Religion
Religion is available as a major on the BA degree and as a minor on the BA, BS and BBA degrees.
Committed to the liberal arts and its diverse disciplinary perspectives, the Religion Department fosters an inquiring, critical, and intersectional approach to the study of religion, enabling students to become informed and engaged interpreters of religious communities, texts, ideas, artifacts, and practices in their cultural and historical contexts. The Department supports the ethical and global aims of the University’s mission in its commitment to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion and aims to equip students to understand different worldviews expressed in and beyond the world’s religions.
Courses in the department approach religious traditions historically, textually, aesthetically, philosophically and comparatively, and consider the role of religion in society, culture and individual life. These courses introduce students to various methods and issues in the study of religion; familiarize them with the beliefs and practices of various religious traditions; develop their critical thinking, reading and writing skills; and encourage them to explore and evaluate their own culturally conditioned self-understandings and ultimate commitments. Students will find the multidimensional study of religion to be fertile ground for developing habits of mind that are excellent foundations for professional life. Those planning for seminary, graduate study in religion or other disciplines, or church-related vocations will be well prepared by department courses and well supported by faculty advisement.
Writing Proficiency
The development of writing proficiency is a vital component of the educational process. Both majors and minors are encouraged to utilize faculty assistance and the resources of the Writing Center to achieve that goal.
Honors College
Religion majors who plan to pursue Departmental Honors must be members of the Honors College and should enroll in RELI 30003 during their junior year, and RELI 40003 during the fall semester of their senior year. Note: RELI 30003 substitutes in the major for the required Senior Seminar, RELI 40603.