RELG - Religious Studies Major

Religion explores the meaning of life in every culture and in every historical period. It manifests itself in a variety of forms including oral traditions, scriptures, art, material culture, beliefs, rituals, and institutions. The academic study of religion encompasses many disciplines—e.g., textual study, history, philosophy, and social sciences—and it applies these to the broad range of phenomena found in the world's religious traditions. In addition, it fosters a critical appreciation of the ethical and cultural values of these traditions and, thereby in time, of one's own values.

The major is designed to help the student develop a sophisticated and nuanced appreciation of religion in the human experience. It does this by (a) providing a sound acquaintance with at least two significant religious traditions, (b) investigating one or more topics in depth through at least one departmental seminar, (c) gaining an understanding in the theories, methods, and/or comparative approaches used in Religious Studies, and (d) bringing to fruition in a senior thesis or integrative capstone paper the skills and knowledge acquired in the major.

Students interested in majoring are asked to consult with the department chair as early as possible, in order to clarify the major requirements and to plan carefully for their course of study.