BA in Religion

Program Learning Outcomes for BA in Religion Students graduating from the program will: Develop Critical Skills for the Study of Religion: Theory, Method and (Inter)Disciplinary. They will develop and apply a critical toolkit to the study of religion and religious traditions, including (inter)disciplinary methodologies and theories. Understand Historical, Social and Cultural Dimensions of Religion. They will understand and interpret religious traditions by examining religion(s) as historical, social, and cultural phenomena. Understand Psychological, Philosophical and Cognitive Dimensions of Religion. They will understand and interpret the subjective dimensions of religion(s) through analyses that explore the psychological, philosophical, and cognitive dynamics of religion and religious experience. Understand Religious Plurality/Marginal Currents. They will understand and interpret religious traditions by examining the plurality of religious voices and expressions, including currents that have been marginalized, neglected, repressed, and censored in a variety of sociological, psychological, philosophical, and political ways. Interpret Multicultural/Transnational Currents. They will understand and interpret religious traditions as multicultural and transnational in nature through attention to the impact of globalism, immigration, colonialism, and other forms of multi-cultural (non)religious exchange. Demonstrate Religious Literacy. They will demonstrate a basic objective knowledge of the beliefs, practices, and institutional histories of the world’s religions. Develop Communication: Pedagogy and Professionalism. They will develop the ability to effectively communicate (inter)disciplinary knowledge and critical research in the classroom, at professional conferences, and in academic publications. Demonstrate Foreign Language Skills: Primary Text Translation. They will develop the ability to read religious texts in their original languages and perform translations of texts where appropriate. Degree Requirements for BA in Religion For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. In addition, students also must satisfy the distribution requirements and complete no fewer than 60 semester hours outside the departmental requirements for a program totaling at least 120 semester hours. See Distribution Requirements and Majors. Students majoring or double-majoring in religion must complete: 30 hours for majors 24 hours for double majors 18 hours must be selected at 300-level or above No more than two courses (six hours) may be transferred from outside the department The 30 hours for majors or 24 hours for double majors must include the following requirements: RELI 101 Introduction to Religion 2 courses in religious traditions i. 1 course- Judaism/Christianity/Islam/African-American Religions ii. 1 course- Indigenous African Religions/American Religions/Buddhism/Hinduism Senior Project- 1400-level course, either seminar or independent study with required research paper Election of courses should be worked out programmatically with a faculty member advisor so that at least 3 courses form a concentrated area of study.