Description and objectives

In this program students will become familiar with a diverse range of religious phenomena.  They will be able to compare foundational beliefs among many religious traditions (including the Zulu religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) about such topics as human nature, the origin of the universe, life after death, gender roles, the relation between science and religion, the relation between religion and philosophy, and the grounding of ethics.  The instruction will focus on helping students develop 1) their own approach to religious diversity, 2) their own perspective on religion and spirituality, 3) an ability to interpret scripture, 4) credentials for ministry and/or further scholarship, 5) an awareness and understanding of key 21st century issues surrounding religion, such as the manner of promoting religious tolerance, the role of religion in global ethics, the ability of religion to promote environmental awareness, the compatibility of deep religious differences, the role of religion in local and global politics, the part religion plays in race relations, the role of gender in the world’s religions, and the relation between science and religion.  

Requirements for the Minor in Religious Studies

The minor comprises 18 semester hours of courses beyond the Core Curriculum requirement of 3 semester hours of either “Philosophy and Ethics” or “Comparative Religion.”

1)    The following 12 hours are required for the minor:

REL     203     Comparative Religion or PHI 213 Philosophy and Ethics. One of these two classes satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement.  The other satisfies a requirement for the minor.  In effect both classes must be taken to graduate with the minor.

REL 323     Philosophy of Religion

REL 333     Interpretation of the Bible

REL 343     Science and Religion

2)    Six hours of elective courses chosen from the following:  

REL 353     History of Christianity

REL 383     Special Topics in Religion:  “American Religious History,”

“Chinese Religions,” “Religion and Ethics,”

“Methodology for Inter-religious Dialogue.”

3)    Students must also fulfill 20 hours of service learning engaged in a project centered on a particular religious community.  The service learning can be ministry or research oriented.