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RELIGIOUS STUDIES

This major is sponsored by the Program for the Study of Religion.

MAJOR IN SCIENCES AND LETTERS CURRICULUM

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 option 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 (see page 130) are set up so that students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements. The exceptions to this are the Campus Composition II and the Western Cultures requirements which must also be completed.

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 RELST 293. 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 option.

HOURS
REQUIREMENTS

3
Comparative Perspectives:

RELST 110-World Religions

6
Biblical Studies:

RELST 201-Hebrew Bible in English

RELST 202-New Testament in English

3
Asian religions. Select one course:

RELST 104-Asian Mythology

or

RELST 122-History of East Asian Religions

or

RELST 132-Zen

or

RELST 286-Introduction to Hinduism or RELST 287-Introduction to Buddhism

3
Philosophy of Religion

RELST 230-Philosophy of Religion: Introduction

3
Western religions. Select one course in consultation with an adviser:

RELST 120-A History of Judaism

or

RELST 121-Christianity: An Introduction

or

RELST 123-Islam: An Introduction

6-8
Western civilization (2 courses required). Select from:

HIST 110-CompositionII/Western Civilization from Antiquity to 1660 or HIST 111-Western Civilization from Antiquity to 1660

and

HIST 112-Western Civilization from 1660 to the Present or HIST 113-Composition II/Western Civilization from 1660 to the Present

or

C LIT 141-Masterpieces of Western Culture, I and C LIT 142-Masterpieces of Western Culture, II

Options:

Currently, seven approved options are offered. 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 Option ( Ten Courses Required)
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 areaBiblical Studies Option

Biblical Studies Option (Ten Courses Required)
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 Option (Ten Courses Required)
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 340

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

Islam Option (Ten Courses Required)
Language: Four courses in an appropriate language (normally Arabic)

Religious Studies: 103 and 123 and one course above the 100 level

Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Judaica Option (Ten Courses Required)
Language: Four courses in either classical or modern Hebrew

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

Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level

Philosophy of Religion Option (Ten Courses Required)
Religious Studies: Five courses beyond the 100 level, including RELST 362.

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

Religion and Culture Option (Ten Courses Required)
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 Options

Twelve hours advanced level (300 or approved 200 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

HOURS
REQUIREMENTS

3
RELST 110-World Religions

3
One course in Ethics or Philosophy of Religion

Recommended courses are as follows:

3 hrs RELST 230-Philosophy of Religion: Introduction

3 hrs RELST 362-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 level.

HOURS	REQUIREMENTS
3	Comparative Perspectives:
	RELST 110-World Religions
6	Biblical Studies:
	RELST 201-Hebrew Bible in English
	RELST 202-New Testament in English
3	Asian religions. Select one course:
	RELST 104-Asian Mythology
	or
	RELST 122-History of East Asian Religions
	or
	RELST 132-Zen
	or
	RELST 286-Introduction to Hinduism or RELST 287-Introduction to Buddhism
3	Philosophy of Religion
	RELST 230-Philosophy of Religion: Introduction
3	Western religions. Select one course in consultation with an adviser:
	RELST 120-A History of Judaism
	or
	RELST 121-Christianity: An Introduction
	or
	RELST 123-Islam: An Introduction
6-8	Western civilization (2 courses required). Select from:
	HIST 110-CompositionII/Western Civilization from Antiquity to 1660 or HIST 111-Western Civilization from Antiquity to 1660
	and
	HIST 112-Western Civilization from 1660 to the Present or HIST 113-Composition II/Western Civilization from 1660 to the Present
	or
	C LIT 141-Masterpieces of Western Culture, I and C LIT 142-Masterpieces of Western Culture, II