May 18, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Religion

  
  • RELB 103 - Introduction to the Bible (3)


    This course is a survey of the Bible, combined with approaches to the literature in it.
  
  • RELB 125 - Jesus and Contemporary Society (3)


    This course is an exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with special attention given to their application to personal, social, and religious issues encountered in contemporary society.
  
  • RELB 159 - Directed Study (1)


    Credit of one to three hours is available. Permission of the department chair is required for admission.
    This course provides the student with the opportunity for directed study of a particular problem or area.
  
  • RELB 159(2) - Directed Study in Religion (2)


    Permission of the department chair is required for admission.
  
  • RELB 215 - Women of the Bible (2)


    This course is a study of the women of the Bible in light of their culture and times, with attention to their achievement, character, and relevance for today.
  
  • RELB 225 - Topics in Religion (1)


    Credit of one to three hours is available. Permission of the department chair is required for admission.
    This course provides various topics in the areas of religion and ethics and will be offered as needs and interests arise.
  
  • RELB 379 - Lessons on Living: Biblical Perspectives (3)


    This course focuses on the wisdom books of the Old Testament, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Parables of Jesus.
  
  • RELB 459 - Topics in Religion (1)


    Credit of one to three hours is available. Permission of the department chair is required for admission.
    This course covers various topics in the areas of religion, theology, and ethics and will be offered as needs and interest arise.
  
  • RELB 510 - Identity and Mission in Faith-Based Healthcare (2)


    This course addresses the mission and practices of faith-based healthcare from a biblical perspective.  Topics include the shared identity of patients and healthcare professionals as beloved children of God made in the image of God. Course assignments include a Creation Life Initiative. Readings address the connection between spirituality and healthcare; God and human suffering; and healing beyond a cure. Experienced clinical practitioners provide concrete illustration of appropriate whole person care. Additional appropriate topics may be included. 
  
  • RELB 519 - Old Testament Studies (3)


    This is a survey course of the Old Testament from an historical, theological and literary perspective, with an emphasis on key themes.
  
  • RELB 539 - New Testament Studies (3)


    This is a survey course of the New Testament from an historical, theological and literary perspective, with an emphasis on Christ’s ministry.
  
  • RELB 548 - Biblical Hermeneutics for Spiritual Care (2)


    This course demonstrates the relevance of the Bible to contemporary life through an introduction to select principles of biblical interpretation. Students will learn how to apply those principles to life experiences in general and to the practice of spiritual care.
  
  • RELB 559 - Studies in Daniel and Revelation (2)


    An exploration of the prophetic view of Daniel as it intersects with world history. Also, John the Revelator’s vision of end times as God ends suffering and restores our broken world.
  
  • RELB 579 - Audacity to Trust: Faith and Healing (3)


    This course focuses on the historical and critical study of the wisdom books of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and how that intersects with life today. 
  
  • RELB 659 - Grace and Law: Living Between the Advents (3)


    This course offers a Christian worldview centered upon a convictional faith in Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God, and bracketed by convictional faith in God as Creator and the promise of the 2nd Coming of the Christ. All three core beliefs are essential to give a fullness of meaning and purpose to a Christian worldview. From these beliefs develops an understanding of grace and law: grace as the basis for all three great acts (creation, salvation, and restoration), then law as a second grace – how best to live in this present time.
  
  • RELE 205 - Introduction to Christian Ethics (2)


    This course helps the student lay a foundation in moral decision-making in the fields of personal, moral, and biomedical ethics. Topics and discussions are explored from a biblical perspective.
  
  • RELE 305 - Ethics for Nursing and Allied Health (3)

    Prerequisites: ENGL 102  
    All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
    This course is a survey of ethical issues facing the allied healthcare professional from a Christian perspective. Topics include confidentiality, conflict of interest, autonomy, culturally-appropriate health practice, reproductive issues, end-of life care, and issues in the allocation of healthcare. The student will have the opportunity to draw upon clinical practice.
  
  • RELE 405 - Christian Ethics and Healthcare (3)

    Prerequisites: BIOL 102 , BIOL 102L , BIOL 152 , BIOL 152L , ENGL 102 , RELE 205  
    Prerequisites: BIOL 102  and BIOL 102L  or; BIOL 152  and BIOL 152L ; ENGL 102 ; RELE 205 . All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
    This course is an advanced analysis of ethical issues and options in healthcare, including cloning, euthanasia, and abortion. Topics are selected in part by student priorities. A discussion of the unique role of Christian ethical beliefs in the mission of Florida Hospital will be examined.
  
  • RELE 501 - Christian Ethics in Healthcare (1)


    This course is a survey and analysis of healthcare ethics from a Christian theological perspective. It is organized around the norms, contexts, and authorities in Christian ethics, and is organized around three distinct movements (1) the origins and development of healthcare ethics and the emergence of American Bioethics, (2) the traditions, theories, and moral principles operative in healthcare practice, and (3) enduring bioethics issues. Special attention will be given to health equity in the provision of care and distinctive Seventh-day Adventist’s teachings regarding ethical issues in health care. 
  
  • RELE 502 - Christian Ethics in Healthcare (2)


    This course is a survey and analysis of healthcare ethics from a Christian theological perspective. It is organized around the norms, contexts, and authorities in Christian ethics, and is organized around three distinct movements (1) the origins and development of healthcare ethics and the emergence of American Bioethics, (2) the traditions, theories, and moral principles operative in healthcare practice, and (3) enduring bioethics issues. Special attention will be given to health equity in the provision of care and distinctive Seventh-day Adventist’s teachings regarding ethical issues in health care. 
  
  • RELE 505 - Christian Ethics in Healthcare (3)


    This course will introduce the topic of Ethics in Healthcare and the role that the chaplain contributes to the care of patients and families. It also introduces the basis of Ethics to organizational leadership and change.
  
  • RELE 625 - Bioethics: Human Dignity and Human Flourishing (1)

    Prerequisites: RELE 505  
    This course explores various notions of human dignity and human flourishing as expressed in sacred texts, secular texts, international agreements, and conventions. Philosophical and theological accounts of human dignity and human Flourishing are analyzed. Attention is given to the practical implications for chaplains and health care professionals.
  
  • RELE 655 - Bioethics: Advanced Health Inequalities and Social Justice (1)

    Prerequisites: RELE 505  
    This course explores the prevalence and cause of health and health care disparities and provides an ethical analysis of when and how they morally matter.  Attention will be given to racial and ethnic health disparities, citizenship status, gender disparities, gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender health disparities, disability status and health disparities, and health disparities in rural and urban places.  Attention will also be given to various theories of justice and social justice, including democratic political theory, libertarian and egalitarian views. Some consideration will be given to health care financing.  Lastly, this course explores efforts to reduce health disparities and the major arguments for such activities and concerns.
  
  • RELP 103 - Philosophy of Healthcare (3)


    Philosophy of Healthcare is an introductory, interdisciplinary course which explores the assumptions underlying a career in faith-based healthcare. These assumptions include views on the moral nature of humans, their inherent value, and the ethical issues surrounding illness, suffering, and pain. These topics will be examined through a variety of learning modalities including discussions, readings, journaling, guest speaker presentations, workshops and critical-thinking exercises. ALL Philosophy of Healthcare students are  assigned  an  Academic  Coach  with whom they will meet outside of class time as arranged. ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT AHU MUST TAKE RELP 102/103 IN THEIR FIRST TWO TRIMESTERS AT AHU.

     

  
  • RELP 242 - Issues in Grieving and Loss (2)


    This course is an examination of the grief process from the perspectives of the patient, the family, and the healthcare provider. Students will also explore the meaning of grief and death in various cultures and religions.
  
  • RELP 243 - Issues in Grieving and Loss (3)


    This course is an examination of the grief process from the perspectives of the patient, the family, and the healthcare provider. Students will also explore the meaning of grief and death in various cultures and religions. 
  
  • RELP 245 - Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines (1)


    This course is an exploration and experiential application of the spiritual growth of the student. Models for care of the spiritual life are examined, and the potential for deepening one’s relationship with God is addressed. Topics include meditation, silence, solitude, spiritual gifts, study of scripture, and prayer. (Spring)
  
  • RELP 374 - Spiritual Dimensions of Healthcare (3)

    Prerequisites: ENGL 102 
    All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
    This course explores the interrelationship between spirituality and healthcare delivery. Topics include identification and assessment of spirituality, the relationship between spirituality and the mind and body, spiritual development across the life span, spiritual care giving, spiritual interventions, and diverse religious/spiritual perspectives on wellness and illness. (Spring)
  
  • RELP 475 - Issues in Science and Religion (3)

    Prerequisites: BIOL 102 , ENGL 102  
    BIOL 102  and BIOL 102L  or BIOL 152  and BIOL 152L , ENGL 102  or permission of the department chair. All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
    This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of the issues raised by the interaction between modern science and present-day Christian thought. A brief historical overview of the conflict between science and religion is followed by an assessment of the contemporary state of this dialogue in such areas as cosmology and the origins of the universe, origins of life, the theory of Darwinian evolution, and the design argument.
  
  • RELP 510 - Spirituality, Health, and Wholeness (3)


    This course will examine the scriptural basis for whole person care, using Galatians 5 as a foundation. Exploring the emotional and behavioral components of wholeness as it is integrated with physical health and spiritual well-being. Examination of how Biblical wholeness indicators are expressed in other traditions and how persons from a variety of traditions integrate these characteristics into their lives for making meaning and how these indicators are integrated into understanding of clinical outcomes.
  
  • RELP 512 - Worldview and Healthcare (2)


    This is a seminar course which explores the interrelationship between worldview, spirituality, religion, and healthcare delivery. Emphasis is placed upon real-life experiences and contextual influences of specialty healthcare practice. Topics may include: identification and assessment of spirituality, the relationship worldview and professional ethics, CREATION health, brokenness, spiritual care giving, spiritual self-care, spiritual interventions, meaning, and diverse religious/spiritual perspectives on wellness and illness.
  
  • RELP 543 - Grief and Loss (3)


    This course will study the many models of Grief. The student will learn how to minister to persons in all the stages of life, loss and pain. It will also introduce them to working with specific grief such as the loss of a child, dealing with suicide, working with addictions and the art of healing. 
  
  • RELP 610 - Role Fidelity and the Exercise of Power (1)


    This course places emphasis on the biblical perspective of servant leadership in the use of authority.  Issues pursued include the recognition of boundaries in personal relations within the workplace and balancing role fidelity with personal integrity.
  
  • RELP 612 - Role Fidelity and the Exercise of Power (2)


    This course places emphasis on the biblical perspective of servant leadership in the use of authority.  Issues pursued include the recognition of boundaries in personal relations within the workplace and balancing role fidelity with personal integrity.  Additional topics relevant to the future healthcare practice of the students and consonant with whole person care may be incorporated at the discretion of the instructor(s). 
  
  • RELP 630 - Caring for the Religious Patient in a Pluralistic World (1)


    This course provides an entrée to major religion groups in the United States, with a focus on beliefs and practices that undergird patient preferences throughout the life cycle. Topics covered include understanding of the causes of illness, modes of healing, religious rituals, dietary expectations, preferred modes of communication and decision making, limits of physical contact, gender expectations, responses to life -extending technology, etc. Given the wide diversity of viewpoint and practice within each religion, the exercise of cultural and religious humility is essential.
  
  • RELP 645 - Spiritual Disciplines and Practice (3)


    This course studies the history and practice of spiritual disciplines for spiritual growth, insight, and deepening of relationship with God. By examining the lives of spiritual fathers and mothers, students will have opportunity to practice and reflect on how a variety of practices are used in their personal devotional and religious life.
  
  • RELT 150 - Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs and Practices (1)


    This course conveys the basic commitments, beliefs, and practices of Seventh day Adventists. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
  
  • RELT 368 - World Religions for the Healthcare Professions (3)

    Prerequisites: ENGL 102  
    All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
    This course is a study of the major world religions, including their history and development. The course will also familiarize the student with the major tenets and practices of these religions in the context of the healthcare professions. Available as a Baccalaureate degree course.
  
  • RELT 508 - The Adventist Experience (2)


    Understanding the beliefs and history that make the SDA church and community unique. How we can use our beliefs as we minister in a hurting world.
  
  • RELT 528 - Comparative Christian Religious Traditions (3)


    This course will compare the historical and doctrinal development of diverse Christian religious traditions. Special attention is paid to theological distinctions as well as contrasting beliefs about mortality, family, professional ministry, and interreligious interaction. Students will develop strategies for applying theoretical concepts to effective spiritual care.
  
  • RELT 568 - World Religions for Healthcare Professions (3)


    This course will prepare students to learn and understand the basic beliefs of the religions of the world, survey their beginnings how they have changed over time and their internal diversities across the globe. These will be studied through cultural themes, sacred scripture lenses and bioethics.
  
  • RELT 588 - Ellen G White Writings (2)


    This course will explore Ellen White’s role and ministry. Topics covered will include: inspiration and her writings, her use of theology and understanding of history, her role in SDA doctrine, belief, diet and lifestyle. Also, a discussion about connecting her teachings to our times, beliefs and healthcare.
  
  • RELT 608 - Liturgy in a Healing Context (2)


    The unique role of scripture, music, prayer and liturgy as we minister to those who are suffering. Learning how to minister in diverse settings to people of various religious traditions.
  
  • RELT 618 - Christian Church History (3)


    This course is designed as an introduction to the history of Christianity and the church from its beginnings in the apostolic period to its most recent expressions in the twentieth century. Major movements, leading personalities, theological developments and religious trends will be examined with the aim to better understand the broad spectrum of Christian expressions in both the West and non-West.
  
  • RELT 628 - Contemporary Christian Theologies (3)


    This course will introduce students to theological perspectives from the 20th Century and forward. Including existential theology, fundamentalism, evangelicalism, Vatican 2, liberation theologies, process theology, secular, feminist, womanist, post liberal and post secular theology. The objective is to better understand how we relate to and reflect with persons with differing theological perspectives. 
  
  • RELT 648 - Living from a Pastoral Theology (3)


    This course will require students to reflect theologically on their call to ministry, the meaning of being set apart for pastoral ministry and the theological foundation for the work of the office of the pastor, by examining the various ministries of the pastor and the discipline of theological reflection. The student begins to clarify the integral relationship between one’s theology and the roles and tasks of pastoral ministry.
  
  • RELT 668 - Wrestling with God in Suffering (3)


    This course will examine the relationship between suffering and evil from various theological perspectives. It will also explore God’s redemptive work in the present and God’s creative purpose for the future.