201 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible...........................3 hrs.
202 Introduction to the New Testament..........................3 hrs.
211 Eastern Religion and Philosophy............................3 hrs.
302 Church History.............................................3 hrs.
303 Confronting Evil...........................................3 hrs.
305 History of Christian Thought...............................3 hrs.
306 Philosophy of Religion ....................................3 hrs.
HUMST 499 Senior Seminar.............................................1 hr.
Field Experience......................................................6 hrs.
A Philosophy of Religion major integrates texts, methods, and insights from philosophy and religious studies to explore the various dimensions of religious experience and thought. Students develop the skills required to engage religious traditions with both sympathy and critical suspicion. Some primary emphases are comparative religions, ethics, and historical awareness.
Requirements for the Philosophy of Religion major:
Phil 201 Introduction to Philosophy.................................3 hrs.Total 37 hrs.210 The Human Condition .......................................3 hrs.
211 Thinking about Ethics .....................................3 hrs.
310 Beauty and Mind............................................3 hrs.
Rel 102 Introduction to Religion ..................................3 hrs.
201 Introduction to Hebrew Bible ..............................3 hrs.
202 Introduction to the New Testament .........................3 hrs.
303 World Religions: Confronting Evil..........................3 hrs.
305 History of Christian Thought...............................3 hrs.
306 Philosophy of Religion ....................................3 hrs.
HUMST 499 Senior Seminar..............................................1 hr.
Field Experience......................................................6 hrs.
Introduces students to the study of religion and provides an understanding of Christianity as it compares to other world religions.
Requirements for the Religion minor:
REL 102 Introduction to Religion..........................3 hrs.Total 18 hrs.World religion course.................................3 hrs.
Bible courses or Christian studies courses............6 hrs.
Philosophy of religion courses........................6 hrs.
Covers issues that human beings confront in attempting to live wisely. Courses cover a broad range of topics, including truth, goodness, beauty, language, and religion.
Requirements for Philosophy minor:
Phil 201 Introduction to Philosophy........................3 hrs.Total 18 hrs.210 The Human Condition...............................3 hrs.
211 Thinking about Ethics.............................3 hrs.
301 Beauty and Mind...................................3 hrs.
306 Philosophy of Religion............................3 hrs.
REL 211 Eastern Religion and Philosophy OR
303 World Religions: Confronting Evil.................3 hrs.
