Reasoned Examination of Faith courses, 2026-27 spring semester

One of the core requirements at Augustana College is for students to select a course that examines religious traditions. This requirement is called Reasoned Examination of Faith (REF).

Below are Reasoned Examination of Faith (REF) courses for 2026-2027 spring semester.

RELG-203 Christian Ethics (4 Credits) (REF) An examination of Christian and other perspectives on ethical decision-making and on issues such as sexual ethics, abortion, war and peace, and the environment.

RELG-205 American Christianities (4 Credits) (REF) An exploration of Christianities in the United States and the ways in which Americans have put a distinctively "American" spin on their churches and faith. Special attention is given to the intersecting realities of race, gender, religion, and the struggle for inclusion and justice from the 1960s until today.

RELG-208 Literature & Theology (4 Credits) (REF) An examination of the "existential" experiences of suffering, sin, doubt, faith, despair, and hope through the careful interpretation of fiction.

RELG-209 Global Christianities (4 Credits) (REF) An exploration of how the world religions of Christianity and Islam have interacted and shaped one another throughout history. The course includes an intro to both religions and a comparison of core theological beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and Prophet Muhammad, comparing the Bible and Qur'an, early Christian-Muslim debates, religious violence (holy war, jihad), and contemporary interfaith dialogues.

RELG-216 Disability & Religion (4 Credits) (REF) Faith is an important part of many people's lives; however, it is often difficult for disabled people to fully participate in their faith communities. We will explore reasons why disabled people might be excluded, as well as ideas that impact the experiences disabled people have in their religious communities. Students will be challenged to consider their own personal faith, as well as the ways in which practices of social justice may help alleviate some of the disparities faced by disabled people.

RELG-217 Religion and Business (4 Credits) (REF) Primarily for students majoring in business administration and interested in the new Business for Humanity program, this course offers the chance to think through the intersection of business and the economy with Christianity and other accounts of "the good life." Through careful examination of texts, writing projects, interviews, and participation in three Business for Humanity dinner and dialogue events, students will be able to articulate how religion informs the way we think about work and develop a personal philosophy that guides their choices in college and career.