Liberal Arts and Sciences: Religious Studies

NOTE: This document was generated from the 1995-1997 UIUC Programs of Study. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but be advised that requirements may have changed since this book was published. Errors may have also been introduced in the conversion to a WWW document. Thus for items of importance, it might be wise to seek confirmation from either the paper version or a live human being.

The major requires at least 54 hours, depending on language requirement and course selection.

CORE COURSES (Eight Courses)

1. Comparative Perspectives: RELST 110

2. Biblical Studies: RELST 201 and RELST 202

3. Asian Religions: RELST 104, RELST 122, RELST 132, or RELST 286

4. Philosophy of Religion: RELST 230

5. Western Religions: RELST 120, RELST 121, or RELST 123 (To be chosen in consultation with adviser)

6. Western Civilization: HIST 110 or HIST 111 and HIST 112 or HIST 113, or C LIT 141 and C LIT 142

Areas of Interest

The following programs are examples of acceptable patterns for a major in religious studies. 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 (Ten Courses)

1. Language . Four courses, normally in one language (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Sanskrit, or a modern Indian Language)

2. 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)

3. Supporting Courses. Three related courses (two beyond the 100 level) in either the East Asian or South Asian area

Biblical Studies (Ten Courses)

1. Language. Four courses in either Hebrew or Greek

2. Religious Studies. Two courses beyond the 100 level in the area of biblical studies

3. Supporting Courses. Four related courses beyond the 100 level

Christianity (Ten Courses)

1. Language. Four courses in an appropriate language (e.g., Greek, Latin, German) chosen in consultation with an adviser

2. Religious Studies . Three courses beyond the 100 level, including RELST 340

3. Supporting Courses. Three related courses beyond the 100 level in the history, literature, or art of the Western cultural traditions

Islam (Ten Courses)

1. Language . Four courses in an appropriate language (normally Arabic)

2. Religious Studies. RELST 103 and RELST 123 and one course above the 100 level

3. Supporting Courses. Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Judaica (Ten Courses)

1. Language. Four courses in either classical or modern Hebrew

2. Religious Studies . Three courses beyond the 100 level in Judaica, including 342

3. Supporting Courses. Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Philosophy of Religion (Ten Courses)

1. Religious Studies. Five courses beyond the 100 level, including RELST 362.

2. Supporting Courses. Five courses (three beyond the 100 level, and another 300-level course in addition to 362) in philosophy

Religion and Culture (Ten Courses)

1. Religious Studies. Four courses beyond the 100 level

2. 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.)

Advanced Hours Requirement. Students must elect, as part of the major, a minimum of 12 hours in 300-level courses or in 200-level courses approved specifically for advanced hours credit.

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 RELST 293. The final determination of distinction is by vote of the faculty of the Religious Studies Program.

Go to Liberal Arts and Sciences Programs Index
Go to Programs of Study Table of Contents
GO to College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Home Page
Go to University of Illinois Home Page