Majors & Minors

Religious Studies

Religion has played, and continues to play, a central role in virtually all societies. It is intimately related to such key aspects of communities as the structure of political power, economic organization, class structures, conceptions of gender, marriage, work and war. In short, religion shapes both the institutional order and the thought and behavior of individuals who inhabit it. The study of religion, therefore, is basic to the liberal arts and helps prepare students for a variety of career paths, including journalism, law, business, education and work in philanthropic and religious institutions. The department offers a major and a minor in Religious Studies; it also offers a bridge major, which involves the combination of work in religion with courses in another or other fields. Key to the program are courses on the history, scriptures, thought, practices and institutions of both Western and Asian religious traditions. Attention is also given to the interaction between religion and society and to the comparative study of religions.

Requirements for a major

Religious Studies

Total courses required	Nine
Core courses	REL 130 (or REL 130E), REL 479
Other required courses	One course in biblical literature chosen from the following: REL 141, REL 142, REL 241. One course in Western religious traditions chosen from the following: REL 132, REL 244, REL 250, REL 252. One course in Eastern religious traditions chosen from the following: REL 253, REL 257, REL 258.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Three (inclusive of REL 479)
Senior requirement and capstone experience	The senior requirement consists of the completion of REL 479 with a grade of C or better. Students should consult with their major advisors about the senior seminar before the beginning of the senior year.

Religious Studies bridged to another discipline

Total courses required	Nine
Core courses	REL 479
Other required courses	Five additional courses (two at the 300-400 level) Two courses in the other discipline at the 200-level or above. One course in the other discipline at the 300-400 level.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	Four (inclusive of REL 479)
Senior requirement and capstone experience
Additional information	Students seeking a bridge major must submit a plan by the third year which includes a description of desired courses, a rationale for the bridge demonstrating unity and consistency, and one course designated as the "bridge course." This plan is to be submitted to the major advisor and is to be approved by the department.

Requirements for a minor

Religious Studies

Total courses required	Five
Core courses	One course in Western religious traditions to be chosen from the following: REL 130, REL 132, REL 141, REL 142, REL 241, REL 244, REL 250, REL 252 One course in Eastern religious traditions to be chosen from the following: REL 130, REL 130E, REL 253, REL 257, REL 258.
Other required courses	REL 130 may be counted toward either the Western or Eastern religions requirement but cannot be counted toward both.
Number 300 and 400 level courses	One