Majoring in Religion

Major Requirements

A minimum of 36 credits in religion, including the following:

1. Religion 203, "What is Religion?"
2. Religion 448, "Seminar in the Academic Study of Religion"
3. Religion 490 or 498, "Senior Thesis in Religion" or "Honors Thesis in Religion"
4. Six elective courses, at least two of which are at the 300-level.

At least three of the elective courses, including one at the 300-level, must form a concentration to be defined in consultation with the advisor during the Spring of the Junior year, prior to Fall registration; the senior thesis must be written in the concentration area.

Additionally, at least one of the elective courses must be a course in comparative religion, to be selected from a list of designated courses. Only one 100-level course may be counted toward the major requirements. The study of an appropriate language, as determined in consultation with the student’s major adviser, is also highly recommended although not required.

The senior assessment: All religion majors are required to write a senior thesis of 25-30 pages, and to pass an oral examination on the thesis, which may include questions of a more comprehensive nature. Departmental policy does not allow a P-D-F grade option for courses within the major.

Minor Requirements

A minimum of 20 credits in religion, including:

1. Religion 203, "What is Religion?"
2. At least one 300-level course
3. At least one course in comparative religion, to be selected from a list of designated courses

Only one 100-level course may be counted toward the minor requirements. Departmental policy does not allow a P-D-F grade option for courses within the minor.