Religious Studies

Professor Alles (Department Chair); Lecturer; Krebs

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor Alles: religions of South Asia and the ancient Mediterranean world, methods and theories in the study of religions; Professor Jakoby: philosophy of religion, especially in 19th- and 20th-century continental philosophy, critique of religion in Nietzsche and Heidegger; Professor Bradley: philosophy of science, cognitive science, logic.

Religions make crucial contributions to the human worlds in which we live. They affect our pasts and presents, ideas and convictions, emotions and desires, actions and values, associations and antagonisms, artistic, literary, and musical creations. Courses in religious studies aim to provide students with knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand religions and their contributions, both positive and negative, and so to live intelligently and humanely. They do not presume any religious commitment on the part of the student, nor do they endorse, promote, or condemn any particular religion, set of religions, or religion in general. Instead, they examine religions as subjects of academic inquiry, and they use a variety of methods to do so, humanistic, social scientific, at times even natural scientific.

Students often find courses in Religious Studies helpful in broadening their perspectives not only on religion but also on the world. A major or minor in Religious Studies is often a good way to broaden or globalize a primary major.

The Baltimore-Washington area is home to a particularly rich variety of religions. In addition to sponsoring films, speakers, and other cultural events on campus, the Department regularly supplements course work with visits to religious institutions in the area.

Other Educational Options in Religious Studies: Special programs combining Religious Studies with other disciplines.

Four hours in Religious Studies or permission of instructor are prerequisite for all courses numbered 3000 and above.

Please see the Education section under Curriculum in this catalog for teacher certification requirements in Religious Studies.

Please see the Dual Major section for dual majors with Philosophy.

Departmental Honors

Students who have a 3.50 GPA in courses in the major, a 3.20 GPA overall and write a Senior Thesis with a grade of A– or higher receive departmental honors.

A student who completes a major in religious studies will be able to: identify an intellectual problem pertaining to religion as a human phenomenon; bring knowledge of religions and academic traditions in the study of religions to bear upon the problem; and propose, communicate, and defend a solution. In keeping with these objectives, the major in religious studies has three components: (a) a core of courses which develop critical thinking skills with respect to religion and introduce students to academic traditions in religious studies; (b) a concentration in a major religious tradition or community; and (c) electives. Most students will take the Senior Seminar in Religious Studies as their capstone experience. Selected students may complete this requirement with Collaborative Research in Religious Studies. Students who wish to graduate with honors in Religious Studies must write a Senior Thesis.