Religious Studies at Kenyon
The study of religion at Kenyon is intrinsically global and interdisciplinary. The faculty’s areas of expertise range from the history of early Christianity to Buddhist philosophy, from Sufi practices to Rastafari, and from ancient Judaism to religion and sci-fi and religion and pop music. The department’s courses use diverse disciplinary approaches, including philosophy, sociology, history, and anthropology, to think through questions about how different religious traditions have intersected with themes as varied as gender, social and political power, nature, death, communal life, psychology and concepts of the transcendent.
Religious Studies at Kenyon
Why study religion at Kenyon College? Professor Joy Brennan explains the interdisciplinary and global potential of coursework in religious studies.
Theta Alpha Kappa
Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK) is a national honor society that seeks to recognize the academic achievements in religious studies. In addition to encouraging the activities of local chapters, TAK maintains a vigorous national program of scholarship awards and fellowship competitions.
Featured Courses
Islam’s Diverse Paths
The religion of Islam is a diverse tradition that includes more than a billion adherents across the globe and dominates a region stretching from Morocco to Indonesia. Study the development of Islam and Islamic institutions from the time of the Prophet Muhammad through the emergence of the Sufi tradition in the late medieval period.
Meanings of Death
In all cultures, the idea of death and dying shapes the imagination. Explore the symbols, interpretations and practices centering on death in diverse religious traditions and historical periods, using religious texts, art, literature and more to examine the questions death poses for the meaning of existence.
Religion for Robots: Cyborgs, Sci-Fi and Posthumanism
What does it mean to be human? How have various changes in technology and media affected the practices and meanings of religion? What role would religion play in a posthuman present/future? Course readings—including recent work in post/transhumanist theory along with science fiction—interrogate the categories of religion and humanness.
Rastafari: Movement of the Jah People
From its humble beginnings, the Rastafari movement has cemented itself in the religious and cultural life of Jamaica and has extended its influence around the world. Through readings, videos, and reggae music, encounter the creation of a Rastafari identity, the internal dynamics of the movement and its influence on cultural expressions in the Caribbean.
O'Connor House
Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022