Religion

Upon graduation, a student will be able to:

Major-Specific Areas of Knowledge

Analyze and understand religious phenomena based upon substantive knowledge of Asian religions, Near Eastern religions, religion in America, and Western religious thought. Analyze and understand religious phenomena based upon the different dimensions of religion. Analyze and understand religious phenomena based upon different periods of religious thought and practice, both classic periods of origins and later developments.

Communication

Present answers to a research question in writing that meets the highest standards of conceptual clarity and correct and readable prose. Discuss orally the subject matter of research, and locate it within the wider horizon of the phenomenon of religion in a substantive, articulate, conceptually clear, and precise manner.

Critical Thinking

Distinguish confessional from academic approaches to religion, and bracket the former in interpretations of religious phenomena.

Research Experience

Carry out independent research on religious phenemena by formulating a sophisticated religious studies research question. Conduct appropriate research in order to answer a research question. Locate a methodological perspective within the major methods of religious studies, and be able to articulate the contributions and limitations of each method.