Religious Studies Major

The Theology and Religious Studies Department offers two majors which are distinguished by virtue of both their primary content and their methodological approach. Students may choose one of these majors in conjunction with their other studies, or they may double major within the department and get a degree in both Theology and in Religious Studies.

Religious Studies focuses upon the study of one or more non-Christian religions. Methodologically, Religious Studies is devoted to the study of religion as a fundamental human phenomenon. Its scope is broad, encompassing in principle all forms of religious experience, belief and practice in whatever contexts they are found. Religious Studies is nonconfessional in the sense that it is not committed in advance to any religious (or indeed, non-religious) worldview or doctrine. Religious Studies as we understand it neither endorses a naïve objectivism in the study of "facts" divorced from values nor elevates a single theological, philosophical or scientific principle or program to the level of an unassailable norm. Rather, Religious Studies is intentionally eclectic and open-ended, drawing upon the full range of methods available to the academic study of things human, from philosophy or literary theory, for example, to cognitive science and evolutionary psychology. It is united only by its subject matter, religion as a fundamental, albeit contested, dimension of human experience.

If you are more interested in focusing your studies on Christian Theology, please take a look at the Theology major.

Goal 1: Students will study at least two religious traditions beyond an introductory level, including their histories, beliefs, practices and contemporary expressions.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to identify and articulate the historical nature of religious texts and traditions, and the tensions that arise within religious communities as they undergo historical change.

Goal 2: Students will study the implications of religious belief for moral decision making and ethical action in the world.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to identify, define, and/or explain the content, core concepts, and theories that serve as the foundation for studying at least one non-Christian religious tradition.

Goal 3: Students will utilize methods of research and argumentations within the multidisciplinary context of the academic study of theology and religion.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to apply a variety of tools, methods, and perspectives to critically analyze and evaluate various components typical of most if not all religions.

Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements

Consist of 14 core and 2 overlay requirements.  See below for additional detailed information on each of these requirements.

Recommended CCC Courses

Major Requirements

No one course may be counted more than once for the various requirements of the major. However, some courses might be eligible for more than one category. In those cases, students can choose which category the course would be applied to, in consultation with one’s advisor or the department chair. Students should consult with their advisors or the department chair to determine the best distribution of courses relative to their own interests and needs.

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While double-dipping may occur, duplicate credit for the same course will not be earned (e.g., taking THE 154 for the major and CCC Theology requirement will only earn 3 credits, not 6.) 120 total credits must be completed, in addition to all CCC and major requirements, in order to graduate. Complete enough free electives to reach or surpass 120 total credit hours.

Free Electives 

Any 11-14 courses, depending upon how many overlays are taken as part of the courses for the major.  Graduation requires 120 credits. Any credits necessary to reach that number outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives.