Program Info
Program Description
Provides both broad overviews and focused study of the world’s religious traditions. Students explore the histories, religious beliefs, philosophies, practices, mythologies, arts, and other aspects of religions using methodologies from the social sciences and humanities. The program provides a foundation for the transfer of earned credits to colleges and universities where students can continue their studies in religion or other academic disciplines. Foundations of the program include courses in Religious Traditions of the World, Introduction to the Academic Study of Religions, Eastern Religions, and Western Religions. Additional classes offer more focused explorations of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American Religious Traditions. Other key courses include The Bible as Literature, African American Religious Experience and Expression, and Myths and Symbols. Supporting and elective courses provide students with opportunities to study cultural anthropology, art, history, and philosophy. Special topics and directed study courses are also available—allowing a student to examine religious studies topics of personal interest, above and beyond those in the catalog.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Distinguish between academic and theological approaches to studying Religion.
- Compare the institutional aspects (myths, symbols, rituals, values, and practices) and the material expressions (art, music and dance, clothing, architecture, texts, and ritual objects) of the world’s major religions.
- Compare and contrast the major characteristics of religions generally identified as “Eastern” and “Western.”
- Describe the primary personalities, events, beliefs and practices associated with the world’s major religions.
- Compare and contrast the histories, beliefs, and practices of major branches in the world’s major religions.
- Describe the role of religion in the formation and maintenance of personal and community identity.
- Describe ways in which religious thinkers have addressed important philosophical questions.
- Analyze geo-political implications of modernization on religious activity.
General Education
See General Education Requirements for details.
Degree-Specific Requirements
Program Requirements
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| WR-130: Introduction to the Academic Study of Religion | 3.00 |
| WR-131: Religious Traditions in the World | 3.00 |
| WR-232: Western Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam | 3.00 |
| WR-233: Eastern Religions | 3.00 |
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | |
World Religions: Complete one |
3.00 |
World Religions: Complete one |
3.00 |
Complete additional 100-level, or higher, credits to complete this degree.