The Department of Religious Studies at McMaster places particular emphasis on skills involving philosophy and theology, textual and literary studies, history, psychology, sociology and anthropology. There is also some opportunity in the department, or in related departments, for students whose particular interest will require specialized language training. Because of the scope of the study of religion and the great variety of courses offered, a student ought to read through the entire list of courses carefully before making a selection. While a friend or roommate might report that a particular course was 'great', it will only be one of many that are offered and may well represent only one of many disciplinary approaches. Everyone has a different way of selecting courses, but the following information may help avoid some common problems.
Undergraduates study religion for many reasons.
Some have particular professions in mind. Others may have an interest arising from family background or friendship. Some might find that courses in religious studies are a means to a good general education. Still others may find that courses in religious studies complement their major concentration in social behaviour, politics, literature, philosophy or history. For someone who will be able to take only one or two courses in Religious Studies there is such a large selection that it may be hard to get the right one.