Department of Religious Studies

The Religious Studies curriculum is designed as a critical but sympathetic inquiry into the religious dimension of human experience. After an introduction to the nature of religion and the methods employed in its study, the student can select from a variety of courses exploring specific religious themes - scripture, spirituality, ethics, the problem of faith, etc. The student, with or without a faith commitment, has the opportunity to acquire an informed appreciation of the motivations and values given expression in religious belief.

A student may take courses offered by the Religious Studies Department in the required "core curriculum," as electives, or in a minor or major program in Religious Studies under the direction of a departmental advisor.

Three of the five courses required in Area III of the core curriculum, described under Course Offerings, may be taken in Religious Studies. Introduction to Religious Studies (RS 10) must be taken by all students; a second course of the student's choosing must be taken in Religious Studies. A third course may also be chosen in Religious Studies to complete the five course requirement of Area III. In addition, many students choose Religious Studies courses as electives in order to develop personal interests.