Faculty
Courses and Catalogue
Info for Students
  • Majoring in Religion >>
  • Citation Guide for Papers
  • SIPs in Religion
  • SIP Contract
  • Comprehensive Exams
  • Graduate Studies

    • Jewish Studies
    Research Guide
    Life After K
    Religion Department : Majoring in Religion
    What is required for a major in Religion?
    There are four required courses for majors: The Historical Jesus (Relg 220), Christian Theology (Relg 227), Rituals, Theory and Practice (Relg 350), and the Senior Seminar (Relg 490). You should plan to take Rituals in the spring of your junior year in preparation for your SIP and the senior seminar in the spring of your senior year.

    Sophomores
    All students must declare a major in the winter quarter of their sophomore year. If you choose to declare a major in Religion, we suggest that you take "Culture, Religion and Nationality" (Relg 266) in the spring of your sophomore year. This course introduces students to critical questions in the study of religion and culture and prepares students for their study abroad experience. When considering different study abroad options, there are many from which to choose: the program in Rome is very useful for a study of Catholicism and Christianity; the programs in Thailand and Calcutta, India will introduce students to the practices of Buddhism and Hinduism, respectively. Please feel free to check with any member of the department about your interests.

    Juniors
    We recommend that all junior majors and minors enroll in "Rituals, Theory and Practice" (Relg 350). This course prepares students for the work on their Senior Individualized Project as well as fundamental questions in theories of practice and rituals that have shaped the academic study of religion. Contracts for a SIP in Religion must be signed by Friday of Week 8 by a member of the Department of Religion. See our SIP instructions.

    Seniors
    SIPs (summer/fall) are due by the end of Week 1 of Winter term.
    Comprehensive Exams. Please see the guidelines for Comprehensive Exams. Comprehensive exams in the department consist of three parts:
  • Reflective paper on a topic of fundamental importance to you as a major in Religion. It is due at the beginning of your written exams. 7 pages long, double-spaced.
  • Written examinations. One exam each in the history of religions and Biblical literature. The questions are based upon the courses you've taken in each area.
  • Oral examination. This is an hour long, and covers any topic or question from your written exams and/or your reflective paper. All faculty members of the department are present for this examination, will have read all of your written work, and will be prepared to ask questions.


    Other questions? E-mail Dr. Anderson.