Religious Studies

Degree Sequence & Program of Study

A major in Religous Studies is recommended both for students interested in religious education and/or church ministry, and for those wishing to augment their academic background in the area to support the liberal arts dimension of their chosen professional career (e.g., law, medical, business).

Students who plan to pursue a degree in Religious Studies must formally apply and be admitted as a major as soon as possible upon completion of 30 semester hours, at least 15 of which must be from the University of the Incarnate Word. To be eligible for admission to the RELS major, a student must have at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA. Without special arrangement, RELS courses taken before 1980 or courses taken at a state institution will not fulfill the 36-hour requirement or a major. Lower division classes are at the 1000 and 2000 levels,, and upper-division classes are at the 3000 and 4000 levels.

 

Degree Sequence

We offer the following degree sequence (four-year degree plan) to assist students and advisors.

Following this sequence increases the likelihood of completing this degree in four years' time. Dropping courses, retaking classes, or registering for less than a full course load will delay graduation, so always consult your academic advisor before deviating from this suggested sequence. Students may enroll in a course only if they have met all prerequisites for that course. Check the UIW Bulletin for details.

 

Major in Religious Studies (33 credit hours)

 

1. 15 credit hours (from the following):
2. 18 credit hours (15 credit hours must be upper-division, including at least one from each of the following areas below)

Biblical Studies (3 credit hours): RELS 1320 Biblical Themes (3) OR RELS 2330 Hebrew Scriptures (3) OR RELS 2350 Gospel and Acts (3)

Theological Studies (3 credit hours): RELS 1310 Introduction to Theology (3) OR RELS 1340 Understanding Catholics (3)

Christianity and Culture (9 credit hours)

    • RELS 1360 Christian Ethics (3)
    • RELS 1355 History of Christianity (3)
    • RELS 3345 World Religions (3)

Biblical Studies

    • RELS 1345 Biblical Themes (3)
    • RELS 2320 Hebrew Scriptures (3)
    • RELS 2350 Gospel and Acts (3)
    • RELS 3310 Pauline Literature (3)

Theological Studies

    • RELS 1310 Introduction to Theology (3)
    • RELS 3300 The Religious Quest (3)
    • RELS 3399 Contemporary Issues (3)
    • RELS 3340 Feminist Theology (3)
    • RELS 3350 Environmental Theology & Ethics (3)
    • RELS 4320 Latino/a Theology and Culture (3)
    • RELS 4360 Theologies of Liberation (3)

Christianity and Culture

    • RELS 1340 Understanding Catholicism (3)
    • RELS 2329 Religious Movements in the U.S. (3)
    • RELS 2330 Religion, Values, and Film (3)
    • RELS 3305 Catholic Social Teachings (3)
    • RELS 3335 God and Human Sexuality (3)
    • RELS 4300 Women and Faith (3)
    • RELS 4310 Women in the Christian Tradition (3)
    • RELS 4330 Death and Belief (3)

Worship and Spirituality

    • RELS 1375 Prayer and Spirituality (3)
    • RELS 2320 Latino/a Spirituality (3)
    • RELS 3320 Christian Symbols & Celebrations (3)
    • RELS 3322 Christianity through Art (3)
    • RELS 3325 Arts for Christian Worship (3)
    • RELS Christian Worship (3)
    • RELS 4362 Lay Leadership of Public Prayer (3)
3. RELS 3349 Field Education (under the direction of UIW RELS Faculty) is recommended. 4. 6 credit hours of Philosophy is recommended.

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