Director: Dr. Donna Giancola, Associate Professor of Philosophy

The Religious Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to give students the opportunity to explore the various depths, dimensions and meanings of world religions. Religious thought and doctrines, in both western and non-western cultures, from ancient civilizations to modern times, will be presented as a vehicle for expanding the various ways in which religious ideas and practices can be understood.

The Religious Studies minor contains courses taught in a number of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as interdisciplinary field work and directed studies. Courses constituting the minor in Religious Studies are devoted to exploring the intellectual, socio-cultural and aesthetic aspects of religious beliefs and practices.

Curriculum

Requirements for a minor are satisfied by successfully completing 20 semester hours of course work in Religious Studies.

Required core component

One of the following courses (4 semester hours):

RS 111 Introduction to World Religions: Western Traditions
RS 112 Introduction to Word Religions: Eastern Traditions

Four courses (16 semester hours) from those listed below.

No more than three courses may be taken from one department.

ENG 313 The Bible as Literature I
ENG 314 The Bible as Literature II
GVT 208 Politics and Religion
HUM 306 Art of the Middle Ages
PHIL 255 Science, Myth and Society
PHIL 260 Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 261 Eastern Philosophy
PHIL 262 Buddhism
PHIL 263 Native American Religion
PHIL 265 Women in Spirituality
PHIL 308 Comparative Religion and Philosophy
PHIL 310 Topics in the Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 311 Philosophy of Nature
PHIL 330 African Philosophy and Religion
RS 270 The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Light of the Soul
RS 301 Reason and Revelation
RS 243 - Spiritual Autobiography
SOC 226 - Sociology of Religion

Special topics

Some students may wish to include specialized research in their minor. They may do so by including as part of their program a "directed study" course or a "field study" project.

Information/Advising

Students wishing to minor in Religious Studies should see Professor Donna Giancola, the Director of the Religious Studies Program.

Religious Studies courses

RS 111 Introduction to World Religions: Western Traditions

This course will explore the comparative history and structure of Western religious traditions, broadly understood, and their impact on other world religions, while attempting to recognize the similarities and the differences among them. Traditions to be studied include Greek and Roman religion, the monotheistic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Zoroastrianism, Sikhism and Bahaism). We will also explore the impact of the Western religions on indigenous traditions, such as African religion, Native American religion, and Pacific Island religion. Attention will be given to the reading of original texts when available. Requiring students to observe religious ceremonies will enhance practical understanding of many of the above traditions.
1 term - 4 credits Normally offered every year.

RS 112 Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions

This course will examine a variety of Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Possible connections to be explored will be the impact of these traditions on others, such as Pacific Islands and African religion, as well as the growing place of Eastern religion in the West. This course will explore the history and structure of each tradition, while attemping to recognize the similarities and the differences among them. Attention will be given to the reading of original texts when available. Requiring students to observe religious ceremonies will enhance practical understanding of many of the above traditions.
1 term - 4 semester hours. Normally offered every year.
Cultural Diversity B

RS 243 – Spiritual Autobiography

The purpose of this course is to investigate the dynamics of human selfhood through the study of autobiography, with particular emphasis on its religious and ethical dimensions. Our questions will include the following: What defines such critical experiences as moments of conversion, enlightenment, or heightened self-consciousness in a person’s life story? How do such experiences significantly shape a person’s values? How is a person’s identity shaped by their religious beliefs? How might the activity of autobiographical writing be understood as an act of conscience, resistance, or affirmation in the fact of moral evil or injustice?
1 term – 4 semester hours.
Normally offered every third year.

RS 301 - Reason and Revelation

Traces the evolution of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to the High Middle Ages to explore the role of Neo-Platonism and Aristotelianism in clarifying and explaining dogma. Particular attention will be paid to ideas about the ways of knowing and rational proofs of God’s existence in Philo of Alexandria, Augustine, Anselm, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Aquinas and Maimonides.
1 term - 4 semester hours
Normally offered in alternate years.