Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
The Religious Studies major consists of 12 courses. Students are encouraged to design a program of study that has both breadth and depth. To gain depth in one area of religious studies, majors should choose one of the following areas of concentration: Biblical Studies, Ethics and Society, History of Christianity, Asian Religions or Ministry Studies.
Majors who concentrate in Biblical Studies, Ethics and Society, History of Christianity or Asian Religions should complete within their concentration the following courses: at least one 200-level course; at least two 300-level or 400-level courses; and Religious Studies 490, a research project or thesis in their concentration. To gain breadth, majors normally will take at least two courses in areas outside their concentration. Choose from the following concentrations:
Biblical Studies concentration :Religious Studies 213, 214, 215, 216, 225, 226, 261, 313, 323, 325.
Ethics and Society concentration :Religious Studies 165, 245, 261, 264, 344, 345.
History of Christianity concentration :Religious Studies 280, 284, 285, 289, 385.
Asian Religions concentration :Religious Studies 217, 218, 291, 292, 391, 392, 393.
The Ministry Studies concentration :Students who concentrate in Ministry Studies should take Religious Studies 252; 355; either 470 (Internship) or 490 (Research Project); and they must choose one course from each of the following areas: Bible (225 or226); Ethics and Society (165 or 245); History of Christianity (280, 284, 285 or 289); and World Religions (Religious Studies 105, 291 or 292).
Language Requirement. All Religious Studies majors should take two college-level courses in a second language,either an ancient language (e.g., Greek, Hebrew, Latin or Sanskrit) or a modern language (e.g., French, German, Japanese or Spanish). Religious Studies majors also are encouraged to incorporate study-abroad into their academic program as a junior-year experience or as a summer experience.
Double Majors. Students who have chosen Religious Studies as a second major may petition the Department for a two-course reduction in the major requirements.
Electives.
In addition to courses from within the Department to complete their major in Religious Studies, students may choose to take a maximum of two
courses from these offerings in other Departments: History 311, 312, 315; Philosophy 201, 320; Political Science 328; and Sociology 317.
