Religious Studies Major

Why Study Religion?

Religious Studies is a disciplined analysis and reflection upon religious dimensions of human life. Utilizing a wide spectrum of methodologies from the Humanities and Social Sciences, Religious Studies explores what makes persons religious, elements of religious being, and what roles religion plays in personal, cultural, and social identities, along with historical analysis.

Religious Studies offers an exceptional way to explore cultural diversity, history of cultural and religious traditions, the reading of classical texts, and values in contemporary culture. As such, Religious Studies is much like many other disciplines within the University that offer a critical approach to matters of history, culture, literature, and values. But many Religious Studies majors also find that it offers them a superb vehicle for their own self-exploration and ther search for direction in life. After graduation RS majors explore many different career paths (we've graduated people who go on to be lawyers, social workers, teachers, professors, counsellors, and vagabonds), but nearly all RS majors find that the study of religion was indispensable in helping them discover their own direction and the values that they hold most dear. 

Degree Program

We offer a Bachelor of Arts with both a major and a minor in Religious Studies.
The major requires 30 units - the minor requires 18 units.

Class Schedule

To see the Fall 2014 classes offered through the Religious Studies department, view the class schedule.

Course Listing

Click on a Course Title to view the description.

  Course Number
Course Title / Description
Offered
Introduction RS 105

World Religions

Fall & Spring
RS 120

Exploring Religion

Fall
Religion in Tradition
(5 Courses)
RS 320

Sacred Texts: Hebrew Bible

Rotating
RS 321

Sacred Texts: New Testament

Rotating
RS 322

Sacred Texts: Buddhist Texts

Rotating
RS 323

Sacred Texts: Hindu Texts

Rotating
RS 330

Introduction to Judaism

Rotating
RS 331

Introduction to Christianity

Rotating
RS 332

Introduction to Islam

Rotating
RS 340

Zen, Dharma, & Tao

Rotating
RS 341

Spiritual Traditions of India

Rotating
RS 342

Buddhism in India and Tibet

Rotating
RS 345

T'ai Chi Ch'üan (Taijiquan)

Rotating
RS 350

Religions of the Goddesses

Rotating
RS 391

Religion in Tradition: Special Topics

Rotating
RS 392

Sacred Literature: Special Topics

Rotating
Religion in Myth, Culture, and Experience
(9 Units, no more than 3 from experiential workshops)
RS 300

Living Myths

Fall & Spring
RS 360

Religion & Psychology

Rotating
RS 361

Consumerism & (Eco)Spirituality

Rotating
RS 362

Wisdom & Craft

Rotating
RS 363

Mysticism & Madness

Rotating
RS 393

Cinema & the Sacred

Rotating
RS 393

Religion in Myth, Culture, & Experience: Special Topics

Rotating
RS 394

Religious Studies Workshop

Rotating
RS 400

Paths to the Center

Fall
NAS 311

Comparative Native American Mythology

Rotating
Senior Seminar RS 395

Senior Seminar

Spring