Religious
Studies
What is Religious Studies?
Religious studies majors investigate
and reflect on the world’s religions in an objective,
yet appreciative manner. This major helps students develop
an understanding of the nature of religion and its role
in an individual’s and in our social life. Students
obtain insights into the religious diversity in the United
States and the world. They are interpret religion empathetically
and critically and compare and contrast historical and
contemporary differences and similarities among religious
systems. They understand how religion influences and is
influenced by the historical, social, and cultural contexts
in which they are found. A student examines the beliefs
and values of contemporary and historical cultures and
how they are shaped by societal factors, tradition, and
literary and artistic expression. Scholars study how religious
beliefs came to be accepted as true and how they came
to acquire their unique form and content. Examining the
impact religious beliefs have had on a variety of intellectual
and social communities, religious studies includes the
study of the major religious traditions, texts, and other
religious phenomena. It draws on numerous disciplines
such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy,
theology, history and literature. Religious studies achieves
a comprehensive understanding of phenomena that represent
some of the most aspects of the human spirit.
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What Kinds of Students Major
in Religious Studies?
Religious studies majors engage in a
wide ranging, liberal education that can include the learning
of modern and ancient languages as well as the study of
many other cultures and view-points. Students should be
interested in interpreting documents, constructing arguments,
evaluating the coherence of their own and others' belief
systems. They should want to learn about historical, philosophical
and anthropological approaches to profound religious questions.
Religious studies students are invited to think about
religion, society and the world in which we live from
a variety of perspectives.
Religious studies is a pure academic
discipline that requires no commitment to a particular
religion or religious orientation, though it does not
prohibit this, of course. Students who wish to pursue
a career within a religion may also choose a more professionally-oriented
course of study, pre-theological studies. This is a course
of study that may have some elements in common with religious
studies, but that is directed at producing people who
are committed to their religion as a practicing professional.
What Courses Do Religious Studies
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Christianity |
Judaism |
European
Religions |
Asian
Religions |
Islam
and Near Eastern Religions |
Mediterranean
Religions |
The
Bible |
|
The
Koran |
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What Types of Positions do
Religious Studies Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Priest or Pastor |
Associate Pastor |
Campus Minister |
Denominational Administrator |
Chaplin |
Religious Education Teacher |
Seminary Administrator |
Campus Religious Coordinator |
Counselor |
Director of Religious Development |
Missionary |
Religious Staff Writer |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
Arizona
State University (AZ)
Religious Studies |
For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: kenc@townsendprint.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums
to Consider
Mesa
Community College (AZ)
Philosophy and Religion |
Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact kenc@townsendprint.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions
prepared by university academic advisement staffs.
Religious Studies
