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Religious StudiesFull Time Faculty: Paula Cooey, Erik W. Davis, Susanna Drake, James Laine (Chair), M. Brett Wilson. Part Time Faculty: Rabbi Barry Cytron Religious studies is a broadly interdisciplinary investigation that takes its place among the humanities and social sciences. Majors in religious studies enter a wide range of vocations, from the pursuit of graduate work in the study of religion or professional life in the parish ministry/rabbinate, to entering fields as diverse as journalism, law, medicine, and community activism. The department works with students who want to focus on the academic study of religion, and with students who seek courses in religion to help them frame and interrogate issues provoked in other academic areas. Students who double major in religion or choose religion as a minor area of study also benefit from the diversity of religious studies course offerings and its faculty. Introductory courses are broad in scope, even as they seek to be selective enough to allow an in-depth encounter with source documents situated within their historical, literary, and social contexts. Seminars may take up an issue or theme and allow for a concentrated reading and pursuit of focused critical questions and issues. Methods of instruction include not only lectures and small group discussion, but also opportunities for independent study and research, one-on-one engagement with faculty, and site-specific projects in the Twin Cities and beyond. Course offerings span across American religions in the U.S., including Judaism and Asian-American religion, Buddhism in India, China, and Japan; Christianity from its beginnings through modern Europe and the contemporary period; religions of South and Southeast Asia, feminist and gender studies, critical studies, and textual interpretation. General Distribution Requirement All courses in the religious studies department count toward the general distribution requirement in humanities except for courses numbered 604, 614, 624, 634, and 644. General Education Requirements Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and multiculturalism will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester. Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog. Major Requirements The major in religious studies consists of eight courses in religion, and two supplementary courses, approved by the advisor, in a field that provides sustainable skills or theoretical tools for the study of religion. For example, for students with a primary interest in Biblical studies, a reading course in Hebrew or Greek would count toward the major, courses in philosophy, anthropology, sociology, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies might strengthen a student’s grasp of theoretical issues in the study of religion. Courses in history and literature may also provide valuable substantive knowledge that compliments the student’s work in religious studies. In order to encourage breadth of understanding, students majoring in religious studies are required to take courses in more than one religious tradition. Reading proficiency in at least one foreign language is advised for students contemplating graduate study in religion. A “senior dialogue” with the members of the department is required for all majors. The “senior dialogue” represents a sharing of views on questions of mutual interest rather than an oral examination and also helps the department faculty to assess its program. Majors are required to take the disciplinary seminar Thought Method in the Study of Religion and, preferably in their senior year, Approaches to the Study of Religion, which is offered annually. The general college-wide capstone requirement in a major is satisfied by 469, Approaches to the Study of Religion.
Minor Requirements The minor in religious studies consists of a minimum of five courses in religious studies taken in consultation with the department. To assure diversity, students minoring in religious studies are required to take a course in at least two religious traditions. Honors Program The religious studies department participates in the honors program. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations for the religious studies department are available from either the department office or the Director of Academic Programs. Topics Courses 194, 294, 394, 494 Examination of special topics of interest to faculty and students, such as a study of certain crucial questions that the various religious traditions raise and attempt to answer. To be announced at registration. (4 credits)
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