Religious Studies Program

Varner Hall, Room 217
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(248) 370-2154

Director: Henri Gooren

Sub-program Directors: Michael Pytlik (Judaic Studies), Malik Balla (Islamic Studies), Charles Mabee (Christianity Studies)

Religious Studies Independent Major

Working with the program director, students may construct a 40-credit course of study to major in Religious Studies. The Independent Major may build upon and extend beyond the Religious Studies Concentration, while incorporating the particular interests of each participating student. The Independent Major may not be pursued conjointly with any of the three minor fields of study listed below. The plan of study for each independent major must be submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences for final approval.

Religious Studies Concentration

This concentration offers a structured program of study that explores and examines the human religious experience through its core beliefs and defining practices. While a number of methods common to the liberal arts tradition are employed throughout the various courses offered, focus typically is interdisciplinary, delving into the cultural, literary, and historical dimensions of religious life and thought. This concentration is 28 credits and may not be taken conjointly with one of the minors listed below. However, it may be taken conjointly with a full major in any other department of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Religious Studies Minors

The need for increased understanding of religious influences in the modern world has perhaps never been more apparent than at the present time. Judaism, Islam and Christianity in particular - with their intertwined historical, theological, cultural and ethical components - are integrally connected to the most urgent global challenges of the contemporary world. The purpose of the minor in religious studies is to provide students with a coherent and nuanced framework for achieving greater insights into the scope and complexity of these issues.

Courses

Religion