You will also be introduced to the history of the discipline of Religious Studies and to the range of scholarship that has shaped and continues to shape the academic approach to religion. You may choose a major or a minor.
Here are just 10 reasons you should consider a religious studies major.
Throughout history, religious traditions have been a strong motivating force, fueling efforts towards peace and human rights, as well as conflict, violence and oppression. Although some predicted that religion would fade away in the modern era, the situation is quite the opposite. Today in fact it is more vital than ever to understand the many roles religion has played and continues to play both in society and in individual people's lives.
An understanding and appreciation of religious traditions on their own terms, and in their interface with other traditions, is an integral part of the education demanded by the complex, increasingly globalized society we live in. Now more than ever we need people who are aware of their own perspective and how it shapes their perception, who are informed about views other than their own and respectful towards them, and who are able to understand and use different kinds of information.
Because Religious Studies is an inherently multifaceted and multidisciplinary enterprise, it allows students to explore a number of different methods and fields, such as philosophy, anthropology, sociology, history, art, psychology, theology, literature, political science, medicine, women's and gender studies, pop culture—you name it and you can study it.
Religious Studies courses help to develop your critical thinking abilities, your analytical reading and writing skills, and your capacity for interpretation and comparison--abilities which are essential in every field of study.
Because religion is such a fundamental aspect of human experience and society, studying it offers access to a variety of career options. Students who major in Religious Studies often go on to pursue careers in law, education, government, medicine, social work, counseling and journalism, as well as ministry.
Whether it is Zen monks, ancient Christian martyrs, Muslim and Jewish women, Hindu saints or Chinese philosophers, our courses introduce you to people and phenomena from all over the world. Learning about religion provides an opportunity to explore different cultures and develop a more global perspective. Through Maymester programs and study abroad opportunities, students have been able to travel to India, China, Japan, Greece, Turkey and elsewhere.
What is the meaning and purpose of human life, how are faith and reason related, what happens after death, what should guide our ethical choices? Religious Studies will give you the opportunity to ponder some of the possible answers.
Because religion is such a complex issue, studying it gives you a chance to stretch your thinking. It can be exhilarating to see the world from an entirely different perspective--for example, by putting yourself in the shoes of a third-century C.E. orthodox Hindu priest. What does that teach you about yourself?
From Buddhist Meditation to the Psychology of Religion, from Existentialism to Islam, from the New Testament to Money, Power, Greed and Theology, our courses are sure to meet your interests each semester.
All of the Religious Studies faculty are committed to excellence in teaching and are actively pursuing research. Stop by for our office hours, talk to us after class, and get to know what we're working on and what keeps us coming back to the study of religion!