Chairperson:Associate Professor St. Clair
Isaac Swift Professor of Judaic Studies: Cohen
Blumenthal Professor of Judaictudies: Reeves
Professors: Meyer, Tabor
Associate Professors: Gestwicki, Getz, Johnson, Thomas, White
Assistant Professor: Maguire

Religious Studies is the academic inquiry into the fundamental stories, myths, symbols, and practices by which people have made sense of themselves and the worlds in which they live. In addition to courses in Western, Asian, African, and Native American religious traditions, the department offers courses in the interaction of religion and modern culture in such areas as art, literature, language, film, dreams, and issues of race and gender. The department is explicitly committed to the liberal arts tradition with an international and pluralistic perspective.

Most students major or minor in religious studies to gain a broad liberal arts education. With the flexibility of the program and its relationship to other areas of the University, students can meet the specific objectives of Religious Studies while taking a wide range of courses in other departments. Some students relate religious studies to definite vocational plans, often requiring further education in professional and graduate schools.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

A student may satisfy the requirement for the religious studies major leading to the B.A. degree after completing either of the following programs:

(A) Course Program in Religious Studies. This option requires 31 semester hours in religious studies courses, including RELS 2101 (Introduction to Western Religious Thought), 2102 (Introduction to Asian Religions), 2600 (Orientation to the Major), and 3600 (Senior Seminar); five 3000-level or above courses (two in the academic study of a single religious tradition, one from a second tradition, and two in religion and modern culture); and at least two elective courses. Lists of courses appropriate to each of these categories are available in the departmental office.

(B) Interdisciplinary Program in Religious Studies. This option is intended to provide a course of study which will make maximum use of the interdisciplinary aspects inherent in religious studies. After several courses in religious studies, a student may submit, after consultation with his or her adviser, a proposal for a program of study for the junior and senior years. If the proposal is approved by the Department, the student will satisfy the requirement for a major in religious studies by completing the approved program rather than by taking any specified number of religious studies courses. This is not an honors program, and any student may submit a proposal to the Department. A detailed description of this program may be obtained from the office of the Department of Religious Studies.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES MINOR

A minor in religious studies consists of a minimum of 15 hours, with at least two courses at the 3000 level or above.

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