Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global

Offers a study of the American Revolutionary War, including the causes, personalities, social groups, military aspects, founding documents, and the legacy of America’s formative period, 1754-1791.

Examines the American Civil War, including the causes, personalities, soldiers, social groups, significant battles, and legacy of America’s defining conflict from 1820-1877.

Studies the United States during World War II, including the causes, politicians and personalities, military aspects, home front, and legacy of the war that defined the latter half of the 20th century and established the US as a world leader (1935-1945).

Traces the causation factors leading to the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam conflict from 1945 until 1975. Emphasizes the political, diplomatic, and military strategy of the United States within the historical context of colonial rule over Vietnam, as well as the struggle for Vietnamese nationalism.

Proceeding from the traditional civilizations in the Middle East, this course examines the impact of the industrialized powers, nationalism, industrialization, and religious and cultural change on the lands of the Middle East.

Special topics course offerings are available in Religious Studies. Topics may vary. Additional course details may be obtained from the current semester's class schedule or through the School of Liberal Arts office. Religious Studies topics courses may be taken up to two times for credit, six credit hour hours maximum, but the topics for each course must be different.

Introduces and explores the history, beliefs, practices, and experiences of Islam. Examines Islam starting from its origins discussing the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad, the Quran, and the further development of Muslim beliefs, way of life, and traditions to the present.

Introduces the academic study of religious myths. Examines spiritual and religious perspectives of cultures as sources of myths. Analyzes symbols, themes, and plots, enabling the student to identify common characteristics and patterns in myths originating in various cultures and religions throughout human history.

Examines the African American religious experience and expression in America. Explores the historical, social, political, and economic factors which participated in the design of the African American church, considering African American theology, worship styles, sacred music, and the pivotal model of the African American pastor.

Introduces the origins of Christianity beginning with the figure of Jesus and his portrayal in early Christian writings. Studies the early teachings and their influence on later Christian theological understanding of the nature of Jesus through readings in the New Testament. Also explores the historical development of Christianity from its origins in Palestine beginning 1 B.C.E. through its expansion into the Roman Empire and ending at the schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church in the 1054 C.E.