RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Why the Academic Study of Religion?
The academic study of religion has deep roots in Western intellectual
history. One cannot adequately grasp the full dynamics of world culture
without attending to the role of religion. In the last hundred years
scholars in the West have paid attention to non-Western religions and to
the category of "religion" itself as a dimension of human experience.
Religious studies courses do not encourage or discourage belief; rather,
they engage in academic study of religion as a crucial element of human
culture. Religious studies employs a variety of methods including
anthropological, sociological, historical, philosophical, phenomeno-logical,
literary, and linguistic approaches. The principal goal of religious
studies is submitting sacred texts and traditions to descriptive,
analytical, critical, and empathetic scrutiny.
In a general sense the academic study of religion will also begin to
remedy the widespread religious illiteracy that contributes to a lack of
understanding of many important problems in our world today. Social
commentators bemoan widespread religious illiteracy, even among those
who call themselves religious. Many do not have a basic understanding of
Western or non-Western religious traditions. Religious studies courses
will help students understand current phenomenon involving religion such
as the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, religious claims to Jerusalem
by Jews, Moslems, and Christians alike, Moslem-Hindu conflicts in India,
the relationship of Native American religions to fishing practices, and
the influence of Confucianism and Taoism in China today.
What Can I Do With a Religious Studies Minor?
In terms of employment potential, a religious studies minor primarily
serves a student in the same way that history or philosophy might. It
increases a student's understanding of persons and cultures. Key liberal
arts skills in close reading, analysis, research, and oral and written
communications are central to religious studies. Some students will use
religious studies to enhance their chances of acceptance in graduate
programs in areas such as anthropology, sociology, social work,
international relations, history, or various area studies. Others may
use the minor as a broadly-based stepping stone for professional
training in theological seminaries or rabbinical schools.
Requirements for the Minor in Religious Studies
A total of 18 credits are required from the following categories:
Religious Traditions-9 credits. Of these credits there must be at least
three in Asian and Pacific Religions and at least three in Western
Religions.
Approaches to Religious Studies and Religion and Culture-9 credits. Of
these credits there must be at least three in the former and at least
three in the latter.
Foreign languages appropriate to the minor are strongly recommended. For
example, Japanese or Chinese is recommended for concentration in Asian
and Pacific tradition, and Greek or Latin for those focusing on Western
traditions.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES MINOR
Academic Minor Requirements
Courses in religious traditions chosen
from the following (at least 3 cr in Asian and Pacific Religious
Traditions and at least 3 cr in Western Religious Traditions) (9 cr):
Asian and Pacific Religious
Traditions
Hist 180 Introduction to East Asian History (3 cr)
Hist 485 Chinese Social and Cultural History (3 cr)
Phil 306 Hindu Thought (3 cr)
Phil 307 Buddhism (3 cr)
Phil 308 Confucianism and Taoism (3 cr)
RelS 204/404 Special Topics related to this category
Western Religious Traditions
Hist 442 The Medieval Church (3 cr)
Hist 447 The Renaissance (3 cr)
Hist 448 The Reformation (3 cr)
Phil 302 Biblical Judaism: Texts and Thought (3 cr)
Phil 303 Early Christianity: Texts and Thought (3 cr)
RelS 204/404 Special Topics related to this category
Courses in approaches to religious studies and
religion and culture chosen from least 3 cr in Religion and Culture (9
cr):
Approaches to Religious Studies
Anth 327 Belief Systems (3 cr)
CORE 116 Core Discovery: The Sacred Journey: Religions
of the World or CORE 166 Core Discovery: The Sacred Journey: Religions
of the World (3-4cr)
Engl 375 The Bible as Literature (3 cr)
Phil 305 Philosophy of Religion (3 cr)
RelS 101 Introduction to Religious Studies (3 cr)
RelS 204/404 Special Topics related to this category
Soc 422 Religion, Culture & Society (3 cr)
Soc 414 Development of Social Theory (3 cr)
Religion and Culture
Anth 329 North American Indians (3 cr)
Anth 422 Plateau Indians (3 cr)
Art 100 World Art and Culture (3 cr)
Art 208 Italian Renaissance Art and Culture (3 cr)
FLEN 211 Classical Mythology (Gods) (2 cr)
FLEN 212 Classical Mythology (Heroes) (2 cr)
FLEN 441 Ancient Greek Civilization (3 cr)
FLEN 442 Civilization of Ancient Rome (3 cr)
Hist 101-102 History of Civilization (6 cr)
Hist 457 History of the Middle East (3 cr)
Phil 240 Belief and Reality (3 cr)
Phil 315 Existentialism (3 cr)
Phil 320 History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (3
cr)
Phil 321 History of Modern Philosophy (3 cr)
RelS 133 Religion and Family (2 cr)
RelS 204/404 Special Topics related to this category
Foreign languages appropriate to the minor are strongly recommended.
For example, Japanese or Chinese is recommended for concentration in
Asian and Pacific traditions, and Greek or Latin for those focusing on
Western traditions.
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