RELG - Religious Studies Major

The major is designed to help the student develop a sophisticated and nuanced appreciation of religion in the human experience. Religion explores the meanings within human existence 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.

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