Religious Studies Certificate

The Certificate in Religious Studies provides a multidisciplinary introduction to the study of religion by examining religious traditions through the methods of literary analysis, philosophy, sociology, anthropology and history. Furthermore, incorporating courses from several departments, the certificate fosters critical thinking by exposing students to diverse methodologies and perspectives. Students will deepen their conceptual understanding of religion as well as familiarize them with various religions. This certificate will help students engage in well-informed and thoughtful discourse about religion in general and specific religious traditions.

The certificate consists of 24 credit hours, involving various disciplines and religious traditions as described below. Required Courses expose students to anthropological, textual, philosophical, praxis-based approaches to religious studies. The remaining courses are more specialized by topic with methods distributed through the humanities and social sciences. As most students may be primarily familiar with Christianity and Judaism, students are required to take at least one course outside of these traditions. The certificate will be administered through the Department of Judaic Studies.

• Religious Studies Certificate Checklist

• ANTH 2068 Religion in Culture 

          or ANTH 1001 Cultural Anthropology

          or ANTH 1002 Cultural Anthropology

• JUDC 1028 Introduction to Biblical Studies
• PHIL 2030 Philosophy and Religion 

          or RELG 1001 Introduction to Religious Studies

Pick one course from the following list:

• 15AFST345 African Religion (semester course TBA)
• 15CLAS188 Mortals, Myths, and Magic in the Ancient World (CLAS1022)
• 15CLAS333 Egyptian and Mesopotamian Mythology (CLAS2033)
• 15CLAS346 Greek and Roman Myth and Religion (CLAS1021)
• 15CLAS357 The Athenian Acropolis (CLAS3012)
• 15CLAS3002 Greek and Roman Religion (new semester course)

Pick one course from each of the following three groups, plus three additional courses from any courses listed below.