Course Information Suite

Religious Studies

Department of Religion Director of Program: Robert McKim
Department Office: 3080 Foreign Languages Building, 707 South Mathews, Urbana, (217) 333-0473

Religious Studies

www.relst.uiuc.edu
This major is sponsored by the Program for the Study of Religion.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: religion@illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting courses equate to 54-56 hours including 10 courses in an concentration including 2-5 more Religious Studies courses and 5-8 courses of supporting course work for a total of at least 54 hours depending on language requirements and course selection.

General education: The LAS General Education requirements are set up so students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: Distinction in the program is granted on the basis of excellence in religious studies demonstrated in course work and in a senior thesis written in the context of RLST 493. The final determination of distinction is by vote of the faculty of the Religious Studies Program.

Students must complete the core courses described below and one concentration.

Hours Requirements
3 Asian religions. Select one course:
 
RLST 104 - Asian Mythology
 
RLST 122 - History East Asian Religions
 
RLST 132 - Zen
 
RLST 286 - Introduction to Hinduism
 
RLST 287 - Introduction to Buddhism
6 Biblical Studies:
 
RLST 201 - Hebrew Bible in English
 
RLST 202 - New Testament in English
3 Comparative Perspectives:
 
RLST 110 - World Religions
3 Philosophy of Religion
 
RLST 230 - Philosophy of Religion Intro
3-4 Western religions. Select one course in consultation with an adviser:
 
RLST 120 - A History of Judaism
 
RLST 121 - Introduction to Christianity
 
RLST 213 - Intro to Islam-ACP
 
RLST 214 - Introduction to Islam
6-8 Western civilization (2 courses required). Select from:
 
HIST 141 - Western Civ to 1660 (or HIST 140), and
 
HIST 142 - Western Civ Since 1660 (or HIST 143)
  or
 
CWL 241 - Masterpieces West Culture I, and
 
CWL 242 - Masterpieces West Culture II

Concentrations

Currently, seven approved concentrations are offered, each requiring ten courses. Individually designed programs worked out in consultation with an adviser may be approved by the Director of the Program. The supporting courses should provide a broader perspective on the area of interest or provide information or training in related areas. Courses taken to satisfy the core courses requirements may not normally be used to satisfy the requirements of an area of interest.

Asian Religions Concentration

Language: Four courses, normally in one language (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Sanskrit, or a modern Indian Language)
Religious Studies: Three courses beyond the 100 level in Asian religions (at least one course in East Asian religion, and at least one course in a South Asian religion)
Supporting Courses: Three related courses (two beyond the 100 level) in either the East Asian or South Asian area

Biblical Studies Concentration

Language: Four courses in either Hebrew or Greek
Religious Studies: Two courses beyond the 100 level in the area of biblical studies
Supporting Courses: Four related courses beyond the 100 level

Christianity Concentration

Language: Four courses in an appropriate language (e.g., Greek, Latin, German) chosen in consultation with an adviser
Religious Studies: Three courses beyond the 100 level, including RLST 440
Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level in the history, literature, or art of the Western cultural traditions

Islam Concentration

Language: Four courses in an appropriate language (normally Arabic)
Religious Studies: 213 and 223 and one course above the 100 level
Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Judaica Concentration

Language: Four courses in either classical or modern Hebrew
Religious Studies: Three courses beyond the 100 level in Judaica, including RLST 442
Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Philosophy of Religion Concentration

Religious Studies: Five courses beyond the 100 level, including RLST 424.
Supporting Courses: Five courses (three beyond the 100 level, and another 300- or 400-level course in addition to RLST 424) in philosophy

Religion and Culture Concentration

Religious Studies: Four courses beyond the 100 level
Supporting Courses: Six related courses (three beyond the 100 level) in the social sciences (anthropology, psychology, sociology), arts, and humanities, with at least one from each category. The supporting courses will also sometimes include two courses in an appropriate language (e.g., Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, German, Latin). The coherence of the program should be discussed with an adviser. (This area of interest is designed for students seeking a broad liberal arts education with a focus on religious studies. Persons thinking of the ministry or the rabbinate are encouraged to consider this area seriously.)

For All Concentrations

Twelve hours of 300- or 400-level courses in your major must be taken on this campus.
All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Minor in Religious Studies

E-mail: religion@illinois.edu

Web address for department: www.relst.uiuc.edu/

Hours Requirements
3 RLST 110 - World Religions
3 One course in Ethics or Philosophy of Religion
  Recommended courses are as follows:
 
RLST 230 - Philosophy of Religion Intro
 
RLST 424 - Philosophy of Religion
15 Five additional courses:
 
Two courses (6 hours) must be from an Asian religious tradition (Hinduism, Buddhism, or Islam, with at least one course in Hinduism and Buddhism)
 
Two courses (6 hours) must be from the Western religious traditions (Biblical Studies, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, with at least one course in Biblical Studies, Judaism, or Christianity)
21 Total hours

No more than nine (9) hours may be selected from courses at the 100 level.
At least six (6) hours must be selected from courses at the 300 or 400 level.