Religious Studies

Professors: T. Foley (Chair, Sabbatical Fall 18), Lustig, Mahony, Ottati, Plank, Snyder, Wills
Associate Professor: Zamir
Assistant Professor: Pang (Sabbatical Fall 18)

Cultural Diversity Requirement

AFR 245, REL 170, 176, 180, 244, 261, 270, 271, 272, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 288, 346, 370, 371, 375, 376, 378, 382, 470, and 474 are options for satisfying the cultural diversity requirement.

Major Requirements (A.B. Degree)

Ten courses in Religious Studies (the Humanities 150-251 sequence counts as one course). Courses must include at least five courses at the 300- or 400-level, 301, two seminars, 401, one course in a non-Christian tradition, and one course from each of the following groups:

Biblical studies, broadly defined: REL 125, 130, 175, 222, 223, 224, 230, 231, 232, 233, 266, 320, 321, 333, 357, 363, 420, 428, 430, 438, 439, 452.
Various religions in the world, history of religions, religion and culture: REL 110, 140, 162, 170, 175, 176, 180, 242, 260, 261, 262, 266, 270, 271, 272, 275, 276, 277, 280, 282, 283, 288, 340, 341, 347, 360, 365, 366, 370, 371, 375, 378, 382, 383, 460, 467, 475, 479, 480, 482.
Topics and issues in theology and ethics: REL 141, 142, 143, 144, 150, 155, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 250, 252, 256, 257, 258, 276, 284, 343, 344, 345, 346, 348, 350, 352, 353, 354, 355, 358, 376, 413, 419, 433, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 446, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 461, 462, 464, 474.

Minor Requirements

Six courses, at least four of which must be above 199. These courses must include either one 300-level course and a seminar or two seminars. In addition, they must meet the same distribution requirements as applied to the major; that is, one course from each of the three specified categories and one course in a non-Christian tradition.

Honors Requirements

A minimum of 3.2 GPA overall, and 3.5 in the department; completion of senior thesis of honors quality, with oral examination; and the recommendation of the department. For admission into the honors program, consult with the chair of the department. The department does not award high honors.

Rationale for Course Numbering

Courses at the 100-level are designed primarily for first and second year students; registration for these courses is generally closed to juniors and seniors until the Drop/Add period.

Registration for courses at the 200-level is open to all students. Like 100-level courses, 200-levels are introductory in nature, but focus on specific topics or themes.

Courses at the 300-level are also open to all students regardless of background. They may include more specialized reading material, involve more student research, and require somewhat more writing than courses at the 100- and 200-levels.

Courses numbered in the 400’s are seminars designed primarily for majors and minors, although others are welcome and encouraged to apply if space allows.