Chair: M. Abbas
Department Site
The Department of Religion at 91短视频 challenges students to explore the role of religion across cultures and historical periods and to think critically about the nature and expression of religion and spirituality. We ask big questions about the meaning of life and the many intersections between religion and politics in our world today. Religion courses offer training in a unique combination of skills, including close textual analysis, direct observation, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding.
Beyond the introductory 100-level courses, the department offers a variety of courses regarding diverse African, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Native American traditions. These "Tradition" courses (RELG 201 - 219) provide students with a strong foundation in the study of a particular religion. The department also offers courses (RELG 220 - 269) on the many dimensions of religion, including its intersections with existential questions, contemporary culture, the environment, war and peace, terrorism, medicine, gender, technology, and the law, and courses on seminal religious texts (RELG 270 - 279). Our more advanced 300- and 400-level courses emphasize theoretical approaches to the study of religion.
The study of religion is necessarily interdisciplinary, making reflective use of the full variety of liberal arts methods. Thus, a major or minor in religion may serve as a natural complement to other majors:
- Students in the arts and humanities, for instance, will find that the study of religious texts and worlds affords them greater insight into literature and visual art.
- Students in political science, history, environmental studies, and other social science fields will find that our courses enable them to explore significant religious approaches to law and politics and to think deeply about the role of ethics and morality in public life.
- Students interested in careers in medicine and the health sciences will find that courses in religion equip them to cultivate greater cross-cultural sensitivity and to evaluate the moral complexity of current scientific advances.
The success of our graduates indicates that a major in religion provides excellent preparation for a number of careers, including education, government, journalism, medicine, finance, law, social work, and professional service in non-profit organizations and religious institutions.