WREL 501     World Religions  (3)

This course will provide an introduction to world religions commonly practiced in America today. The purpose will be to learn the basic history, classical texts, and living rituals of each religion. Content will be divided into three sections, one each on Judaism, Islam, and Eastern Religions, with a focus on Buddhism. Students will be expected to do primary reading from each tradition’s sacred texts, as well as supplementary, secondary material. Students will also be expected to attend a service from each tradition, with the addition of a second visit to one of the initial sites. Student evaluation will be based on fulfilling readings assignments, participation in class discussion, and field visit reports.

WREL 502     Missiology  (1)

This course examines all aspects of the mission of the Church, including theology and history of missions, current mission practice and experience.

WREL 503     Missions and Slavery in East Africa  (3)

This course focuses on the role of the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa and the Church Missionary Society in East Africa and the Indian Ocean in the abolition of slavery. These nineteenth century mission societies to Central and East Africa emerged in response to David Livingstone's call to introduce Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization to Africa as a means to combat and replace (and mitigate the effects of) the inhumane trade in African human beings with legitimate commerce.