Welcome

The academic study of religion in a secular and public institution has several goals. It acquaints the student with religion as a phenomenon in human experience. It examines the forms in which religion has been described, organized and practiced throughout history. It analyzes the interaction of religion with cultural institutions and groups and with the individual. It focuses on religion as an expression of meanings and values in the context of what is perceived as ultimate. Finally, it introduces the student to the methods and procedures appropriate to study in the field.

The objectives of the Department of Religious Studies are:

1. To offer a broad, pedagogically effective, and academically current set of course options in the academic study of religion to any undergraduate, graduate, or special student who has an interest in such study;
2. To provide an excellent academic experience to students who enroll in our courses;
3. To provide introductory principal courses to a diverse student population;
4. To offer a comprehensive curriculum to undergraduate majors in both a B.A. and B.G.S. program, and to those who select a minor under the modified B.G.S. program;
5. To conduct and publish the results of research in the field of religious studies and allied fields of inquiry;
6. To disseminate the fruits of the academic enterprise to the larger public.

Daniel B. Stevenson, Chair
Paul Mirecki, Graduate Director
William Lindsey, Undergraduate Director
Lynn Davidman, Jewish Studies Minor Advisor