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.
Religion Minor
| Requirements |
| REL 260 - Christian Ethics |
| REL 280 - History of Christianity |
| REL 290 - Christian Witness |
| REL 294 - Introduction to Christian Missions |
| REL 295 - Intercultural Communication |
| REL 310 - Christian Spirituality |
| REL 317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies |
| REL 322 - Topics in New Testament Studies |
| REL 328 - Biblical Interpretation and Theology |
| REL 370 - Calvin and Calvinism |
| REL 375 - Topics in Theology |
| REL 382 - Religion in America |
| REL 384 - Topics in the History of Christianity |
| REL 385 - Topics in Religion |
| REL 390 - World Religions |
| REL 392 - Topics in Missiology |
| REL 472 - Senior Seminar in Religion |
| GRE 101 - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture |
| GRE 102 - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture |
| GRE 201 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture |
| GRE 202 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture |
| HEB 101 - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture |
| HEB 102 - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture |
| Total credits required: 24 |
Note:
Take any combination of REL courses (excluding REL110 and REL262) to equal 24 credits. Up to eight credits of GRE and HEB may be taken.
This course will focus on learning the basics of biblical Hebrew (vocabulary and grammar) and the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the Old Testament. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the course work. The Old Testament writings will be studied against the historical and social backgrounds of the ancient Near East.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
A survey of the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the contemporary world. Themes examined will include the separation of Church and Synagogue, Christianity in the Roman Empire, ecumenical councils, missionary expansion of the church in Europe and Asia, monasticism, the church in the High Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, Confessionalism and the Wars of Religion, Puritanism, Pietism, The Enlightenment, Christianity and European Colonialism, Revivalism, Modernism and Evangelicalism, modern missionary expansion, the ecumenical movement, and Christianity as a global religion. (4 credits)
A topical and selective study of major missiological themes, permitting students to read and reflect intensively upon the nature and challenge of Christian mission. Topics will vary from year to year. Sample topics might include Religious Conversion, The Finality of Christ in a Pluralistic World, Interfaith Dialogue, Contextualization, Women in Mission Yesterday and Today.Prerequisite: REL294 or permission of instructor.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
A historical study of a religious group, theological movement or important leader in the history of the Christian church.(2 credits, offered on demand or discretion of department, consult department)
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)
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)
A research seminar in which students will explore contemporary questions and issues in light of the Christian religious and theological tradition. Features the writing and presentation of a major paper, discussions, analysis and critique of research. Prerequisites:REL110, 262 and senior class standing. (4 credits)
This course will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course (a continuation of Greek 101) will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.Prerequisite: GRE101.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course (a continuation of Hebrew 101) will focus on learning the basics of biblical Hebrew (vocabulary and grammar), the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the Old Testament, and the fundamentals of Hebrew exegesis. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the course work. The Old Testament writings will be studied against the historical and social backgrounds of the ancient Near East.Prerequisite: HEB101.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
