Students read the texts and examine the practices of both Western and Eastern religious traditions in the social and historical context in which they originated and in which they are now practiced. The field of religion is broad in content, not only because of the variety of religious traditions in the world, but also because religion has pervaded nearly everything else in human experience. Linkages with these other dimensions of human experience are systematically explored in order to understand the role religion has played and continues to play in every society. Of special importance are the role and impact of religion in both historical and contemporary America. Because of this sociocultural approach, the religious studies department is heavily involved in interdepartmental work.
Religious studies faculty frequently lead programs in India, Japan, and elsewhere.
Such opportunities offer students firsthand experience with cultures and religious traditions quite different from their own. The department serves a variety of students. Though relatively few students come to college expecting to engage in the academic study of religion, and indeed many do not know such an opportunity exists, department enrollments are very high. Many of those who enroll seek to explore or critically reflect on their own religious traditions and the role these have played in society. Others are majoring in art, anthropology, or a related discipline, or perhaps in a foreign language, and find that courses in the Department of Religious Studies supplement and expand their knowledge of their own fields.