2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Religious Studies, BA


Banner Code:  LA-BA-RELI

Web: religious.gmu.edu

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


Students pursuing a BA in religious studies must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Students in this major 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) in the main world religions


One seminar (3 credits)


Students should take this course during their senior year.

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


Four courses (12 credits) in religious studies


Students should choose from any religious studies courses at the 300 and 400 level other than those used to fulfill the requirements above. They can also choose courses in a scriptural language (such as Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Chinese, Classical Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit). Up to 6 credits of a scriptural language may be used to fulfill this requirement and the 6 credits of electives.

Two elective courses (6 credits)


Students should choose elective courses in consultation with an advisor. They can choose from courses in religious studies, related disciplines (including anthropology, art history, and history), or a scriptural language (such as Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Chinese, Classical Greek, Latin, or Sanskrit). Up to 6 credits of a scriptural language may be used to fulfill this requirement and the requirement of 12 credits in religious studies at 300 and 400 level.

Total: 33 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors. Students majoring in religious studies fulfill this requirement by successfully completing RELI 420.