Religion programs
Northwestern’s religion department is large for a college our size and serves all students through general education courses in biblical studies and Christian theology. Your major courses will help you develop your Christian worldview and further strengthen your foundational knowledge in Scripture, theology and the practice of ministry.
Christian Education and Youth Ministry Major
www.nwciowa.edu/religion
The major in Christian Education and Youth Ministry is designed to give the student optimal learning in Christian ministry. The student will take required courses in both Christian education and youth ministry and then elect courses that best suit her/his interests. The purpose of the major is to equip students for entry-level positions in a local church or para-church organization in either Christian education or youth ministry. The major also prepares students for graduate studies in one or both of these areas. At the end of the program, the student will be equipped to examine different areas of ministry, articulate a basic philosophy of educational or youth ministry, and develop her/his abilities in Christian leadership. To help fulfill this goal, three primary areas of study are required. First, the student will be exposed to the theory and practice of Christian education and youth ministry. Second, the student will be academically and spiritually grounded through a foundation of courses in biblical and theological studies. And, third, the student will be exposed to broader areas that influence ministry through courses in the social sciences. This curriculum is enriched by the Christian liberal arts general education courses offered by Northwestern. The student may also choose to minor in a different area for further enrichment and expertise. The Christian Education and Youth Ministry major afford opportunities for immediate employment, although graduate studies are encouraged for those seeking a career in either Christian education or youth ministry.
| Requirements | | CEY 210 - Foundational Issues in Christian Education | | CEY 212 - Foundational Issues in Youth Ministry | | CEY 401 - Integrated Field Experience I | | CEY 402 - Integrated Field Experience II | | Electives: (10-12 credits) | | CEY 310 - Leadership Development | | CEY 315 - Philosophy of Adolescent Ministry | | CEY 320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies | | CEY 330 - Special Topics in CE/YM | | CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation | | Cognate Requirements | | REL 310 - Christian Spirituality | | REL 328 - Biblical Interpretation and Theology An examination of the past and present methods and proposals for biblical interpretation and biblical theology. The course will analyze and critique various models for hermeneutics and theological interpretation and also assist students in constructing exegetical methods that are biblically based, theologically informed and culturally relevant.Prerequisite: REL110.(4 credits) | | REL 382 - Religion in America Focusing on the Christian tradition, this course will examine the individual, institutions, movements and faith traditions which have shaped and contributed to the American religious experience. To understand both the variety of and unity within the pluralist religious landscape, the course will seek to evaluate the interrelationship between religion and the broader social, cultural and political aspects of the American experience.(4 credits) | | Choose one course: | | PSY 221 - Developmental Psychology: Childhood The study of the physical and mental development of the child from the prenatal period into adolescence. The course includes the study of physical, cognitive, moral, social and personality development of childhood and adolescence.(4 credits) | | PSY 224 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescence Adolescents experience many changes in a few short years as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This course explores the major psychological issues and theories in adolescent development with emphasis on cognitive development, self-concept, peer relationships and sexuality, among others.(4 credits) | | PSY 225 - Developmental Psychology: Adulthood This course explores psychological issues and theories in normal adult development, with emphasis on cognitive, social and personality functioning from young adulthood to old age.(4 credits) | | Electives: (8-10 credits) | | REL 260 - Christian Ethics A biblically based, theologically and historically informed study of both personal and social moral issues from a Christian perspective. (2 credits, offered at the discretion of the department, consult department) | | REL 290 - Christian Witness An examination of Christian witness as verbal proclamation (evangelism), as reasoned response (apologetics), as a distinctive lifestyle and as the practice of social justice. Prerequisite: REL262 (4 credits) | | REL 294 - Introduction to Christian Missions A general overview of the biblical foundations and historical evolution of Christian mission, with special emphasis upon the modern development of mission theory and practice.Prerequisite: REL262(2 credits) | | REL 317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings, the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books.Prerequisites: REL110 and sophomore class standing.(2 credits) | | REL 322 - Topics in New Testament Studies A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature, the Epistolary Literature, the Apocalypse.Prerequisite: REL110 and sophomore class standing.(2 credits) | | REL 370 - Calvin and Calvinism A study of John Calvin's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, as well as a survey of other varieties of Reformed theology, including later Calvinism. Prerequisite: REL262 (4 credits, alternate years, consult department) | | REL 375 - Topics in Theology A study of one or more standard areas of theology, (such as the doctrines of Revelation, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Salvation, the Church, and Last Things) from a classical as well as a contemporary perspective.Prerequisites: REL110 and 262.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) | | REL 385 - Topics in Religion A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests.Prerequisite: REL262 or permission of instructor.(2-4 credits, alternate years, consult department) | | REL 390 - World Religions The major religions of India, East Asia and the Middle East are examined in the light of the Christian faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific culture and religion is required.(4 credits) | | Total credits required: 44-48 |
| Recommended courses | | Students with Youth Ministry interest should take: | | CEY 315 - Philosophy of Adolescent Ministry | | PSY 224 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescence Adolescents experience many changes in a few short years as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This course explores the major psychological issues and theories in adolescent development with emphasis on cognitive development, self-concept, peer relationships and sexuality, among others.(4 credits) | | Students with Christian Education interest should take: | | CEY 320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies | | CEY 380 - Narrative and Spiritual Formation | | Recommended cognates: | | KIN 345 - Outdoor Recreation Knowledge and skill in outdoor recreation activities including backpacking, camping, climbing, hiking and orienteering. Safety rules, survival and compass/ map reading are emphasized. Prerequisite: sophomore class standing. (2 credits; non-yearly, consult department) | | MUS 115 - Music of the Church This course will survey Judeo-Christian music of the Church, from its biblical roots to the present day. Students will be introduced to the development of hymnody, liturgy, music and worship movements and will compare historical models with current worship situations. Recommended for all students entering church-related work, including pre-seminary and Christian education. (3 credits) | | THE 305 - Story and Worship The study of the story of worship as well as story within worship. An application of the principles and practices of dramatic art to worship planning and leadership, and also a study of plays within the context of Christian corporate worship. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department) |
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RaiderBlogs- Clint's CornerClint Hogrefe '97
The senior pastor at Oakdale Evangelical Free Church in Meriden, Iowa, Clint blogs about his church, family and ways he's found to live a life of faithfulness. - Deniable PlausibilityDr. Don Wacome
A philosophy professor, Don blogs about faith, psychology and human nature.
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