Religion
Professors Barr (chair), GriffinAssociate Professors Chamberlain, Verman
Assistant Professor Halabi, Stoker
Instructor Kraus
The Bachelor of Arts program in religion is comprehensive and nonsectarian in its approach and shares with other humanities disciplines the goal of understanding ourselves and our world. Since religion is a powerful force in culture, it has been heavily involved in most of the world's history, literature and art, and social institutions. The academic study of religion emphasizes the study of various religious traditions, their history, thought, social context, and moral and ritual expression.
A major in religion requires 14 courses within the department. Each student is assigned a departmental advisor who helps select courses. Students need to complete the sequence REL 205, 206, and 207 early in their program and take REL 493 near the end of their studies. In addition, a religion major requires one course from each of the following six areas: religion and diversity, American religion, biblical studies, ethics or philosophy of religion, eastern religions, and western religions. Four elective courses, drawn from these areas or elsewhere in the department, complete the requirement of 14 courses. At least six courses must be at the 300 level or above.
Religion majors must also complete 28 hours of related courses selected from a wide range of disciplines related to their special interests. Students should consult with their departmental advisor in selecting these. Students will also be required to demonstrate or develop proficiency in a foreign language related to their area of specialization and fulfill a research methods requirement.
The department also provides a dual major (11 courses) and a minor (8 courses). See the department chair for complete details.
Graduates with a degree in religion choose employment in a wide variety of professions, including teaching, social services, counseling, law, ministry, and medicine. Technical training required for these fields usually follows the baccalaureate program, but students are encouraged to choose electives that support their career interests as soon as possible. Career planning information is available for religion majors.
Degree Requirements-Religion
Bachelor of Arts DegreeSee General Education Requirements
| General Education Requirements | 56 |
| Required Course: | |
| Area VI: Any approved Liberal Arts College | |
| Component course | |
| Departmental Requirements | 56 |
| Fourteen courses to be chosen from: | |
| REL 205, 206, 207 | 12 |
| REL 493 | 4 |
| Six additional courses, one from each area: | 24 |
| American religion | |
| Biblical studies | |
| Eastern religions | |
| Ethics or philosophy of religion | |
| Religion and diversity | |
| Western religions | |
| Religion electives (4 courses) | 16 |
| At least 24 hours must be at the 300 level or above. | |
| Foreign Language and Research Methods Requirement | 24-32 |
| Approved courses related to area of specialization | |
| Electives | 48-56 |
| Total (minimum requirement) | 192 |
Religion Honors Program
The Department of Religion encourages superior academic work through an honors program. Honors students take advantage of special seminars and discussion sections, departmental reading courses, and other opportunities. Relatively small classes also make it possible to work more closely with professors. Juniors and seniors with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a religion major or adequate background in religion may participate in the departmental honors program. Interested students should contact the chair of the department.Minor in Religion
A minor in religion enhances the student's preparation for business, educational, and other professional fields. It also promotes a student's selfunderstanding and cultural awareness and enriches any college education. To earn a minor in religion, students fulfill the following requirements:
| Religion Minor Requirements | |
| REL 205, 206, 207 | 9 |
| Five additional courses in religion* | 17-20 |
| Total | 26-29 |
*At least 12 hours must be at the 300 level or above. | |
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