Religion
In keeping with Georgetown’s tradition and mission, the curriculum of the Religion Department prioritizes the study of Christianity. It does so in an ecumenical context and within the broad scope of religious studies as they are encountered in the past and present. The core curriculum is designed not only to introduce students to content, but also to foster healthy critical thinking and writing skills in religious studies. Students can choose from two Religion major tracks. The Religious Studies track emphasizes critical analysis of a broad scope of religious topics to prepare students for further academic study and a variety of careers, including politics, legal work, social work, and teaching. The Ministry Studies track incorporates practical service learning with classroom experiences to prepare students for vocations in the church or faith-based non-profit ministries. Many Religion majors choose to double-major to enhance their vocational preparation. Outside the traditional classroom, students may have the opportunity to join the Religion honor society (Theta Alpha Kappa), gain experience through supervised internships, lead campus worship, and participate in mission trips. Students who successfully complete the Religious Studies track major will:
- Demonstrate core content knowledge in the fields of biblical studies, Christian theology, cultural-historical studies in religion, and world religions.
- Develop critical analysis skills in religious studies.
Students who successfully complete the Ministry Studies track major will:
- Demonstrate core content knowledge in the fields of biblical studies, Christian theology, and Christian ministry.
- Demonstrate core knowledge in the fields of world religion or of cultural-historical studies in religion.
- Develop critical analysis skills in religious studies.
Through the core courses, the department additionally seeks to introduce students to the varieties of religious expression. Majors and minors in the department have the opportunity to gain experience in ministry through courses and an optional supervised internship.
Religion majors complete written comprehensive exams in multiple subject areas (varying by chosen Track) and a capstone paper under the guidance of a Religion professor in their final semester of coursework. Majors are notified of the details of the exams and capstone paper during their next to last semester. The student and the Office of the Registrar are notified of exam results by the Department Chair.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Associate Professor Derek Hatch
Majors and Minors
- Christian Leadership Minor (CHL)
- Oxford Programs Joint BA/BTh Religion Degree
- Religion Major (REL)
- Religion Minor (REL)
Classes
REL102 : Beginning Greek II
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL117 : Introduction to Biblical Studies
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
REL203 : Greek New Testament
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
REL101 and 102.
Semester Offered
REL204 : Greek New Testament II
Credit Hour(s)
3Prerequisites
REL203.
Semester Offered
REL211 : Introduction to Christian Ministry
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL213 : Missional Community
An examination of the biblical, historical, and theological basis for missional communities. This course will introduce students to missional strategies in the twenty-first century. Students will engage in practical projects and assignments that will help develop best practices in developing missional communities.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL215 : Biblical Storytelling
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL219 : Youth and Family Ministries
A biblical, historical, and theological study of youth and family ministries. Particular attention will be given to ministering to young people and families in the twenty-first century. Students will engage in practical projects and assignments that will help develop best practices and methods for ministry.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL231 : New Testament I
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL233 : New Testament II
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL235 : Old Testament Law and History
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL237 : Old Testament Prophecy and Poetry
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL243 : The Christian Heritage
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL245 : Religion and Popular Culture
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL253 : Religions of the Modern World
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL255 : Religions of the Ancient World
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL257 : Basic Christian Thought
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL279 : Topics in Ministries Studies
Credit Hour(s)
3REL341 : Women in the Christian Tradition
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL345 : Advanced Topics in Cultural/Historical Studies
The study of special areas in cultural/historical studies. Among the topics that this course might include is Christianity in the modern era.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL353 : Advanced Topics in World Religions
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL357 : Advanced Topics in Theological Studies
The study of special areas in Christian theology. Examples might include Trinitarian theology, patristic theology, feminist theology, ecclesiology, liberation theology, or the theology of Jürgen Moltmann.
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL371 : Advanced Topics in New Testament Interpretation
A study of individual books or areas within the New Testament with emphasis on topics of current interest in New Testament studies.
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL373 : Advanced Topics in Old Testament Interpretation
A study of individual books or areas within the Old Testament with emphasis on topics of current interest.
Credit Hour(s)
3Area of Inquiry
Semester Offered
REL375 : Tutorial Topics
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL379 : Advanced Studies in Specialized Areas of Christian Ministry
Students will engage in practical projects and assignments that will help develop best practices for ministry.
Credit Hour(s)
3Semester Offered
REL460 : Internship
Credit Hour(s)
1 - 3Prerequisites
Consent of the supervising instructor.