Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
CCE 1030 |
Western Thought & Worldview
This course is a Christ-centered reflection on the great conversation between the leading minds of Western philosophy. Mindful of Paul’s admonition to avoid captivity to ideas contrary to Christ, and equipped with the tools of logic and worldview analysis, students engage the great ideas of ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary philosophy. Along the way, students are trained to give clear definitions, to state worthwhile theses, and to defend them with cogent arguments. There is a particular emphasis on defending the merits of a biblical understanding of the world (apologetics), living a Christian life (ethics) and the relevance of philosophy (evaluating and applying worldviews) to our many vocations. This class is part of the Common Concordia Core required for all traditional students. | |
| REL 2010 And REL 2020 Or REL 1000 | ||
REL 2030 |
Biblical Theology
This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required. | |
or REL 1100 | Christian Faith | |
| Required Minor Courses | ||
| HIST 2680 |
Rats, Lice & Mice: History of Diseases & Epidemics
This course examines the global history of medicine and disease from antiquity until the 20th century. The overall theme is the biological and cultural impact of disease (especially epidemics) on society. The course focuses upon major historical infectious disease outbreaks e.g. plague, smallpox, AIDS, Ebola and examines the course of the disease, medical/health responses to the disease and the political/economic/cultural/social impacts upon the affected societies. | 3 |
| PHIL 2500 |
Moral Philosophy
This course examines the central ethical systems of philosophy in dialogue with Christian presuppositions and with a Lutheran understanding of Law and Gospel. Participants will study classical and contemporary sources of ethical foundations in the Western tradition. Analytical methods of philosophical inquiry are explained and applied. Case studies provide occasions for fostering in-depth class discussions and application of ethical theories, principles, and tools. | 3 |
| PHIL 3500 |
Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society
This course will study basic concepts concerning in vitro fertilization, genetic testing and therapy, stem cell research, cloning, organ transplantation, end-of-life care, human subject research, and access to health care. Students will examine how contemporary philosophers address bioethical issues. They will be enabled to articulate their perspectives and make informed decisions compatible with the Christian faith. This course is particularly suited for those in medical, biology, pre-seminary, director of church ministries, teaching, and philosophy programs. Note: It is recommended that students take CCE 1030, PHIL 2010, or PHIL 2500 before enrolling. | 3 |
| REL 2870 | 3 | |
| or REL 3150 | Christian Care-Giving for Health Professionals | |
| Minor Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: 1 | 6 | |
PHIL 2400 |
Environmental Ethics
This course is a grounding in the theory and practice of environmental ethics. The course studies both secular and religious principles that impact environmental care, and examines the foundations and consequence of anthropocentric, biocentric, and eco-centric approaches and “deep ecology,” in dialogue with a developed biblical concept of stewardship. The course has no prerequisites and assumes no prior exposure to philosophy. | |
PHIL 3250 |
Christian Apologetics
This course is an introduction to the art of defending the truth claims of the Christian faith. Students learn the biblical warrant for apologetics, the merits of rival methodologies, and study philosophical, scientific, and historical evidences. They are equipped to respond to the skeptical challenges of atheism and the contrary claims of rival religions. | |
PHIL 3700 |
Philosophy of Mind
This course is an in-depth exploration of the character of mind and of the relationship between the mind and the physical world. Students learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of materialist, dualist, and neutral theories, and to see how they arise from and influence foundational worldviews. Pre-requisite: at least one other philosophy class or enrollment in the minor or major in psychology, or permission of instructor. | |
REL 3140 |
Christian Ethics
This course explores the distinct nature of Christian ethics in dialogue with other forms of ethical inquiries. Contemporary Christian responses to timely ethical issues (including medical topics) will also be explored. | |
REL 2980 |
Faith and Culture
This course explores the role of religion in defining our way of life and self-understanding and how culture, in turn, may shape spirituality. Major world views and their influence on the faith experience will be analyzed. Special attention will be given to Christianity in the interrelationship of faith and culture. | |
HIST 2220 |
The City & American Culture
This course examines the history of cities in the United States, their portrayal in American culture, and their effects on society and social policy. Students will study the central role cities have played in American society and culture from the Industrial Revolution to the Progressive Era and into the age of suburban sprawl and post-industrialism. Finally, students practice the methods of cultural history and sociology to examine how Americans have thought about cities and their role in the nation. | |
HIST 2600 |
History of Food
This course will examine the history of food, beginning with the Neolithic revolution that gave rise to the agriculture and animal domestication and ending with the quandaries over diet that plague modern society. The course will highlight food economically, socially and culturally, looking at how different societies have procured sustenance, and how they have attached different meanings to what they consume. | |
HIST 3220 |
Indus America:1865-1920
This course explores the development of the United States from an agrarian to an industrial nation and from a hemispheric to a world power. | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
The two electives may not carry the same prefix.