2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
    Apr 24, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog archived

Religion major leading to BA degree


A major in religion leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of at least 30 credits from 10 three- or four-credit courses including the following:

  1. Introduction: One course introducing theory and method in the study of religion chosen from REL 100 or 210. This course must normally be taken before the start of the senior year.
  2. Religious Traditions: Two courses introducing trends in the thought, practice, and/or significance of a religious tradition. At least one course must be chosen from each of two of the following religious traditions
    1. Asian Religions: REL 103, 131, 132, 231
    2. Christianity: REL 102, 152, 250
    3. Islam: REL 105, 108, 172, 271, 281, 283
    4. Judaism: REL 101, 106
    5. Secularity: REL 104
  3. Cluster: A group of at least three courses proposed by students in consultation with their departmental adviser before the end of the junior year, cohering in such a way as to define and inform students’ particular interest in a tradition, a topic or a method of studying religion. The cluster must include at least two courses from the Religion Department and may include up to three credits from one three- or four-credit course in other related disciplines or interdisciplinary programs (e.g., anthropology, art history, classics, English, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, women and gender studies).

    Students are encouraged to search the catalog and each term’s list of topical offerings for courses related to their study of religion.
     
  4. Additional work in religion or other related disciplines to add up to 10 courses. A limit of one non-Religion course will count toward the major including those in #3 above.
  5. A minimum of 15 credits must be at the 200 level or above, excluding REL 210, 399, and 493.
  6. Senior capstone: REL 399 or 493 (3-3)
  7. Students seeking to graduate with honors are required to graduate with a minimum of 11 three- or four-credit courses.

 

1. Introduction:


One course introducing theory and method in the study of religion chosen from REL 100 or 210. This course must normally be taken before the start of the senior year.

2. Religious Traditions:


Two courses introducing trends in the thought, practice, and/or significance of a religious tradition. At least one course must be chosen from each of two of the following religious traditions:

3. Cluster:


A group of at least three courses proposed by students in consultation with their departmental adviser before the end of the junior year, cohering in such a way as to define and inform students’ particular interest in a tradition, a topic or a method of studying religion. The cluster must include at least two courses from the Religion Department and may include up to three credits from one three- or four-credit course in other related disciplines or interdisciplinary programs (e.g., anthropology, art history, classics, English, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, women and gender studies).

Students are encouraged to search the catalog and each term’s list of topical offerings for courses related to their study of religion.

4. Additional work in religion or other related disciplines to add up to 10 courses.


A limit of one non-Religion course will count toward the major including those in #3 above.

5. 15 credits of 200-level or above


A minimum of 15 credits must be at the 200 level or above, excluding REL 210, 399, and 493.

7. Students seeking to graduate with honors are required to graduate with a minimum of 11 three- or four-credit courses.