Religious Studies

The Department of Religious Studies offers multiple courses in all the major religious traditions of the world: eastern and western, ancient as well as modern. Students are exposed to all major theories and methods current in the academic study of religion. Our students learn to think and write critically and to analyze an issue from multiple perspectives. Through the examination and interpretation of religious practices and teachings, our courses explore the deep and diverse ways in which religious ideas have shapedand continue to shapethe cultural, political, ethical, spiritual and social lives of individuals and communities. Our program helps students cultivate openmindedness, rigor and the ability to think deeply and carefully about complexity, diversity and ambiguity. These skills are universally helpful in a dynamic and changing world.