Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the academic study of religions and spiritualities which is housed in the History Department. The goal of the program is to educate students in the scholarly interpretations of religion and to cultivate understanding of and respect for religious diversity (and secular perspectives) cross-culturally and historically. It also encourages students to become reflective and informed individuals who can constructively engage in broader dialogue and debate on the role of religion in local and global communities

The core curriculum of the Religious Studies Minor introduces students to the different disciplinary approaches (historical, social, political, intellectual, philosophical, , literary, and artistic) most useful in the study of religion. REL 201 engages with students through a variety of academic methods employed by scholars that dissect sacred literature for the critical study of belief systems and oral/written traditions. REL 395, World Religions and Spiritualities, explores different religious and spiritual traditions of the past and present world. It provides study of the continuities and changes within cultures and traditions and of the operation of religions in particular social contexts.

Religious Studies provides an excellent background for students pursuing degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and certain sciences, especially nursing; and also professional programs in business, law, and foreign service. At the same time, Religious Studies prepares future teachers, business leaders, scholars, social workers, health care professionals, authors, journalists, and artists to reflectively situate religion or spirituality in their own lives and appreciate the complexities of religious differences in a pluralistic society and world.

The Religious Studies minor is open to ALL students. To earn a minor, students are required to take 18 credits, consisting of 2 core courses and 4 electives. The core courses are REL 201, Introduction to Religious Studies; and REL 395, World Religions and Spirituality (REL 395/HST 395). Of the 12 elective credits, 6 credits must be at or above the 300-level.

Students will receive personal advising when choosing elective courses from different disciplines in order to reflect their individual interests and complete their academic goals. An independent study (REL 495) with Religious Studies affiliate faculty members is also available.

A minor must be completed at the time of the degree and will be so noted on the student’s transcript. A student cannot be readmitted to the University to complete only a minor.

Students with a minor in Religious Studies will be able to:

Acquire an ability to use academic methodologies and critical thinking in the study of religions and spiritualities.
Explore the various human interpretations of the world (e.g., sacred, profane, secular, philosophical, supernatural).
Interpret diverse cultural beliefs, practices, and artifacts in an objective manner, without value judgment.
Examine the roles that society, gender, politics, unrest/conquest, and science play in the construction, development, decline, and preservation of traditions and beliefs.
Improve awareness of the religious issues that influence social practices, politics, and legislative practices across the globe.