FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT
George P. Alcser, M.A.
Madame Cadillac Bldg.,, MC 350
Direct: (313) 927-1351
E-mail: galcser@marygrove.edu

PROGRAMS OFFERED
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Religious Studies (B.A.)
Religious Studies Minor
See also Sacred Music

POTENTIAL CAREERS
Advocate, Chaplain, Church Minister, Community Servant, Consultant, Researcher, Religious Educator, Religious Journalist and Teacher

FACULTY
George P. Alcser, M.A.; Mary Ellen McClanaghan, Ph.D. (Professor Emerita) and Anneliese Sinnott, OP, Ph.D.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Department of Religious Studies offers an undergraduate program that explores the religious dimension in human life and the role of religion in human affairs.

The academic study of religion is integral to a liberal education. It provides you with an opportunity to discover the breadth of religious experience, sharpen your appreciation ofdiversity in human culture, and probe questions of human values.

While we emphasize the Christian context, we encourage you to explore, understand and appreciate the variety of faiths and religious communities.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Majors in art, child development, dance, education, history, music, psychology and
social work find religious studies professionally enhancing. In fact, many students
choose a double major, combining religious studies with another area to achieve their educational goals.

In addition to standard courses, you may wish to benefit from individualized directed study, independent study, field education, service learning, study abroad, and co-op learning. Students with appropriate professional experience may receive limited credit for their prior experiential learning. Cumulative average of 3.0 (B) or better in the major or minor courses is required.

CAREER INFORMATION
Religious studies is an excellent foundation for a career in an education-related field,
or in human services.

A concentration in religious studies is most often required for professional
careers in church ministry, e.g. counseling, youth ministry, social outreach, teaching, and worship.

Your studies will also prepare you for positions of leadership in education, health care, religious journalism, publishing and other community services.

You may wish to pursue graduate studies in pastoral ministry, religious education, religious studies or theology to qualify for positions in higher education, research,
and consulting.

BACHELOR OF ARTS, RELIGIOUS STUDIES MAJOR (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in religious studies requires a minimum of
30 credit hours in religious studies and completion of the following components:

A. General Education Requirements
See general education requirements

B. Required Religious Studies Courses
RS 150 Religion in the World
RS 250 Jesus the Christ
RS 384 Faith and Human Development
RS 496 Senior Research Project

One course from among:
RS 310 Christianity and Atheism
RS 326 Black Theology: Roots and Trends
RS 360 Christian Diversity, Ecumenism, and Inter-Religious Encounter

Choose one course from among:
RS 230 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
RS 240 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures
RS 241 Christian Scriptures: Synoptic Gospels
RS 242 Christian Scriptures: The Writings of Luke
RS 243 Christian Scriptures: Revelation and the Writings of John

Select courses totaling at least 12 credit hours from the following list. At least six credit hours must be at the 300 level or above.
RS 225A Development of Christianity: Beginnings to the Reformation
RS 225B Development of Christianity: Reformation to the Present
RS 226 Black Religion in the Americas
RS 227 Religion in America
RS 230 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
RS 240 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures
RS 241 Christian Scriptures: Synoptic Gospels
RS 242 Christian Scriptures: The Writings of Luke
RS 243 Christian Scriptures: Revelation and the Writings of John
RS 265 Worship in the African-American Tradition
RS 291 Independent Study
RS 310 Christianity and Atheism
RS 326 Black Theology: Roots and Trends
RS 330 Religion and Science at the Frontiers
RS 360 Christian Diversity, Ecumenism, and Inter-Religious Encounter
RS 367 Confessional Politics: Religion and Politics in the 21st Century
RS 380 Religion and Society
RS 381 Problems in Christian Social Ethics
RS 386 Religious Education and Ministry: Field Experience
RS 395 Directed Study
RS 491 Independent Study

C. Minor

D. Electives

RELIGIOUS STUDIES MINOR

The minor in religious studies requires 20 credit hours in religious studies, including:

A. Required Courses:
RS 150 Religion in the World
RS 250 Jesus the Christ

B. One course from among:
RS 310 Christianity and Atheism
RS 326 Black Theology: Roots and Trends
RS 360 Christian Diversity, Ecumenism, and Inter-Religious Encounter

C. One course from among:
RS 230 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
RS 240 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures
RS 241 Christian Scriptures: Synoptic Gospels
RS 242 Christian Scriptures: The Writings of Luke
RS 243 Christian Scriptures: Revelation and the Writings of John

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

RS 150 Religion in the World 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisite: None; Term I, II, Summer.
Exploration of religious practices as pervasive phenomena that have influenced human life and continue to play a significant role in all societies of the world.

RS 225A Development of Christianity: Beginnings to the Reformation 3 hours
Prerequisite: None.
Introductory overview of the history of the Christian church, with emphasis on the
historical continuity and the cultural diversity of the Christian movement. Christianity
from the beginning through the period preceding the Reformation.

RS 225B Development of Christianity: Reformation to the Present 3 hours
Prerequisite: None.
Historical overview of the Christian movement from the upheaval of the Reformation, through the development of various Christian denominations, the worldwide spread of Christianity and the rise of the ecumenical movement, to present-day forms of
Christian identity.

RS 226 Black Religion in the Americas 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisite: None.
Historical overview of Black religious traditions in the modern West, with special attention
to the USA and emphasis on the emergence of Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal
traditions and the development of black forms of expression. Social movements such as the Haitian Revolution, slave revolts and the Civil War, the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, the formation of the Black Muslims, Black Theology, and African struggles
for independence.

RS 227 Religion in America 3 hours
General Education option. Prerequisite: none; Term: annually
A historical study of the development of various religious traditions in the United States, with emphasis on the major traditions of Christianity. Topics include the French, Spanish and English Catholic influence; the Puritans; the religious backgrounds of the founders; smaller churches and sects; the revival movement; the separation of church and state;
civil religion; Pentecostalism; contemporary religious pluralism.

RS 230 Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures 3 hours
Prerequisite: None; Term: alternate years.
Survey of sacred literature commonly called the Old Testament by Christians. Selected readings from the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings introduce students to the cultural and historical background of the texts, as well as to their rich religious meaning.

RS 240 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures 3 hours
Prerequisite: None; Term: alternate years.
Survey of sacred literature commonly called the New Testament by Christians. Analysis
of selected readings with emphasis on literary and theological style. Appreciation of the diversity of sources and traditions, as well as of the cultural and historical influences
on the text.

RS 241 Christian Scriptures: Synoptic Gospels 3 hours
Prerequisite: None.
An introductory study of the general biblical sources and traditions seeking a literary and theological understanding of the texts. An initial study of the present state of the synoptic problem and an exploration of the texts of Matthew and Mark.

RS 242 Christian Scriptures: The Writings of Luke 3 hours
Prerequisite: None.
An introductory study of general biblical sources and traditions seeking a literary and theological understanding of the texts. Study of the Gospel According to Luke and the
Acts of the Apostles. Themes are explored in light of our contemporary situation.

RS 243 Christian Scriptures: Revelation and the Writings of John 3 hours
Prerequisite: None.
An introductory study of general biblical sources and traditions seeking a literary and theological understanding of the texts. Exploration of the five books considered Johannine. Special attention is given to the apocalyptic literature and its symbolism.

RS 250 Jesus the Christ 3 hours
Prerequisite: None; Term: annually.
Theological and historical analysis of the interpretation of Jesus of Nazareth as the
Christ of faith, ranging from his contemporaries to the present.

RS 265 Worship in the African-American Tradition 3 hours
Prerequisite: none.
Study of various art forms and ritual expressions that arise out of the Black diaspora. Historical analysis of slave worship, the emergence of distinctive call-response and
preaching styles, the emphasis on percussion and rhythm, and the continuous effort to relate worship to the world of work, the fight for freedom, and the struggle to survive.

RS 291 Independent Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105, permission of the instructor, by arrangement with department.
Focused study of student-selected topics in consultation with instructor.

RS 310 Christianity and Atheism 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105.
Examination of classical and modern forms of faith and unbelief; attitudes, circumstances and reasons that support Christian faith, agnosticism, or atheism.

RS 326 Black Theology: Roots and Trends 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105; Term: alternate years.
A historical study of the sources and development of Black Theology and religious thought born of the Black – especially African-American – experience. The distinctive features, most original insights, and significant contemporary themes and concerns of Black Theology.

RS 330 Religion and Science at the Frontiers 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105; recommended: 1 science/lab course‚ 1 RS course; Fee: yes
This multi-disciplinary course examines the past and present relationships between religion and the sciences. Topics include: models and paradigms; creation; evolution; consciousness; freedom; purpose; values. You will explore seeming conflicts and contradictions, seek possible resolutions, and discover how both religion and science, though distinctive, may complement one another.

RS 360 Christianity, Ecumenism, and Inter-Religious Encounter 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105; Term: alternate years
Investigation into the origins and distinctive features of various Christian denominations, including the movement toward unity, recent efforts toward cooperation among various church communities, and the new horizon of dialog and mutual learning with other world religions. Writing intensive course.

RS 367 Confessional Politics: Religion and Politics in the 21st Century 3 hours
Prerequisites: Introductory course(s) in social science and religious studies.
The focus is on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as it has changed over the last few decades. A number of international issues, especially in the Middle East, are covered.

RS 375 Native American Spirituality 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105.
Native American spirituality and worldview have survived in spite of the attempts of early missionaries to Christianize Native people. In this course, you will explore how Native people were able to blend Christianity and their Native beliefs into something that represents both belief systems. You will study some of the ceremonies, and ancient creation stories that contributed to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the Americas. You will learn how the Native American concepts of respect for everything in nature, with harmony as the ultimate goal, are expressed in everyday life.

RS 380 Religion and Society 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105; Term: alternate years.
Focus on the theological bases of social ethics, how social ethics is articulated in
sacred writings, and on the moral dimensions of controversial issues and the decision-making process.

RS 381 Problems in Christian Social Ethics 1-6 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105; Term: triennially.
Study of selected issues and problems in the context of Judaeo-Christian ethical convictions. Topics vary. A maximum of six credits may be earned in combination of different modules.

RS 384 Faith and Human Development 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, PSY 205; Term: alternate years.
Investigation of the process of faith development as it integrates with the psychological, moral and cognitive stages of development within each person. Each stage of the life cycle is examined with implications of this developmental process for religious education.
Writing intensive course.

RS 386 Religious Education and Ministry: Field Experience 1-9 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105, by arrangement with the department.
Specialized projects and/or in-service experience in religious education and ministry.

RS 395 Directed Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 108, LS 105, permission of the instructor.
Directed readings on a topic in an area of the student’s choice.

RS 491 Independent Study 1-3 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, by arrangement with the department.
In-depth advanced research on student-selected topics in consultation with instructor.

RS 496 Senior Research Project 3-4 hours
Prerequisites: Religious Studies major; by arrangement with the department; completion
of 21 credit hours in religious studies, including all other major requirements.
Advanced investigation of a significant issue in Religious Studies. Formal presentation of findings to students and faculty. May be done departmentally or interdepartmentally.

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