Religious Studies

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Faculty:
Christopher Ives, Chairperson

Professors:
P. Beisheim
T. Clarke
M. Coogan
J. Favazza
R. Gribble, C.S.C.
C. Ives
J. Lanci
G. Shaw

Associate Professors:
P. DaPonte
M. J. Leith
S. Lowin

Assistant Professor:
S. Wilbricht

The Department of Religious Studies offers a major and minor in Religious Studies.

The Department of Religious Studies focuses on the religious beliefs and practices of communities and individuals throughout history and in the present. It introduces students to religious traditions worldwide, and to the ways in which those traditions have been studied. In a liberal arts setting, Religious Studies is an integrative discipline, embracing virtually all aspects of human experience, as expressed in history, art, literature, social organization, politics, scientific exploration, and ethics. In the Catholic tradition of the quest for greater understanding, the Department of Religious Studies helps students develop critical appreciation of their own traditions and those of others.

In the General Education curriculum, the Department introduces students to the study of religion through the required first-year course. Students may also explore specific topics in the study of religion in a variety of Learning Communities and Moral Inquiry courses.

Majors and minors in Religious Studies are able to explore in-depth compelling mysteries, the powerful intellectual and social constructs, and the heights of holiness that religious women and men have achieved. Because Religious Studies is an integrative discipline, majors and minors have gone on to pursue graduate study and careers in such fields as journalism, law, education, business, and healthcare, as well as in various forms of ministry.

Electives

Students who have fulfilled their Religious Studies General Education requirement (GENR 100  or GENR 140 ) may take any other REL courses as electives, subject to availability.

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