Buddha. The Koran. Kabbalah. The Vatican. Our study of religious traditions is a dynamic exploration of the human quest for meaning.

Religious Studies

Religion or religious expression is a universal phenomenon evident in cultures throughout history. Rooted in the intellectual and social justice traditions of Catholicism, courses in the religious studies department are designed to explore religion as a dimension of the human quest for meaning. The department serves a diverse student population by providing the opportunity to explore Roman Catholicism, as well as other expressions of Christianity and other religious traditions. Courses address national and global diversity of religious belief and practice, the interface of religion with other social institutions and the impact of race, gender and economic status on religion.

The 1000-level courses provide students with a basic introduction to the methods and content of the academic study of religion. The 2000-level courses are more focused on content and require a greater depth of student research and written and/or oral presentation. The 3000-level courses are discussion-oriented seminars where content is partially determined according to student interests. These courses usually provide the opportunity for oral as well as written presentation of independent research projects. Juniors and seniors taking their first course in religious studies are encouraged to begin at the 2000-level.

Religious studies may be selected as a concentration in an individually designed interdisciplinary major. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with the department chair as early as possible in their academic programs to discuss their particular interests.

Requirements for Departmental Minor in Religious Studies

Five courses chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor, at least one of which must be at the 3000-level.