Religious Studies (BA in Religion)

Core Requirements

1. RELG 201

   Religions of the World: The Human Religious Experience
   3
2. RELG 391

   Theory and Method in the Study of Religion

   As published: “Theory and Method in the Study of Religion (which students may take in their Junior year or Senior year)”
   4

Students who complete an Honors Thesis (RELG 495/RELG 496) in Religious Studies may waive RELG 391.

Two Courses from Traditions:

Religious literacy is essential for understanding how diverse traditions shape human thought, ethics, politics, and cultural practices. By engaging with at least two major traditions, students gain comparative insight into how different communities construct meaning, authority, and ritual life. These case studies foster critical thinking about global diversity and provide interdisciplinary depth central to the major.

1. RELG 210

   Introduction to the History of Christianity
   3
2. RELG 211

   Introduction to the History of Jewish Thought
   3
3. RELG 212

   Introduction to Islam
   3
4. RELG 213

   Introduction to Hinduism
   3
5. RELG 214

   Buddhism
   3

One Course from Foundations:

These courses provide students with a deeper foundation in the study of religion by providing survey courses on geographical regions and/or themes of study. Students gain broad knowledge that will inform their study of religions around the world and across history.

1. RELG 203

   History and Religion of Ancient Israel
   3
2. RELG 204

   Christian Origins
   3
3. RELG 215

   History of Religion in East Asia
   3
4. RELG 221

   Religion and Ethics
   3
5. RELG 222

   Religion in the US
   3
6. RELG 308

   Topics in Religion

   As published: “Topics in Religion (African Religions of the Americas )”
   3-4

One Course from Historical Perspectives:

These courses examine specific historical events, persons, communities, and/or traditions. These courses share the goal of exploring how religious traditions change and develop over time.

1. RELG 303

   Traditions and Memory in Ancient Israel and Greece
   3
2. RELG 308

   Topics in Religion

   As published: “Topics in Religion (Historical Muhammad )”
   3-4
3. RELG 315

   Judaism before the Rabbis
   3
4. RELG 316

   Rabbis and Fathers
   3
5. RELG 350

   Eastern Christianity
   3
6. RELG 364

   Yoga and Tantra
   3
7. RELG 367

   Himalayan Religion
   3
8. RELG 380

   Buddhist Philosophy
   3

Other courses may fulfill this requirement. Consult with your major advisor

One Course from Contemporary World:

In these courses, students pursue a case study of modern religion(s) and think about the role of religion in our world today. These courses share a goal of illuminating the ongoing importance of religion in modern cultural, political, and social spheres.

1. RELG 308

   Topics in Religion

   As published: “Topics in Religion (Post-Holocaust Jewish and Christian Thought )”
   3-4
2. RELG 311

   Modern European Jewish History
   3
3. RELG 326

   Judaism in America
   3
4. RELG 335

   Modern Jewish and Christian Thought
   3
5. RELG 340

   Spiritual But Not Religious
   3
6. RELG 344

   Religion and Sports in the U.S

   As published: “Religion and Sports in the U.S.”
   3
7. RELG 347

   New Religious Movements in America
   3
8. RELG 361

   Modern Hinduism
   3
9. RELG 382

   Buddhism and Science
   3

Other courses may fulfill this requirement. Consult with your major advisor.

Electives:

One elective at any level. This can include any of the above courses, RELG 100, RELG 150, transfer RELG credit, or any course that carries the RELG attribute.

Remaining electives at the 300/400 level. These can be any RELG courses at the 300 level listed above or any course at the 300 or 400 level that carry the RELG attribute.