BA/BS in Religion/Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies approaches religion as part of social life in three ways. Students learn the theories and methods used to analyze religion, including psychological, sociological, anthropological, historical, legal and literary perspectives, and they examine the concept of religion itself. They also study religion empirically in different times and places through text, image, audio and ethnographic sources. Finally, they use religious practice as a lens on topics such as gender, race, nationhood, violence, remembrance, moral life and politics. Majors with a strong record may apply to the honors program, which builds on the required courses of the major. Prospective undergraduates can consult the university bulletin page for the full list of required courses, the credit structure of the major and the criteria for honors study. Advisers in the department help students plan their sequence of courses alongside the wider requirements of their school, and many students combine the major with other fields of interest.