Science and Religion Degree Courses

A survey of the history of science from antiquity through the twenty-first century and its interaction with Christianity. Emphasis is on key historical movements that continue to shape the modern dialog.

A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating classical Darwinian and contemporary evolutionary models with a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christian theism into question.

A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating modern physics and astronomy to a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christian theism into question.

In-depth focus on intelligent design to enable students to appraise the current debate on this issue. Note(s): Course includes capstone projects and should normally be taken during a CSSR student's last semester in the program.

A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g., causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity and essentialism). Epistemology topics surveyed will include the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics and epistemology with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview.

A study of various issues that arise in the integration of science and Christian theology (e.g. models of integration, the scientific status of creationism) as well as an investigation of selected topics in the philosophy of science relevant to a Christian worldview (e.g. the realist/antirealist debate; the nature, formation, use and confirmation of scientific laws and theories; scientism and the limits of science).

Research skills for use of library, Internet and key reference works. Methods of scholarly and journalistic writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation of data and testimony. Note(s): Must be taken within student's first academic year.

Science and religion background including the basic content of core courses in the program. Note(s): Designed for students who need to make up credits upon being admitted to the degree program.

An introduction to the science of archaeology in the Ancient Near East. Special emphasis is given to the role of specific archaeological explorations that relate to the historicity of the biblical narrative.

A study of the methods and principles used to make distinctions between good and bad reasoning, with special emphasis on the analysis of arguments related to Christian thought.

A survey of some of the most critical ethical issues of the day coming from biomedical research and practice. The course addresses the difficult questions involved in areas such as human reproduction, cloning, abortion, end-of-life issues, organ transplant, genetic engineering, euthanasia and more. 

A survey of environmental issues in light of a Christian worldview. Issues such as ecology, global warming, energy production, proper land utilization, pollution and other topics related to human impact on the environment are covered. 

A survey of the core beliefs of other world religions with an emphasis on the ways in which they use modern science to justify their worldviews. 

An in-depth focus on the current archaeological, anthropological, and biochemical evidence related to the debate on human origins.

A detailed review of the current evidence, models, and mechanisms relating to chemical evolution and the origin of life. 

This course is designed to equip students to gain a proper understanding of the philosophical as well as theological assumptions that underlie core notions such as space, time, motion and force that lie at the heart of physics. In this course, emphasis will be given to the development of modern physics from the works of influential Greek philosophers such as Aristotle which paved the way for the emergence of classical as well as relativistic physics. This course also introduces students to the core issues in quantum theory and the controversies that beset them. Note(s): This course does not assume prior knowledge of philosophy; CSSR 547 and CSSR 631 are recommended, but not required, prerequisites.

This course is designed to introduce students to some of the core issues in cognitive neuroscience which are directly relevant to the mind-body problem. The course deals with questions of philosophy about cognitive neuroscience, such as the physical basis of mental properties/consciousness, split-brain cases and their implications for the ontology of the self/person, neuroimaging techniques and their relations to the first-person and the third-person perspectives. Other topics include: emotions, sensations, perceptions and neuro-computation. Note(s): This course does not assume prior knowledge of philosophy.

This course equips students to gain a proper understanding of the philosophical as well as theological implications of transhumanism and its associated human enhancement technologies. Close attention will be given to defining human nature, to reviewing new proposed technologies, and to assessing the pros and cons of transhumanism from a Christian worldview. Note(s): This course does not assume prior knowledge of philosophy.

This course equips students to gain a proper understanding of the philosophical as well as theological assumptions that underlie the core notions of artificial intelligence. After covering the nature of algorithm, data mining, machine learning and robotic technology, the feasibility of developing conscious machines will be explored. Note(s): This course does not assume prior knowledge of philosophy.

A course addressing the historicity, canonization and authority of the Scriptural traditions in light of modern biblical criticism.

A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions and crucial problems. 

A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions and crucial problems.

A survey of essential Christian beliefs with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions. 

A survey of essential Christian beliefs with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions. 

A course designed to investigate religious beliefs that form the basis of behavior and that promote human flourishing.

An additional course designed to investigate religious beliefs that form the basis of behavior and that promote human flourishing.