RELIGIOUS STUDIES—B.A.

The B.A. degree in Religious Studies consists of 45 semester hours, 30 of which must be in religious studies (including 21 in upper-division courses) and 15 of which must be in related fields. In order for the student to become acquainted with the character and role of religions across a wide spectrum of social and historical contexts, the 30 semester hours in religious studies must include the following courses:

1. REL 305 Ritual, Symbol, and Myth;
2. at least one course from each of the following distribution areas: Religion in the Americas, Religion and Asian Cultures, and Religion and Western Cultures; and
3. two research seminars, including REL 405 Problems in Religious Studies, which may be repeated for credit.

In place of a second seminar, a student may take REL 499 in order to write an undergraduate thesis.

The Religious Studies major is an appropriate choice for students wishing to explore such areas as African/African American Studies; Islamic Studies; Myth, Ritual, and the Arts; Native American Studies; and Religion and Politics. All majors must plan their programs in consultation with a departmental advisor. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required in the 30 semester hours of religious studies courses.

MINOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

The minor in Religious Studies consists of 18 semester hours, at least 12 of which must be in the upper division. Both REL 305 and 405 are required. For minor verification, students must consult a department advisor.

CERTIFICATES AND EMPHASES

The following are certificate programs or emphases offered in the Department of Religious Studies. For more information on each, see “Certificate Programs and Areas of Emphasis.”

Asian Studies Certificate. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue an Asian Studies emphasis or East Asian Studies certificate combining courses from the major with selected outside courses of wholly Asian content.

Jewish Studies Emphasis. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue a Jewish Studies emphasis combining courses from the major with selected outside courses in the area of Jewish Studies.

Latin American Studies Certificate. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to pursue a Latin American Studies certificate combining courses from the major with selected outside courses of wholly Latin American content.

Russian and East European Studies. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Certificate in Russian and East European Studies by successfully completing one of the options mentioned in the section on “Russian and East European Studies.”

Southeast Asian Studies Emphasis. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Certificate in Southeast Asian Studies by successfully completing the requirements.

Women’s Studies. Students majoring in Religious Studies may elect to earn a Certificate in Women’s Studies by successfully completing the requirements.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The faculty in the Department of Religious Studies offer a graduate program leading to the M.A. degree for those who wish to enter a doctoral program in the study of religions, for those who wish to teach at the community college level, and for those in nonacademic careers who desire general competence in the academic study of religions. Consult the Graduate Catalog for requirements.

Religious Studies (REL) Courses

Omnibus Courses: See omnibus courses that may be offered.

1998–99 General Catalog Table of Contents

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