Religious ideas and symbols contribute to many people a sense of purpose in life. The courses engage students in critical analysis of such ideas and symbols. While this study often brings students personal enrichment, the academic study of religion focuses especially on developing skills of critical thinking and clear communication in relation to knowledge of religions. Each option for the general education required course introduces students to these skills in a significant area of knowledge about religious life.
Advanced courses allow deeper study of central issues in Christian thought.
These courses help to prepare majors for many career opportunities or graduate school programs and help non-majors develop their thinking and communication skills. Religious studies majors may enter law school, study politics or engage in political activism for peace and justice, and become journalists or chaplains in campus or hospital settings. PL 375 Faith and Reason, PS 230 Psychology of Religion, SO 278 Sociology of Religion. Descriptions for these courses are listed under the associated major. A teacher may also find, in consultation with the department, that one of the upper-level courses would be helpful.