Religion Program Requirements
The courses offered by the Religion Department explore the religious dimensions of human experience as expressed in literary, historical, & symbolic forms. They focus on how human response to the sacred in word and deed becomes part of a system of meaning and purpose. Using a variety of disciplinary perspectives, Religion Department courses introduce students to a wide range of the religious traditions of the world.
The main goal of all Religion Department courses is to equip students with the skills for understanding and appreciating the rich diversity of religious traditions from around the world, as well as their own religious experience, and for identifying and interpreting for themselves the ultimate questions religious traditions address.
The courses of the department are grounded in a commitment to the liberal arts by their focus on interdisciplinary approaches, critical thinking, writing skills and personal and spiritual development. While a religion major is ideal for the pursuit of a Christian vocation or graduate work in religious studies, its emphases on thinking, writing, and ethics make it equally valuable for a variety of careers in the public or private sector.
The Religion major consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours including required courses REL 100, 363/463 (2 advanced seminars), 490 (3 semesters), and 491 (the Departmental Thesis/Project). Prerequisites apply to the following courses: 363, 463, 490 (each requires one course in religion) and 491 (requires completion of two advanced seminars). Prerequisites are included in the 36 credit hour total. Majors are required to take one course from the list of courses for each of the four distribution areas: World Religions, Spirituality, Scripture, and Religion in Cultural Contexts. Majors must also complete three or more Religion elective courses, which can include Independent Study projects. See Department Guidelines on Independent Study/Internships. Finally, majors are required to complete both the Senior Evaluation form and the Senior Reflection essay which can be found on the department Blackboard site.
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Religion Minor
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A minor in Religion requires a minimum of 19 credit hours including three required courses: REL 100, 363/463 (one advanced seminar), and 490 (one semester). Prerequisites apply to the following courses: 363, 463, and 490 (each requires one course in religion). Prerequisites are included in the 19 credit hour total. Elective courses, including Independent Study projects, fill out the balance of credit hours. Finally, minors are required to complete both the Senior Evaluation form and the Senior Reflection essay which can be found on the department Blackboard site. |
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Required Courses: |
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REL |
100 |
Introduction to Religion |
3 credits |
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REL |
363/463 |
Advanced Seminar |
3-4 credits* |
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REL |
490 |
Departmental Colloquium |
1 credit* |
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Elective Courses: |
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Four or more Religion elective courses |
12 credits |
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Evaluation Requirements: (To be completed during the last semester of senior year. If completed earlier, the evaluations will be discarded and must be completed again.) |
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