My Fall Courses at Illinois College

For any students of Illinois College who happen upon this website, especially those unsure about what to take next fall, I thought I would post my courses in the Department of Philosophy and Religion.  I will be teaching:

Rel 111: Old Testament / Hebrew Bible - RG:

Registrar's Description: The Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible) records the stories, history, and wisdom of Ancient Israel; this collection of documents is one of the foundations of Western civilization. This course will introduce a variety of reading methodologies to students and use them to examine these texts. Special emphasis will be given to historical analysis: tracing the Bible's development over time and situating it in its Ancient Near Eastern context. We will also consider how these texts have been received and interpreted in modern contexts. (General Education pre-2012 = Religious & Philosophical Issues and Global Issues; Post 2012 BLUEprint = Social, Spriitual & Philosophical Issues, Ethical & Responsible Action, Speaking Extensive, Writing Extensive)
  
Meets: MTHF 10:00-10:50 a.m.

Rel 189: Abrahamic Faiths - GR

Registrar's Description: (Global Issues & Cultural Awareness requirement) (Religious & Philosophical Issues requirement) In the aftermath of 9/11, learning about Islam and its relationship to Judaism and Christianity has become very important. All three religions regard Abraham as a spiritual ancestor, revere the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament, and share an intertwined history. But while they have similarities, they also have significant differences. This course will introduce students to the scripture, interpretation, theology, and practices of Judaism, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam via field trips and experiential learning. (General Education pre-2012 = Global Issues & Cultural Awareness, Religious & Philosophical Issues; Post 2012 BLUEprint = Social, Spiritual & Philosophical Issues, Global Awareness, Writing Extensive, Connected Course which can be -- if all requirements met -- connected to ED 203, EN 173, EN 358)

Meets: TH 12:00-1:40 p.m.

Rel 335: Sexuality in the Bible - HR

Registrar's Description: 
The role and place of women in the cultures of biblical Israel and the New Testament world have been the subject of increasing debate in recent decades. Were women more-or-less chattel or did they have power and influence in the public sphere? What was women’s role in the religious realm? Did women’s situation improve in the Greco-Roman world and in the New Testament? Did Paul support women in ministry or did he try to limit their authority in the church? These topics are significant because how they are answered has important implications for women in traditions that cite biblical models as authoritative or a guide for modern conduct. (General Education pre-2012 = Humanities, Religious & Philosophical Issues; Post 2012 BLUEprint = Connected Course which can be -- if all requirements met -- connected to GW 101)

Meets: MWF 2:40-3:50 p.m.

Have a great summer and see you in the fall!