Religion & Philosophy

Bachelor of Arts Degree

College	Arts and Sciences
Degree	Bachelor of Arts
Credits Required	125 semester credits
Coordinator	Darrell Hobson

Overview

The Religion and Philosophy major combines study in philosophy, religion, theology and Bible. The major encourages the student’s integration of these disciplines with the goal of forming a well-balanced, thoughtful Christian world view. Graduates should be well prepared for advanced study in Seminary or graduate school. Graduates who do not choose to pursue advanced study will benefit from a broadening of their understanding as a basis for other career choices.

Graduates of this major will:

Bible

Be aware of the general contents and central themes of the whole of Christian Scriptures.
Be able to apply the rules of biblical interpretation in the study of Scripture.
Be able to better understand and exegete Scripture in applying scriptural teaching to life.

Theology

Be familiar with the main themes of Evangelical Theology.
Be familiar with the distinct emphases of Pentecostal (A/G) theology.
Be able to discuss and understand in depth the issues in Systematic Theology concerning the doctrines of God and Man.

Philosophy

Broaden and refine reasoning skills and intellectual abilities.
Gain a clearer understanding of the major thinkers and developments in the history of philosophical discussion and be able to relate that understanding to the continuing exploration of philosophical issues.
Have a knowledge of the major questions in philosophy and gain experience at employing intellectual abilities in dealing with them.
Be able to write and speak clearly about philosophical problems and their relationship to life.

Religion

Have a broadened understanding of the nature of religion and its expressions in human life.
Be conversant with the major systems in world religions.
Be able to present an evangelical Christian apologetic.

Integration

The student will be encouraged to draw upon all four disciplines in developing an integrated, balance and thoughtful Christian world view.

Note: Students planning to pursue ordination with the Assemblies of God should consult with their respective District Council regarding specific course selection and requirements.

General Education Requirements (52 credits)

Humanities (18 credits)
- ENGL 1013 Expository Writing
- ENGL 1023 MLA Research Writing
- Literature - Select one course from the following:
  - ENGL 2113 British Literature I or
    ENGL 2123 British Literature II
  - ENGL 2213 American Literature I: Pre-Civil War Period or
    ENGL 2223 American Literature II: Civil War to Present
  - ENGL 3413 World Literature I or
    ENGL 3423 World Literature II
- COMM 1212 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
- Fine Arts - Select one course from the following:
  - ARTE 1022 Art Appreciation
  - ARTE 1302 Introduction to Drawing or
    ARTE 1322 Introduction to Painting or
    ARTE 1342 Introduction to Photography
  - DRAM 2012 Introduction to Theatre
  - DRAM / MUSI Performing Arts (see course descriptions for applicability)
  - MUSI 1012 or
    MUSI 1022
- Language Arts - Select five credits from the following:
  - ENGL 2043 Creative Writing
  - ENGL 2313 Structure of English
  - ENGL 2653 Critical Thinking and Writing
  - Any Literature Course
  - Any Biblical or Modern Language Course
  - Any Communication Course except COMM 1212
Science & Mathematics (10 credits)
- Quantitative Reasoning
- SCIE xxxx Science course with Lab (4 credits)
- MATH/SCIE xxxx Math or Science Elective
Social Science (12 credits)
- HIST xxx3 Any Course in History
- PHIL 2753 Introduction to Philosophy
- Choose 2 additional areas:
  - Church History or Political Science
  - Economics (BUSM 2303 or
    BUSM 2353
  - Geography
  - Philosophy (except PHIL 2703)
  - Physical Education
  - PSYC 1013 General Psychology
  - SOCI 1113 Survey of Sociology
Biblical Studies (12 credits)
- BIBL 1103 OT History and Literature
- BIBL 1203 NT History and Literature
- BIBL 2553 Biblical Interpretation
- THEO 1213 Christian Thought

Major Requirements (47 credits)

Biblical Studies Courses (14 credits)

BIBL 2xx3 Old Testament Elective
BIBL 2xx3 New Testament Elective
BIBL xxxx Electives (8 credits)
Must include: 4-6 credits of 3xxx or 4xxx Level Courses

Theological Studies Courses (6 credits)

THEO 2503 Pentecostal Spirituality
THEO 3213 Systematic Theology I

Philosophy Courses (18 credits)

PHIL 2703 Introduction to Logic
PHIL 2763 Ethics
Select two:
- PHIL 3013 History of Philosophy I
- PHIL 3023 History of Philosophy II
- PHIL 3033 History of Philosophy III
- PHIL 3043 History of Philosophy IV
PHIL 3703 Epistemology
PHIL xxx3 Philosophy Elective

Religion Courses (9 credits)

RELG 3503 Introduction to World Religions
RELG 3293 General Apologetics
RELG xxx3 Religion Elective

General Electives (26 credits)

Any college-level courses.

It is recommended that students choose a minor or focus.

Students planning graduate study in philosophy are encouraged to complete a 14 credit focus with additional philosophy courses.

Students planning to attend Seminary are encouraged to supplement their major with a biblical languages minor.

Students planning toward ministry with the Religion and Philosophy major as their terminal academic preparation are encouraged to enroll for additional Bible, as well as completing any credential requirements specified by their respective credentialing association.