Department of Religious Studies

Nancy M. Martin, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Harran, Martin;
Associate Professors: Bidmead, Luevano, Stearns.

The Department of Religious Studies offers a major designed to address some of the most interesting and compelling issues in human life. Courses in religious studies explore such themes as the meaning of life and death, questions of faith and reason, the problem of evil, global ethics and the beliefs and practices of the religions of the world. The department is committed to the interdisciplinary study of religion. Courses in the religious studies program have an international scope, and they approach religion by addressing the relationship of religion to history, sociology, psychology, economics, science, philosophy, literature and culture.

One of the advantages of the major in religious studies is its flexibility. Students are encouraged to develop a program that meets their own personal and professional goals and to pursue areas of particular interest in a more concentrated way. Students are also encouraged to consider the possibility of a second major in addition to religious studies. Many religious studies majors go on to obtain graduate degrees in religion from universities or theological schools and embark on careers in teaching, research or ministry. Others use the program as preparation for graduate work and successful careers in such fields as medicine, law, government, business and journalism. The department can advise students concerning preparation for graduate work in religion and other fields.

For the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, a minimum of 21 credits must be upper-division. All courses in the major and the minor in religious studies must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Departmental Honors
The faculty of the Department of Religious Studies awards departmental honors to graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic work in religious studies. To be considered for departmental honors, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.500 in the major, complete a senior capstone project of significance and be nominated by a faculty member in the department.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts

Religious Studies, B.A.

Minor

Religious Studies, Minor

Courses

Religious Studies