2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Religious Studies, BA

Banner Code:  LA-BA-RELI

The goal of the major in religious studies is to bring students to an understanding of the major traditions of world religions. Areas of study offered by the department include Asian religious traditions, Near (Middle) East religious traditions (Judaism, Islam, and Christianity), and comparative aspects of religion. Students develop skills in reading and interpreting sacred texts. They explore the cultural and social dimensions of religion along with a consideration of religious values and ethics, from comparative and cross-cultural perspectives with relation to global issues.

The courses in religious studies are writing intensive. They help students to study and analyze religious ideas and symbols and give them the skills to present well-argued papers.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Religious Studies .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements

In addition to satisfying university general education  requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences , religious studies majors must complete at least 33 credits in religious studies, earning a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course. No course applied to the major in religious studies may be used to fulfill more than one requirement.

Two introductory courses (6 credits) to the main world religions:

One seminar (3 credits) taken during the senior year:

Fulfills the university writing-intensive requirement.

Two courses (6 credits) emphasizing comparative or methodological aspects of the study of religion chosen from the courses below:

RELI 376 - Special Topics in Religious Thought, when relevant, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director.

Four courses (12 credits) in religious studies at the 300 and 400 level

Courses should be chosen from religious studies courses other than those used to fulfill the second and third requirements above. 

Up to 6 credits of a scriptural language (such as Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Chinese, Classical Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit) may be used to fulfill this requirement.

Two elective courses (6 credits)

Courses that meet this requirement should be chosen from courses in religious studies or related disciplines (including anthropology, art history, and history) selected in consultation with an advisor. 

Up to 6 credits of a scriptural language (such as Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Chinese, Classical Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit) may be used to fulfill this requirement.