The major in Religion is designed to help students to develop a coherent set of academic skills and expertise in the study of religion, while at the same time encouraging interdisciplinary work in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Each major is expected to fashion a coherent major program focused around work in one of three designated areas of concentration:

A. Religious Traditions in Cultural Context. The study of religious traditions and the textual, historical, sociological and cultural contexts in which they develop. Critical analysis of formative texts and issues that advance our notions of religious identities, origins, and ideas.

B. Religion, Literature, and Representation. The study of religion in relation to literary expressions and other forms of representation, such as performance, music, film, and the plastic arts.

C. Religion, Ethics, and Society. The exploration of larger social issues such as race, gender, and identity as they relate to religion and religious traditions. Examines how moral principles, cultural values, and ethical conduct help to shape human societies

Click here for Areas of Concentration Course List.

Requirements for the major:

1) 6 courses in one of the department's 3 areas of concentration.

2) Four courses outside the chosen area of oncentration

3) Religion 399b, Senior Seminar and Thesis

Up to 3 of the 10 elective courses in the major's program (concentration or non-concentration) may be drawn from outside the department, subject to department approval.

Advising for the major takes place in individual meetings between majors and faculty advisors and in a departmental colloquium held once each semester. At this colloquium, majors will present their proposed programs of study with particular attention to their work in the area of concentration. All majors should fill out and bring the Religion Major Worksheet, to the colloquium.