Major in Religious Studies

Undergraduate Study

The major in religious studies seeks to provide both breadth and depth. Breadth is provided through the exploration of the world's various religious traditions and through exposure to a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies in the academic study of religion. Depth is achieved through specialized courses in particular religious traditions and particular issues in the study of religions, culminating in research seminars. The objective is to expose the student to various components of the discipline of Religious Studies and by doing so develop skills that are valuable in a number of careers and that provide the necessary foundation for pursuing graduate studies.

Students are required to take courses in three clusters of religious traditions: 1. Western religions (religions originating in Southwest Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, or in Europe) 2. Asian religions (religions originating in South Asia, Southeast Asia, or East Asia) and 3. Indigenous religions (religions among the indigenous peoples of Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and Siberia). One additional course should focus on religion within North America.

Students pursuing a major in religious studies must complete a minimum of 33 credits, including the following requirements:

The following courses may be used to fulfill the requirements in the areas of Western, Asian, Indigenous, and North American Religions. Note that some courses cannot be used to meet these requirements, but are general electives for the Religious Studies Major.

Western Religious Traditions
Relig 210, Religion in America
Relig 220, Introduction to the Bible
Relig 233, Introduction to Judaism
Relig 242, History of Christianity
Relig 280, Introduction to Catholicism
Relig 321, Old Testament
Relig 322, New Testament
Relig 323, Science and Religion
Relig 334, African American Religious Experience
Relig 338, Latino/a Religious Experience
Relig 354, Islamic Civilization
Relig 367, Christianity in the Roman Empire
Relig 376, The Archaeology of Greek and Roman Religions

Asian Religions
Relig 352, Religious Traditions of India
Relig 353, African Religions

Indigenous Religions
Relig 328, American Indian Religions
Relig 356, African Religions

Religion in North America (while courses may be listed in more than one category, the same course may not be used to meet both requirements).
Relig 210, Religion in America
Relig 328, American Indian Religions
Relig 334, African American Religious Experience
Relig 338, Latino/a Religious Experience

The program offers a minor which may be earned by completing a total of 15 credits in religious studies including course work in three of the four areas that have been previously described. Nine hours must be in courses at the 300 level or above (no more than 3 hours of seminar and no more than 3 hours of independent study).
English proficiency requirement: The department requires a grade of C or better in each of English 104 and 105 (or 105H), and requires one 300 level course in religious studies in which writing is evaluated as acceptable.

Students may choose to do a senior thesis under the supervision of a religious studies faculty adviser. This option may earn 3-6 credits toward the completion of the major.

2007-09 Four Year Plan

Graduate Study
The program offers courses for graduate minor work in religious studies as supporting work for other fields. Religious studies may also be one of the three areas required for the general graduate studies master's degree.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 321, 322, 328, 334, 336, 338, 350, 352, 353, 354, 356, 365, 367, 370, 377, 385, 475.
 
COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTIONS