The Department of Bible, Religion, and Philosophy’s objectives include: providing all students with courses that encourage the discovery and discussion of central issues of biblical studies, faith, and ethics; relating the Christian faith and message of Scripture to contemporary thought, culture, and life; enhancing the College’s curriculum, in keeping with the institution’s historic commitment to the liberal arts tradition, by offering courses within the wider area of philosophy and religion; exploring the relationships between the study of religion and philosophy and other academic disciplines; developing in students an awareness of other religious traditions; assisting students to develop skills in critical reading and listening, oral and written communication and critical reasoning; and helping students become aware of their own special assets and limitations.
A major in Bible and Religion (Biblical and Theological Studies Track) consists of 30 hours beyond the 100 level. Courses must include three courses in Christian tradition (325 and two courses chosen from 251, 252, 352, or 420); three courses in Bible (one chosen from 200, 204, 205; a 300- or 400-level Old Testament course; and a 300- or 400-level New Testament course); and two courses dealing with Christianity in relation to culture or other religious traditions (354 and another course chosen from 375, 378, and 452).
A major in Bible and Religion (Christian Education Track) consists of 34 hours beyond the 100 level. Courses must include two courses in Christian tradition (325 and another course chosen from 251, 252, 352, or 420); three courses in Bible (one chosen from 200, 204, 205; a 300- or 400-level Old Testament course; and a 300- or 400-level New Testament course); two courses dealing with Christianity in relation to culture or other religious traditions (choose from 354, 375, 378, and 452); and four courses dealing with Christian Education methodology (312, 314, 316, and 412 or J-76).
A major in Philosophy consists of 27 semester hours in philosophy. Courses must include PL 152, 251, and 252.
Minors given in the department are as follows:
Bible and Religion
15 hours beyond basic requirements, to include 325, and at least one more course in Bible.
Christian Education
15 hours beyond basic requirements, to include 325, 312, and 314.
Philosophy
15 hours beyond basic requirements, to include 201, and 251 or 252.
Students wishing to graduate with Honors in Bible and Religion must have a grade-point-average of 3.6 or better in Bible and Religion courses, as well as an overall grade point average of 3.3 or better. Honors students must also earn an “A” in BR 415, which involves research, the preparation of a senior thesis, and a presentation at a meeting of a scholarly society or at an on-campus colloquium. It is expected that the majority of coursework for the major will have been taken at Erskine College. Students should declare their intent to graduate with departmental honors during their junior year.
Students wishing to graduate with Honors in Philosophy must have a grade-point-average of 3.6 or better in Philosophy courses, as well as an overall grade point average of 3.3 or better. Honors students must also earn an “A” in PL 415, which involves research, the preparation of a senior thesis, and a presentation at a meeting of a scholarly society or at an on-campus colloquium. It is expected that the majority of coursework for the major will have been taken at Erskine College. Students should declare their intent to graduate with departmental honors during their junior year.