Major in Religious Studies

Requirements for the Major
Students majoring in religious studies are required to take RLST 101, 102, or 103; RLST 390 (Approaches to the Study of Religion); RLST 490 (Senior Seminar); and 3.5 other units. These units must include foundation courses (200-level) in traditions or areas representing at least four of the five fields of study (see lists below). In one of the traditions/areas, at least one more advanced course must also be taken. (Note: there are seven traditions/areas grouped in five fields of study. The advanced course must be in the same tradition or area, not just the same field.)

It is highly recommended that majors take all four of their required foundation courses, if possible, before their senior year. Students who are considering spending any portion of the junior year abroad should take RLST 390 (Approaches) in the sophomore year; otherwise the junior year is recommended.

Unless specified otherwise in the course description, any student may take any course; the numbering system does not correspond to levels of difficulty.

A. Fields of Study
(covering seven traditions/areas)

1. Judaism
2. Christianity
3. Religions of the Americas
4. Islam, South Asian religions
5. Buddhism, East Asian religions

B. Foundation Courses
(by tradition/area)

Judaism:
RLST 210 The Judaic Tradition
RLST 211 Modern Judaism
RLST 212 The Jews in Literature Christianity:
RLST 220 Faith of Christians
RLST 225 New Testament Americas:
RLST 230 Religion and Society in America
RLST 232 Afro-Caribbean Spirituality

Islam:
RLST 240 Classical Islam

South Asian:
RLST 250 South Asian Religions

Buddhism:
RLST 260 Buddhist Thought and Practice

East Asian:
RLST 270 Chinese Religions
RLST 275 Japanese Religions

Senior Exercise and Honors

Information for this year's senior exercise and honors and essential terms is now available.