3 minute read
SCIENCE
A course designed to equip students to analyze, understand, and evaluate trends in Christian theology from 1914 to the present. The course introduces the themes and methods of modern theological thinking, from Barth and Tillich through liberationist, feminist, Black, womanist, postmodern, Roman Catholic, and evangelical theologies. Focusing on discussion and writing, this course aims to help students think about themselves as theologians and to consider the cultural implications of their theological choices. Prerequisite: RL100, ID102RL, or Permission of Instructor.
RL370* Science and Theology: Friend or Foe? 3 hours
An exploration of the methods and models used to characterize the relationship between science and religion, including Barbour’s fourfold typology, Ayala’s nonoverlapping magisteria, Russell’s creative mutual interaction, and van Huyssteen’s postfoundationalism. The course will focus on a particular problem in current work between theology and science such as evolutionary theory, big bang cosmology, divine action and quantum mechanics, or emergence and complexity theory. Prerequisite: RL100, ID102RL, or Permission of Instructor.
RL375* Biblical Controversies 3 hours
Debate and diversity characterize early interpretations of the Bible, and they can certainly describe today’s biblical interactions as well. This course in Biblical Controversies examines a small set of Biblical texts in depth. Going beyond the questions of who wrote the text and why, we will consider questions about how real people were and are affected by these biblical texts and the controversies in and around them. We will use a variety of critical biblical studies methods and approaches to interpretation, including, but not limited to, historical, literary, rhetorical, contextual, feminist, and postcolonial. We will not seek singular meanings of the text, but will rather learn to appreciate the debates and diversity. An exegetical course, it will instruct students in the tools and arts of biblical exegetical research. It is a 3-credit hour, upper-level Biblical exegesis course. Prior completion of RL200 or RL210 is strongly encouraged.
RL380* Political Theology 3 hours
An examination of 20th and 21st century theologians who have looked intimately at the relationship between ethics, politics, and theology. The course will include the work of Gustavo Gutierrez, Johann Metz, Reinhold Niebuhr, Simone Weil, and Stanley Hauerwas. Prerequisite: RL100, ID102RL, or Permission of Instructor.
Lockyear, McCormick, McDonald, Morris
SC120 Science Seminar I: The Science Major 1 hour
This course provides first-year and newly declared biology and chemistry majors (and students considering majoring in biology or chemistry) an opportunity to learn about the expectations and requirements for the biology and chemistry degrees. Topics covered will include development of a degree plan, information about careers in science, strategies for success, expectations for professional behavior, and co-curricular opportunities. Normally offered every Fall.
SC125 Science Seminar II: Scientific Process and Ethics 1 hour
This course provides Sophomore-level biology and chemistry majors an opportunity to further develop their scientific writing skills, knowledge of the process of science, and their understanding of social and ethical issues in science. Students will be introduced to the development of the student portfolio. Prerequisites: Completion of two 100-level or above biology (BI) or chemistry (CH) courses, or permission of instructor. Normally offered every Spring.
SC225 Science for Elementary Teachers 3 hours
This is a course for elementary preservice teachers to develop an understanding of science as a process that is used to examine and interpret natural phenomena by generating and evaluating scientific evidence and explanations. Students will explore a range of topics, and engage in scientific practices and observations relevant to content knowledge and scientific understandings of the world. Prerequisite: ED100 or consent of education department chair.
SC320 Science Seminar III: Oral Communication 2 hours This course provides Junior-level biology and chemistry majors an opportunity to further develop their oral communication skills. Students will prepare and deliver a formal scientific presentation, including preparation of a written abstract for the presentation. Prerequisites: Completion of Science Seminar II, Junior-level standing, or permission of instructor. Normally offered every Spring.
