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Religious Studies Major

The Religious Studies major introduces students to major religious traditions of the world and equips them to use methods from the humanities and social sciences to understand religious texts, art, doctrines, practices, ethics, institutions, and cultures.

Coursework in the major develops key liberal arts competencies, including critical, analytical, and comparative thinking skills, intercultural awareness, an ability to view things from multiple perspectives, and effective written and verbal communication.

Major requirements

The Religious Studies major requires 40 course hours, as follows:

  • REL 110 Religion in a Global Context (4 Hours)
  • Texts and Traditions (8 Hours): Majors are required to take one course in each track
    • Track A: Choose one
      REL 201 – Buddhist Traditions
      REL 202 – Hindu Traditions
      REL 203 – Islamic Traditions
    • Track B: Choose one
      REL 204 – Christian Traditions
      REL 205 – Jewish Traditions
      REL 211 - Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
      REL 212 - New Testament
  • REL 292 Approaches to the Study of Religion (4 Hours)
  • 20 Elective Hours (including at least one 400-level topics seminar and no more than one additional 200-level course)
  • REL 492 Senior Seminar (4 Hours)

Please Note:  These requirements go into effect at the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year.  Students who entered Elon prior to 2010-2011 have the option of following these requirements OR those articulated in the catalog from their year of entry.  Please contact your adviser or the department chair if you have any questions.