Religion Major
The study of religion is designed to give students insight into the meaning of the
religious dimension of human experience by exposing them to different cultural beliefs
and practices and introducing them to the many methodologies in the comparative
study of religion. Course work in religion introduces students to the various historical
and contemporary expressions of the diverse religious traditions of humankind. The
breadth of courses required by the major and minor are designed to impart upon the
student a basic religious literacy, which is key to understanding an increasingly
diverse world.
Many religion majors pursue graduate work in theology or religious studies. In addition,
the religion major or minor is good preparation for seminary students, providing
them with an academic and cross-cultural approach to religion that is often lacking
in seminary training. It also can be beneficial for those seeking church-related
careers. Students often combine and religion major or minor with a major in another
field that is related to their career choice.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in religion.
Required courses:
| This course examines the beliefs and practices of some of the world's major religious traditions and significant religious movements, focusing predominantly on non-Christian or non-European traditions. The course will be oriented topically (ritual, theology, etc.), geographically (India, the Middle East, etc.), or thematically (religion in the modern world, religious encounters in history, etc.) |
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| Students will complete a major paper, integrating their research, writing, and analytical skills. |
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† indicates a required course
One of
| This class aims to introduce students to the study of scripture as a key aspect of religiosity. It will be cross-cultural in nature and familiarize students with a variety of religious texts from several religious traditions. The study of textual religious expression will come from reading both primary sources and theoretical works on the study of scripture. |
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| A study of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament and related literature, including its historical and social context. |
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| A study of the variety of religious literature produced over the last 4000 years that has shaped Hindu thought. Central to the aim of the course is engagement with a variety of types of scripture, including poetic praise of the divine, ritual manuals, epic narrative, and contemporary devotional songs. |
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One of
| An examination of the major religious tradition of India, through its historical development from the oldest culture extent on the subcontinent to the modern world. Students will engage a variety of materials, texts, archaeology, images, and anthropological descriptions, in order to gain a broad understanding of the tradition. |
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| A study of the development of Buddhism, including its teaching, practice and influence as one of the great missionary religions. |
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| This course will introduce students to the historical origins and development of Islam. |
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One of
| An examination of the history of Christianity and the development of Christian thought through the reading and discussion of primary works in Christian theology and philosophy. |
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| A survey of the development of Judaism and its contemporary teachings and practices. |
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Four additional courses in religion, of which at least one must be in 300-level.
Total: 10 courses (30 credits).
Note: To be credited for majors or minors in philosophy, cross-listed
courses must be designated as religion courses at registration