Religion Minor
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 Judeo-Christian heritage as well as to the diverse
religious traditions of humankind.
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.
Required courses:
REL 140 Encountering World Religions| 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.) Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
| The aim of the class is to familiarize students with the methods and theories which are constitutive of the academic discipline of Religious Studies and to attune them to the historical context of the development of the study of religion as an academic discipline. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
One of:
REL 200 Comparative Scripture| 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. Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
| A study of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament and related literature, including its historical and social context. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 6 (Religion and Philosophy). 3 credits. |
| 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. Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
One of:
REL 252 Hinduism| 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. Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
| An examination of the religious traditions of Buddhism, from its historical development in ancient India to its spread across the entire globe. Students will engage a variety of materials, texts, archaeology, images, and anthropological descriptions, in order to gain a broad understanding of the tradition. Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
| This course will introduce students to the historical origins and development of Islam. Fulfills general education requirement: Intercultural Diversity. 3 credits. |
One of:
REL 250 Christianity| 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. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 6 (Religion and Philosophy). 3 credits. |
| A survey of the development of Judaism and its contemporary teachings and practices. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 6 (Religion and Philosophy). 3 credits. |
One additional course in religion. Total: 6 courses (18 credits).
Note: To be credited for majors or minors in philosophy, cross-listed courses must be designated as religion courses at registration.
Requirements for Religion Minors declared before Fall 2009.