HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
News Release
July 29, 2024
For more information, contact:
Brian Miller | brian.miller@hawks.huntingdon.edu | 334-833-4530
To The Core: Religion Courses Set the Foundation
Montgomery, AL – When first-year students step onto the historic campus of Huntingdon College this fall, part of their shared experience will be their participation in foundational courses in religion. All incoming students (first-time freshmen and transfers) are required to take one religion course within the first two semesters on campus. The Core Curriculum requires satisfactory completion of four Religion classes. “Religion 101: Interpreting the Old Testament” and “Religion 102: Interpreting the New Testament” are both required of all students. In addition, students must take six additional hours within the area of Judeo-Christian Tradition and History.
The 12 hours of coursework support the educational curriculum at Huntingdon in several ways. Most importantly, it helps fulfill the College’s purpose. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Sours, Professor and Chair of Religion, says, “The religion requirements contribute to the mission of the college in training all our students in faith, wisdom, and service. The classes are intellectually, spiritually, ethically, and vocationally formative for all our students, no matter their major.”
The students reflect that impact. Michael Tate, a junior English major from Panama City, Florida, says, “The core religion courses have made me more familiar with history and with the Bible while sparking an interest in actually pursuing a personal relationship with God. In totality, the classes, and other religious life opportunities, have completely changed my life.”
While the Old Testament and New Testament classes cover major events and themes of Scripture, the focus is on interpretation rather than survey. “Interpretation allows for close readings of key texts, rich discussion of critical topics, and the opportunity for students to apply the biblical message to their own lives,” says Sours.
Since the four religion courses are a part of the core curriculum, every student will have significant interaction with the religion department. That, says Sours, is an opportunity and a challenge. “Serving the core means that as a department we are fully integrated into the curriculum of the whole college and not relegated only to students majoring in religion. It’s a challenge to teach every student. This keeps us on our toes.”
The students gain from discussions being interdisciplinary and inclusive of people of diverse backgrounds. Sophomore Isaiah Matthews, a Business Administration major from Huntsville, Alabama, says, “Presenting different perspectives sets students up for a positive impact in becoming aware of different perspectives. Understanding others while holding strong to one’s beliefs is essential.”
Olivia Bailey, senior from Florence, Alabama, agrees, “Our religion courses have not only strengthened my foundational belief system but also allowed me to grow by gaining new knowledge. They have opened up the floor to conversations with people of many different religions and backgrounds.”
Huntingdon College, grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the United Methodist Church, is committed to nurturing growth in faith, wisdom, and service and to graduating individuals prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Founded in 1854, Huntingdon is a coeducational liberal arts college.
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