Religion Getting Started in the Major

We recommend that students interested in Religion start with any Religion course that interests them. If they aren't sure, a great place to start is Rel 111, "Introduction to Comparative Religion." Another great place to start with the study of religion is Rel 210, "What is Religion, Anyway?" 

On the other hand, students may be drawn to a particular religion and wish to start with a course focusing on it. This works too! Unlike many departments that have lots of prerequisites and very clear demarcations between 100, 200, and 300 level courses, our Department generally makes all courses available to all students. We also enjoy chatting with students who are interested in our courses, so please don't hesitate to contact the chair or any faculty member.

If you are interested in the major please make yourself known to the chair, so that we can include you in Department events, even if you haven't declared your major yet.

•••••

100-level courses: introduce religious traditions at the survey level and invite students to topics in comparative religion

200-level courses: offer a deeper engagement of a tradition in a particular place or time; these courses may also a focus on a particular theme across religious traditions or a study of theories and methods in a field within religion 

300-level courses: involve in-depth research seminars wherein students engage in close readings of particular figures, texts, or historical traditions

400-level courses: offer opportunities to engage in special topics courses with professors in the department and are the designation for all Senior Honors Thesis coursework. 400-level courses are only available to advanced students.