Religious Studies

The academic study of religion is an objective, factual, interdisciplinary study of the texts, symbols, myths, rituals, ideas, and values of the world’s many religious traditions. Students are encouraged to view religion multiculturally as a means of understanding more deeply the spiritual dimensions of human nature, history, and society. Study in this field prepares students for life in a multicultural society and provides practice in such valuable skills as empathetic reading and listening, critical reflection, and descriptive and analytical writing.

Career Opportunities

Most careers require a bachelor’s or advanced degree. Chaplain, Counselor, Government Service, Nonprofit Management, Professional Religious Leader, Religious Broadcaster, Religious Business Manager, Religious Educator, Religious Journalist, Religion Publisher, Social Worker, Teacher

Faculty

Insley, Lyman

Vecchio, Daniel

Transfer

University of California, Riverside: Religious Studies major

Department Website

For all the latest information about Religious Studies at Victor Valley College, visit: https://www.vvc.edu/religious-studies-welcome

For the most up-to-date information on this program and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

Discuss and apply the central theoretical concepts and methods of the discipline of Religious Studies.
Critically analyze religious conceptions and behavior in a variety of historical, social, and cultural contexts.
Discuss works of major religious importance.
Discuss the role of religious understanding in proposed solutions to social problems and the exercise of responsible national and global citizenship.

Religious Studies Courses

RLST 101 Introduction to Religious Studies (3.0 Units)

Introduction to the primary forms of religious experience and expression and to the structure of religious worldviews. Examples from a variety of societies and time periods introduce and illustrate such topics as religious symbols, myths, rituals, and communities, as well as alternative concepts of ultimate reality, cosmogony, theodicy, and soteriology.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 105 Old Testament, Hebrew Bible, Religions of the Ancient Near East (3.0 Units)

Introduction to the literature and religious history of Ancient Israel and related cultures in the Ancient Near East. Study of the sources, contents, interpretation, and religious and historical significance of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Testament.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 106 Introduction to the New Testament and Early Christian Literature (3.0 Units)

Historical introduction to Mediterranean religion and culture in late classical antiquity. Comparative literary, historical, and sociological analysis of the literature of the period, with emphasis on the New Testament and early Christian literature. .

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 109 World Religions (3.0 Units)

Introductory academic study of the history, beliefs, and practices of the world's major and enduring religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

RLST 110 Religions of the Middle East and The West (3.0 Units)

Survey of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religious traditions of the Middle East and West: prehistoric and indigenous religions; ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian religions; Zoroastrianism; Judaism; Christianity; Islam; and new religious movements. .

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 111 Religions of South and East Asia (3.0 Units)

Survey of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of East and South Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. Discussion of modern challenges to traditional religion and the emergence of new religious movements inspired by Asian traditions.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 113 Religion and Society (3.0 Units)

Study of the interaction between social forces and religious belief and practice, with an emphasis on contemporary American social and religious life. Special topics include the social aspects of evangelical religion, the interaction of religion and politics, religious diversity, the relation between religion and gender, and the impact of globalization.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 115 Religion in America (3.0 Units)

Historical study of religion in America. Major topics include Native American Religion, Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, African-American Religions, American sects, metaphysical and occult movements, Asian religions, and religious themes in American public life, politics, and popular culture. .

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 117 Philosophy of Religion (3.0 Units)

Introduction to major topics in the Philosophy of Religion: the existence and nature of God, religious experience and knowledge, and concepts of immortality and human destiny. Special attention is given to conflicts between religion and science, competing claims for religious truth, and the relevance of religion to social ethics. Crosslisted with PHIL 117.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

RLST 207 Introduction to Critical Thinking (3.0 Units)

Study and practice in critical thinking and advanced English composition: analysis, evaluation, and formulation of arguments; critical study of texts; and extended argumentative writing. Application of critical thinking and writing skills to current moral, social, and religious issues. Crosslisted with PHIL 207. .

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H, Minimum grade C

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38

Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU

Career Opportunities

Faculty

Transfer

Department Website

Programs of Study

Program Learning Outcomes

Religious Studies Courses

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