COURSE CURRICULUM

The Comparative Religious Studies concentration within the Humanities BA at San Jose State University is a 120-unit interdisciplinary program that combines general education with specialized study of global religious traditions. The degree includes 22 units of lower division general education, 6 units of American Institutions, 6 units of upper division general education, a 2-unit physical education requirement, and a 3-unit writing requirement, along with 3 units of lower division and 2–4 units of upper division Humanities and the Arts college requirements. Students complete 3 units of major preparation, 42–45 units of major requirements, and 26–31 units of electives, allowing flexibility to explore related interests.The program begins with an introductory course on religious diversity, followed by core humanities courses such as HUM 80, HUM 95, HUM 101, HUM 160, and a senior seminar that develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students also complete comparative courses that examine global cultures, myths, and the role of religion in broader social contexts. The major includes a diverse set of electives organized into thematic areas, requiring students to take courses across traditions, religious texts and philosophies, and the interaction of religion with culture and society. These courses cover topics such as Buddhism, Middle Eastern and Chinese traditions, philosophy of religion, mythology, religion and politics, and global religious practices.The program emphasizes a global and inclusive approach, encouraging students to study religions from multiple perspectives including historical, philosophical, and cultural viewpoints. It also recommends foreign language study to deepen cultural understanding. Overall, the curriculum equips students with strong analytical, cultural, and communication skills while providing a comprehensive understanding of religion’s role in shaping societies, preparing graduates for careers or further study in fields such as religious studies, history, sociology, philosophy, and related disciplines.