What is Religious Studies?

We study religion in order to learn more about how different aspects of human life—politics, science, literature, art, law, economics—have been and continue to be shaped by changing religious notions of, for example, good and evil, images of the deity and the divine, salvation and punishment, etc. By studying different religious doctrines, rituals, stories and scriptures, we can come to understand how different communities of believers—past and present, East and West—have used their religious traditions to shape, sustain, and transform themselves.

More than ever before, the world we live in is both multicultural and global. We no longer need to travel across the ocean to visit a Hindu temple or an Islamic mosque or to meet a Sikh or a Jain. The chances are that you can find a temple or mosque within a few miles of where you live, and it is almost certain that you will meet someone from any and all of these religious traditions on campus or on the street. This makes it even more essential that we cultivate our ability to understand and interpret other people’s religious traditions. The academic study of religion is inherently multidisciplinary. This is reflected in our program, which draws faculty from different disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences, such history, anthropology, literature, art history, and political science. Thus, studying religion provides you an opportunity to learn about a range of disciplinary approaches and, even more importantly, the connections and linkages among them. As such, studying religion invites us all to think in a more interdisciplinary and integral way about the world and our place in it.

The Major

Students declaring a major are required to complete a minimum of 30 units in Religious Studies. Of these, 18 units must be in courses at the 300-level or above. The selection of courses should be guided by the following requirements:

• Two required introductory courses: 202 Introduction to Religious Traditions I: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and 203 Introduction to Religious Traditions II: Asian Religions.
• One course in the history and methods of the academic study of Religion: 368 Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion.
• Focus on two of three areas of concentration: Judaism, Christianity and Islam; Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian Religions; or Religion, Culture, and Society.
• Completion of an honors thesis or a senior capstone seminar that involves a research project.

The Minor

Minors must take a minimum of 18 units. Of these 18 units, 12 units must be at the 300 level or above. Courses must include 202 Introduction to Religious Traditions I: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, 203 Introduction to Religious Traditions II: Asian Religions, and 368 Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion. Minors do not need to choose areas of concentration.

Combined Programs

Many students undertake a concentration in Religious Studies as a complement to a program of preprofessional studies in another department or college of Washington University. On average, at least half of our majors also major in another discipline or program.

Study Abroad

If you are interested in taking courses in religious studies abroad for a semester or for a year, you may consider one the many Washington University overseas study opportunities. You may also consider appropriate options within foreign language programs, such as the Washington University programs in Chile or China.

The Honors Program

Religious Studies majors who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher through the sixth semester are eligible to apply for candidacy for departmental senior honors. Once they receive departmental approval, candidates must satisfactorily complete a senior honors thesis in order to be recommended to the College for honors.

National Honor Society

A chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society in Religious Studies and Theology, was established in 1998. The Society is organized and administered by students.

So, what can you do with a major and minor in Religious Studies?

The study of religion helps you to learn how to think critically, listen empathetically, speak thoughtfully and write clearly—all skills that will be of great use no matter what you go on to do in life. It will also help you to better live and work in our increasingly diverse society and global world. Students of religion go on to careers in a wide variety of fields, including teaching, medicine, social service, law, journalism, international business, diplomacy, and of course, religious professions of various kinds.

For additional information contact:

The Religious Studies Program
Washington University
Busch Hall 111, Campus Box 1065
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-8677
Fax: (314) 935-4399
Website: http://religiousstudies.artsci.wustl.edu/