The combination major in religion and philosophy requires nine courses, including Old Testament and either New Testament or The Gospels and Jesus, either twentieth century theology or classical Christian thinkers, one of three different courses in non-western religious systems, plus Ethics, Ancient Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, and at least one other course in religion and one other course in philosophy. The combination minor requires either ancient or modern philosophy, one course in Bible, one in ethics, one in non-Western religious thought, and one additional course in either religion or philosophy. In Service Learning Students preparing for church careers have many opportunities to gain experience by serving in local and nearby churches as a part-time pastor, youth director, or in adult education. Students anticipating careers in social service or government have opportunities for internships in a variety of areas. A number of students reduce their residential costs by living at the state school for the blind, located four blocks from the campus, and working there a certain number of hours per week.
Similar opportunities are available at the state school for the deaf, about two miles from campus.
The three members of the Department all teach in the Ideas in Perspecive courses as well as offer courses within the Department. Claire Jerry , Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion, came to the College in 1992. She holds a B.A. degree from Butler University, an M.A. from Miami Unversity, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Recently, she has planned the new public speaking course for the rhetoric sequence, co-taught the final course in the Ideas Sequence as well as the two sophomore level courses. In 1997 she was elected to the local school board.