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 - 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)