No more than two courses from groups II and III below may count toward the major. The study of religion encourages understanding of humankind's diverse ways of interpreting meaning through religious symbol, ritual, belief and action. Such understanding contributes in essential ways to global awareness as well as to mature perspectives on one's own life and responsibilities. At Colgate, the study of religion is pursued in seven kinds of courses. RELG 202 is offered every semester.
Most courses are available one semester each year, and some courses are offered in alternate years.
Consult with a member of the religion faculty for effective planning. These courses explore the major ideas, rituals, symbols and institutions of one or more of the religions of the world. Seminars involving disciplined advanced inquiry into traditions, texts, authors, and topics in small classes that encourage student collaboration and participation as well as research and writing. Although only one is required for the major concentration, students are encouraged to take seminars in both the junior and senior years. As the gateway into the concentration, students must have taken RELG 202, Introduction to Religion and at least one course in Philosophy at the 200 level.