Program Requirements
Requirements for the Religious Studies Major
- Ten REST courses chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor, for a total of 30 credits in Religious Studies. Only two courses may be applied from the 100 level.
- Four of the courses must be at or beyond the 300 level and include REST 496 Independent Study.
- In the Independent Study course, a major research paper is written under the direction of a member of the Religious Studies department, culminating in an oral presentation to the Religious Studies majors and minors.
- Six of the courses must be completed in one of the Religious Studies concentrations. Courses that are to be applied to the particular concentration must be approved by the department chair. See areas of concentration listed under minor requirements.
Students are encouraged to select a foreign language—biblical, classical, or modern—that will help them explore the primary sources of their major study. Double-majors may wish to select a slate of courses in Religious Studies that complements their work in a related field such as Anthropology, Business, Communication, History, International Studies, Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology.
For students majoring in Religious Studies, all courses designated as Religious Studies (REST) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal #1 Explore the “big questions” of life.
- Summarize at least two alternative theories or narratives of the scared or the divine
- Explain at least two theories of evil, suffering, or sin
- Express human purpose or meaning through the lens of at least one tradition
Goal #2 Understand the basic phenomenology of religion.
- Identify foundational stories, myths, & language of at least one tradition
- Identify ritual dimensions of religious traditions in sacred texts or practice
- Explain how religion functions to establish personal & group identity
Goal #3 Understand religious traditions from a variety of perspectives.
- Respectfully represent foundational religious narratives & practices of a tradition other than the student’s own
- Compare differing ethical traditions (within or among religious & cultural groups)
- Articulate how race, class, gender, sex or orientation informs religious text, theme or issue
Goal #4 Ethically aware and socially responsible in their personal & professional lives.
- Participate in & reflect upon their own & others’ learning
- Engage others in conversation & practice
- Identify the social value of claims made
- Show familiarity with sources of moral authority & guidance
Goal #5 Develop critical thinking skills.
- Present a paper or report (orally& in writing) with clarity & coherence in accord with academic standards
- Read and analyze religious & scholarly texts &/or practices
- Identify religious or theological assumptions in texts (narrative, discursive) &/or practices
- Articulate practical applications of one’s learning