Requirements and Skill Sets

The Department of Religion concerns the various expressions of religion encountered in human experience. The student may investigate the field of religion in both its functional and theoretical aspects. Courses are designed to give a broad cultural appreciation of the subject in accordance with the principles of a liberal arts education.

A graduate degree in religion is not offered. Religion 106, 191, 192, and 194, however, are often taken in conjunction with other programs.

Undergraduate Concentration Requirement
Major in Religion
Ten courses are required for the major in religion. These courses are to be distributed as follows:

1. Students must take Religion 99 (Theory and Method in Study of Religion).
2. Diversity requirement (four courses): Students should have exposure to at least four different religions traditions. This may be accomplished through classes in which four different traditions are taught, or through four courses, each focused on a different religious tradition, or through some combination thereof. Students are to take four classes within the department to achieve the diversity requirement. The adviser and the chair of the Department of Religion must approve the courses taken to fulfill this requirement.
3. Depth requirement (three courses): Students must choose a subfield in religious studies. This may be one religious tradition, the traditions of a geographical region, or a religious textual tradition. Students must demonstrate that they have taken at least three classes in that specialty. One of the three courses must be in the doctrinal (theological and philosophical) aspects of religion. In their chosen areas of specialization, students must take two above-100 level courses. These may include an independent study, or a senior thesis. The departmental adviser and the chair must approve the student's area of specialization. No course may count for both the diversity and depth requirements.
4. In addition to the above eight courses, two additional courses listed or cross-listed in religion, regardless of subject area, are required.

Undergraduate Minor Programs
Minor in Religion
Five courses, distributed as follows, are required.

1. Students must take Religion 99 (Theory and Method in Study of Religion).
2. Students should have exposure to at least three different religions traditions. This may be accomplished through classes in which three different traditions are taught, or through three courses, each focused on a different religious tradition, or through some combination thereof. The adviser and the chair of the Department of Religion must approve the courses taken to fulfill this requirement.
3. One other course numbered above 100. This course may not be counted as one of the three courses of the above requirement.

Skill Sets
The Religion Department has the following goals for its majors:

1. An appreciation of the diversity among and within the world’s religious traditions, both today and throughout history. This appreciation includes an understanding of the genres and modes of religious expression and the social and political contexts of that expression.
2. The ability to analyze rigorously, but empathetically, complex systems of belief and practice, and to formulate questions about those systems.
3. An understanding of the tools of interpretation and methods of research employed by scholars of religion and an ability to use these approaches in conducting an analytical or research project.
4. The ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech. The student will learn to argue persuasively and to see projects through to completion.
5. An understanding of the place the study of religion has in informing discussions about human values and cultural norms.