Religious Studies (BA in Religious Studies)
The Religious Studies major provides in-depth study of religious traditions, spiritualities, and experiences within a variety of historical, cultural, and social contexts. Courses expose students to diverse worldviews and interdisciplinary methods. Consultation with a department advisor is expected.
Required Credit Hours: 31
Major Writing Requirement
Students can fulfill the Major Writing Requirement by completing RELG 391 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion with a C- grade or better.
Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RELG 201 | Religions of the World: The Human Religious Experience | 3 |
| RELG 391 | Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (which students may take in their Junior year or Senior year) | 4 |
| Two Courses from Traditions: | 6 | |
Religious literacy is essential for understanding how diverse traditions shape human thought, ethics, politics, and cultural practices. By engaging with at least two major traditions, students gain comparative insight into how different communities construct meaning, authority, and ritual life. These case studies foster critical thinking about global diversity and provide interdisciplinary depth central to the major. | ||
| Introduction to the History of Christianity | ||
| Introduction to Islam | ||
| Introduction to Hinduism | ||
| Buddhism | ||
| One Course from Foundations: | 3 | |
| History and Religion of Ancient Israel | ||
| Christian Origins | ||
| History of Religion in East Asia | ||
| Religion and Ethics | ||
| Religion in the US | ||
| Topics in Religion (African Religions of the Americas ) | ||
| One Course from Historical Perspectives: | 3 | |
| Traditions and Memory in Ancient Israel and Greece | ||
| Topics in Religion (Historical Muhammad ) | ||
| Judaism before the Rabbis | ||
| Eastern Christianity | ||
| Yoga and Tantra | ||
| Tibetan Religion | ||
| Buddhist Philosophy | ||
Other courses may fulfill this requirement. Consult with your major advisor | ||
| One Course from Contemporary World: | 3 | |
In these courses, students pursue a case study of modern religion(s) and think about the role of religion in our world today. These courses share a goal of illuminating the ongoing importance of religion in modern cultural, political, and social spheres. | ||
| Topics in Religion (Post-Holocaust Jewish and Christian Thought ) | ||
| Modern European Jewish History | ||
| Judaism in America | ||
| Modern Jewish and Christian Thought | ||
| Spiritual But Not Religious | ||
| Religion and Sports in the U.S. | ||
| New Religious Movements in America | ||
| Modern Hinduism | ||
| Buddhism and Science | ||
| Electives | 9 | |
Remaining electives at the 300/400 level. These can be any RELG courses at the 300 level listed above or any course at the 300 or 400 level that carries the RELG attribute. | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |