B.A. Degree with a Major in Religion

At its core, the Religion Program aims for students to develop abilities to study and to understand religion as a vital and an enduring dimension of human experience. REL 200 introduces and REL 480 synthesizes the skills and understanding that the Program intends for students to acquire. The faculty has designed the major in Religion to acquaint students with the diversity of religions, while developing depth of understanding in at least two religious traditions in this academic field of study.

Requirements for the Major

A student will complete a major in Religion by fulfilling the following requirements, in addition to the other required courses (electives and courses in General Education) for a degree:

Required Core Course

REL 200

Required Capstone Course

REL 480

Required REL Distribution Courses

One course from each of the following groups:

Biblical Studies

REL 101, 205, 207, 225, 227, 310, or 311

World Religions

REL 117, 132, 135, 240, 250, 260, 308, or 309

Religious Thought and Ethics

REL 109, 126, 210, 211, 215, 218, 221, 223, 235, or 312

Required Concentration Courses

Three (3) additional course-credits in Biblical Studies, World Religions, or Religious Thought, chosen (in consultation with the Academic Adviser) from the previous lists, as well as from other REL courses

Required Collateral Courses

Two (2) PHI course credits, chosen from either PHI 104 or PHI 214, plus either
PHI 100 or PHI 215; and the study of a foreign language through the third (103) level

Exploring the Major

Students with interest in Religion as a major should begin exploring the academic study of religions through an introductory course that appeals to them, whether in Biblical Studies, World Religions, or Religious Thought and Ethics.

Admission to the Major

Students do not need to complete any special curricular requirements for admission to the Religion major.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

Religion does not require any mandatory course-sequences.  However, students who plan to major in Religion, should commence study of a foreign language and complete REL 200 early in their academic careers. Usually, the Religion Program offers REL 480 in the Fall Term; and students should take this course in their senior year.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

In addition to completing specific course-requirements, each student must satisfy standards of the Religion Program for written and oral communication.

Religion

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