Academic Catalogs

Religious Studies

​​​​​Orange Coast College offers an 18-unit certificate in the academic study of religion. All of the courses offered at OCC in Religious Studies are transferable to CSU and UC schools. Students can learn how to approach the study of religion (theory and method) in Religious Studies 100, Introduction to Religious Studies. OCC offers a course in World Religions (RS 110) as well as classes on the history and nature of some major religions.

Department Contact Information

Phillip Simpkin
psimpkin@occ.cccd.edu

Religious Studies Department Website

Credit Courses

RLST A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Religious Studies  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An introduction to the study of religion as an academic discipline with particular emphasis on the nature of religion, the methods used to study religious life, ways of expressing religious experience, and the practice of religion.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A100

RLST A1103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
World Religion  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
An identification of the nature of religious thinking and belief. The variety of patterns developed in both the West and the East are explored with a special emphasis on the relevance to the contemporary intellectual world.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A110

RLST A1153 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Philosophy of Religion  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
An examination of key issues and problems of religion, including the nature and significance of religion and religious experience, arguments for and against the existence of God, the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the relation between science and religion. Enrollment Limitation: PHIL A115; students who complete RLST A115 may not enroll in or receive credit for PHIL A115.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A115

RLST A1353 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Religion, Spirituality and Society  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Examines religious, spiritual, and secular views of the relation of persons and society with emphasis on contemporary issues of personal and social ethics, societal structure, and political responsibility from diverse academic, religious, and spiritual perspectives.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A135

RLST A1503 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Philosophy of the East  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Formerly: Eastern Thought. An introduction to the religions of Asia including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. In addition to historical background and the current status of the religion, the course will focus on the scripture of each religion.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A150

RLST A1513 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Early and Western Religions  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Surveys religion in western history from paleolithic beginnings through development of the western monotheisms: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Major figures and historical periods in the evolution of Western faiths, and impact of these worldviews globally today.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing RLST A151