Religious Studies Minor
Religion is a central part of all cultures. From an academic perspective, the study of religion offers powerful insights into human behavior and cultures. Religious beliefs inform what people value and how they act. Religious differences are often used for political purposes, such as those seen in international conflicts and in American politics. On a personal level, many students have grown up with religious beliefs that sometimes sustain, and sometimes restrain, their development. Studying religion provides students, no matter what their upbringing, opportunities to expand both their personal perspectives and their analytical, critical thinking skills.
Sometimes students fear a conflict between the academic study of religion and personal faith., The teachers of the religious studies courses believe the study of religion can strengthen both thinking abilities and personal beliefs. These courses in religious studies present a diversity of traditions and offer students an opportunity to study religion in a supportive academic atmosphere. The courses incorporate multicultural perspectives, especially issues of race, gender, class, sexuality, disabilities and other differences.
Requirements (19-21 total credits)
- RELS 301 Introduction to Religious Studies
This required course may be waived with faculty approval given comparable previous study.
Elective courses (16 credits)
Students may choose any four courses in Religious Studies. If students wish, they may substitute one course from related courses in the College of Arts and Sciences for one of the Religious Studies elective courses. Religious Studies Worksheets are available from the College of Arts and Sciences for approved related courses.
- RELS 301 Introduction to Religious Studies
- RELS 302 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament)
- RELS 303 Introduction to the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament)
- RELS 304 Introduction to World Religions
- RELS 305 Jewish-Christian Encounter
- RELS 306 The Spiritual Journey
- RELS 308 World of Islam
- REL 333 Race and Religion
- RELS 344 Religion and Psychology
- RELS 355 Religion and Politics in America
- RELS 366 Religion, Morality and Contemporary U.S. Society
- RELS 377 Women and Religion
- RELS 390 Zen Buddhism in American Culture
- RELS 555 Religion and Politics in America













