COURSE CURRICULUM

The Religious Studies program offers a diverse range of courses that introduce students to the beliefs, practices, histories, and cultural expressions of the world’s major religious traditions. Foundational courses such as Introduction to World Religions provide a broad overview of global faith systems, helping students understand key similarities and differences across traditions. Students may also explore specific religions in greater depth through courses like Bible Survey, which examines the texts, themes, and historical development of biblical traditions, as well as courses on Islam, Judaism, the Buddhist Tradition, and the Hindu Tradition, each focusing on the core teachings, rituals, philosophical ideas, and historical evolution of these faiths. These courses encourage students to engage with sacred texts and cultural practices while developing an understanding of how religion shapes identity, community, and social structures across different societies. In addition, interdisciplinary courses such as Religion, Worldviews, & Identity examine how religious and non-religious worldviews influence personal and collective identities in contemporary contexts. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to think critically and comparatively about religious traditions, recognizing both shared human concerns and diverse expressions of belief and practice. By studying these areas, learners gain insight into the role of religion in history, culture, politics, and everyday life, while developing analytical skills for interpreting complex texts and ideas. Overall, the program provides a balanced and comprehensive exploration of religion in both global and modern contexts.