Religious Studies

< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Religious Studies

This major is sponsored by the Program for the Study of Religion.
Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: religion@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/programs/RELST/f_RELST.shtml

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 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 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         Asian religions. Select one course:

          RELST 104-Asian Mythology

          RELST 122-History of East Asian Religions

          RELST 132-Zen

          RELST 286-Introduction to Hinduism

          RELST 287-Introduction to Buddhism

6         Biblical Studies:

          RELST 201-Hebrew Bible in English

          RELST 202-New Testament in English

3         Comparative Perspectives: 

          RELST 110-World Religions

3         Philosophy of Religion 

          RELST 230-Philosophy of Religion: Introduction

3-4       Western religions. Select one course in consultation 

           with an adviser:

          RELST 120-A History of Judaism

          RELST 121-Christianity: An Introduction

          RELST 123-COMP II/Islam: An Introduction

          RELST 124-Islam: An Introduction

6-8       Western civilization (2 courses required). 

          Select from:

          HIST 111-Western Civilization from Antiquity to 1660 

           (or HIST 110), and

          HIST 112-Western Civilization from 1660 to the 

           Present (or HIST 113)

     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, 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 Option
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 Option
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
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 RELST 340

Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level in the history, literature, or art of the Western cultural traditions
Islam Option
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
Language: Four courses in either classical or modern Hebrew

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

Supporting Courses: Three related courses beyond the 100 level
Philosophy of Religion Option
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 RELST 362) in philosophy
Religion and Culture Option
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

E-mail: religion@uiuc.edu

Web address for most current program requirements:
http://www.las.uiuc.edu/students/programs/RELST/f_RELST.shtml
HOURS     Requirements

3         RELST 110-World Religions

3         One course in Ethics or Philosophy of Religion

          Recommended courses are as follows:

          RELST 230-Philosophy of Religion: Introduction

          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.
< College of Liberal Arts and Sciences