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Religious StudiesFull Time Faculty: Paula Cooey, Sarah Horton, James Laine (Chair) 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; Japanese religions, Southeast Asia, feminist and gender studies, critical studies, and textual interpretation. Courses offered by the department fall into four general areas: (1) historical and comparative studies: (Religious Studies 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 145, 234, 238, 343, 346, 348, 356. 365); (2) sacred texts (Religious Studies 120, 121, 335); (3) religion and society (Religious Studies 123, 130, 231, 232, 239, 247, 351. 452); and (4) theory and method in the study of religion (Religious Studies 235,248, 338, and 469. Students who major in religion must take courses in three of the four areas; students who minor in religion must take course in at least two of the four general areas. Majors in religion are required to take "Theory and Method in the Study of Religion," and the capstone course, "Approaches to the Study of Religion." General Distribution RequirementAll 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 RequirementsCourses 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 ConcentrationThe major concentration 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 at least one course in three of the four areas of the department's offerings. 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 ConcentrationThe minor concentration 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 areas of the department's offerings. Honors ProgramThe 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 Dean of Academic Programs. Topics Courses194, 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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