Professors: Haus, Maldonado-Estrada (Chair), Petrey, Pillai

Religion is a powerful and dynamic force, influencing and shaping the world in which we live in diverse and complex ways.  In the Department of Religion at Kalamazoo College, students learn about what it means to define religion as a field of inquiry.  We offer traditions-based courses in Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and religious traditions in the Americas, Ancient Near East, Europe, and South Asia.  We also offer courses on particular questions, theories, and methods, including sexuality studies, gender studies, material culture, transnationalism, literature, media studies, and ethnography.  In all of our courses and in our own areas of research, we are committed to investigations of religion and religious experiences from a variety of angles, including questions of theology, history, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, texts, and philosophy.  We examine religion in a comparative context, recognizing that religion reflects and is braided throughout economic, cultural, and political dimensions of human experience.  The study of religion is challenging and invigorating because of the intersections and exchanges that unfold across different practices and traditions.

Requirements for the Major in Religion

Number of Units

Eight units are required, not including the SIP.  The major does not require a comprehensive exam nor a SIP in Religion.

Required Courses

Majors must complete at least four elective courses at the 200-level or above, in addition to both of the following courses:

• RELG 390 Junior Seminar in Religion
• RELG 490 Senior Seminar in Religion

We expect students to explore the diversity of religious traditions in close consultation with an advisor in the department.

In order to earn honors at graduation in a major in Religion, students must meet two criteria:  1. Have one of the top two GPA averages in all of their coursework in the Religion Department. 2. Excel in the Senior Seminar

Requirements for the Minor in Religion

Number of Units

Six units are required.

Required Courses

We expect minors to determine their array of courses in consultation with a member of the department. Minors must take at least three elective courses at the 200-level or above, and at least one of the two following courses:

• RELG 390 Junior Seminar in Religion
• RELG 490 Senior Seminar in Religion

Religion Courses